PREPARED BY: DANIEL MASEGA

Computer studies consists of three papers

1. Paper 1-computer theory-100 marks
2. Paper 2-computer practical-100 marks
3. Paper 3-computer project-100 marks
Computer paper 1 (theory)
Consists of two sections
Section A (40 marks)
 This section covers the syllabus that is; it contains questions from all work
covered.
 It tests low evaluation skill e.g. list, state, name, explain-highest evaluation
level
 Each question carries 1-4 marks
Section B (60 marks)
 Consists of 5 questions 16,17,18,19,20 each carrying 15 marks.
 Question 16 is compulsory that is it, it’s a must for a student to tackle
 Question 16 comes from form 3 topic elementary programming principles.
 Draw a flowchart
 Given a flowchart and come up with pseudocode
PASSING QUESTION 16
SECTION B (60 marks)
Answer question 16 (Compulsory) and any other 3 questions in this
section
16. a) State any three activities that occur in a program compilation process (3 marks)
b) Study the pseudocode below and draw a flowchart for it. (10 marks)

START
SUM = 0
COUNT = 0
PRINT “ENTER AGE”
READ AGE
 WHILE AGE<>999 DO
SUM = SUM + AGE
COUNT = COUNT + 1
PRINT “ENTER AGE”
READ AGE
ENDWHILE
AVERAGE = SUM / COUNT
PRINT COUNT
PRINT AVERAGE

c) Give two types of errors that may be detected during program testing (2 marks)

SECTION B (60 marks)

Answer ALL questions from this section in the spaces provided.

16. a) Explain the term dry running as used in program development. [2 marks]

b) Describe three properties of an algorithm. [3 marks]

c) Write an algorithm using both pseudocode and flow chart to print the sum and average of
numbers from 1 to n where n is provided by user and n>=1. [10 marks]
SECTION B (60 Marks)

Answer question 16 and any other THREE questions from this section in the spaces
provided.

16.(a) State three ways in which a programmer can make program code easy to fol1ow (3 marks)
(b) Study the flowchart below and use it to answer the questions that follows;
(i) State the output of the above program flowchart for the inputs given below (3 Marks

Amount = 15,000, 14,000 and 23,000 respectively

SECTION B (60 marks)

Answer question 16 and ANY OTHER THREE questions from this section in the
spaces provided.
16. (a) Give two examples of syntax errors in programming. (2 marks)

(b)With aid of a diagram, explain the “Repeat Until” construct as used in structured programming
 (3 marks)

(c) Classify the following programming languages according to their category: (3

marks)
Programming language Category

HTML

JAVA

JAVASCRIPT

PASCAL

VISUAL BASIC

LISP
d) Study the pseudocode below and answer the questions that follow.
Start
N=0
X=0
While N < 3
Repeat X = X + 1
Until X < 2
N = N +1
End while
Print N, X
Stop

(e) What will be the output from the program (2 marks)

(f) Draw a flowchart that was used to come up with the following pseudo code (5marks)

Section B (60 Marks).

Answer Question 16 and Any Other Three Questions from this Section
(a) While developing software, the source code must be converted to object code, so that the
computer can understand and execute the instructions; that process is called translation.
iii) List two translating programs required to do that process. (2 marks)
(b) State two reasons why some programming experts prefer low-level languages over
high-level languages while developing programs for use in a computer. (2 marks)
(c)A MOKASA class sat for a test in eight subjects. A student must get an average of 60% in
all subjects in order to pass. A program is needed to accept data, process and generate a
report that will show the name, marks obtained by each student per subject, the average
mark and whether the student has passed or failed.

(i) Write a pseudocode used to solve this problem. (5 marks)

(ii) Draw a flowchart for the above program. (6 marks)

SECTION B (60 MARKS)

ANSWER QUESTION 16 AND ANY OTHER THREE QUESTIONS

(a)State two distinct differences between compilers and interpreters.

b) Outline three demerits of using low level programming languages

(ii) Differentiate between monolithic and modular programs

(c)Study the following statements and answer the questions that follow

Start

Initialize x to 3 and y to 4
Count = 1
While Count <=10
Increment x by 1
Multiply y by 2 and subtract ½
Add x to y to attain z
Increase the value of Count by 2
End while
Stop
i) What does the above statements represents?

ii) What is the value for y and z

ii) Implement the above statements using a program flowchart [6 marks]

SECTION B( 60 MARKS)
ANSWER QUESTION 16 AND ANY OTHER THREE QUESTIONS FROM
THIS SECTION
16.(a) Draw a program flowchart that would accept and their sum. If the sum
is greater than 200, it adds 30 to the sum, otherwise subtracts 20 from the
sum. The program should then display the results (7 marks)
(b) Study the pseudo code below and determine its output (3 marks)
STEP 1: T=0
M=0
K=1
STEP 2 M=M+T
T=T+5
K=K+1
STEP 3 REPEAT STEP 2 WHILE K<3
WRITE M, T
EXIT
(c ) (i)List two benefits of using interviews as a method of fact finding

(ii) Explain three types of system change over strategies

SECTION B (60 marks)

Answer ALL questions from this section in the spaces provided.

16. a) Explain the term dry running as used in program development. [2 marks]

(b)Describe three properties of an algorithm. [3 marks]

(c)Write an algorithm using both pseudocode and flow chart to print the sum and average of numbers
from 1 to n where n is provided by user and n>=1. [10 marks]
SECTION B (60 MARKS) ANSWER QUESTION 16 AND ANY OTHER THREE
QUESTIONS IN THIS SECTION
c) (a) Define the following terms as used in programming
(2 marks)
i) Source code
Object code

(b) Differentiate between Assembler and Interpreter as used in programming. (2 marks)

(c) Identify the type of programming language used in the codes below;
(1 mark)
(i) 1101 1101 1011 1011

1110 0001 1100 0111

0010 1110 1011 0011

(ii) LDA A, 20 ADD

A, 10 STO B, A

NOP
(d) On the Nairobi-Nakuru highway, the Kenya Police have put speed cameras at a certain point to
read the time a vehicle passes a point (A) on the road and then reads the time it passes a second point
(B) on the same road. (Points A and B are 200 meters apart). The speed of the vehicle is calculated
using:
𝟏𝟎𝟎
• Speed = (Km/ hr)
(𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑩−𝒕𝒊𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝒑𝒐𝒊𝒏𝒕 𝑨)

• The maximum allowed speed is 100 kilometers per hour.

• 500 vehicles were monitored using these cameras over a 1-hour period.

(j) Write a pseudo code, which:

(5 marks)
• Inputs the start time and the end time for the 500 vehicles that were
monitored
• Calculates the speed for each vehicle using the formula above.
• Outputs the speed for each vehicle and a message if the speed exceeded
100 km/hour.
>=100km/hr “High Speed”
<100km/hr “Normal Speed”

(k) Draw a flow chart for the above pseudo code. (5 marks)

16. a) List two examples of

Third generation languages. (2mks)
Object oriented programming languages (2mks)

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b) Differentiate between source code and object code. (2mks)

c) Draw a flow chart that will take two numeric values X and Y . compare the two numbers to
give the following output:

If X is more than Y, the program should compute the difference of the two numbers.

If X is less than Y, the program should compute the sum of the two numbers.

If X is equal to Y, the program should compute the product of the two numbers. (7mks)

SECTION B (60 marks)

Answer questions 16 and any other three questions from this section.

a. Describe the following qualities of an algorithm. (2marks)

Definiteness
Finiteness
b. constructs which form the basis of structured programming

d. State two advantages of low-level languages (3 marks)

e. The table below shows the monthly charges applicable to different amount of water
consumed by clients in a particular town
Volume of Water consumed Consumption in

in m3 Kshs

0 – 10 200

10 - 20 350

20 – 30 500

Over 30 1000

In addition to the consumption, the amount of the water bill will consist of a standing
charge of Kshs 200 and a sewerage fee equivalent to 20% of the consumption.

• Write a pseudo code for a program that prompts a user to enter the volume of
water consumed per month. The program then computes and output the amount
of the water bill in a year. (7 marks)
How do I choose questions in section B?
TIPS

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  Read all questions before you can settle on the ones to answer; this helps
you to balance marks and tackle the questions with high score.
 Never answer all the questions; it will be waste of time and you might lose
high score question.
 Remember there is always a destructor; a destructor is a question
deliberately put there but to be sincere should be avoided at all costs because
you may not attain more than half of the awarded marks.
 NB: always identify the question that seems funny or hard to understand it
may be the destructor question we are talking about here.
 Don’t tackle a question because you had seen it in the morning or you had
discussed the section that day or previous day; but tackle a question because
it will help you score highest.
 Always check the balancing of marks in in different questions visa vis the
marks awarded e.g.
Question 17
(a) ………………………...….…………………………………………5marks
(b)…………………………….…………………………………………3 marks
(c) …………………………….…………………………………………2 marks
(d)…………………………….…………………………………………5marks
Question 20
(a) …………………………….…………………………………………1marks
(b)………………………………………………………………………3 marks
(c) …………………………….…………………………………………6 marks
(d)…………………………….…………………………………………5marks
 Be aware of the applied questions
 An applied question is a question that is practical in nature but should be
answered theoretically e.g. excel, networking topic.
 Applied questions don’t need a lot of writing but smart technical brains and
because you are aware now, do practice on such questions.
Binary mathematics-form 3 first topic
 In almost all paper 1 exam a binary mathematics question must come over.
They basically test:
 Addition
 Subtraction
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  1s and 2nd compliments
 Note that 45% of paper 1
 ……………in most cases is form 3 work. What does that mean?
 Form 3 work or syllabus should flow in your blood vessels if you want A
plain
 Always think inside the box. The box here is the syllabus. Use the syllabus
to revise. Don’t just go to the internet and start reading stuff.
 Let the syllabus guide you what is required in KCSE. Not everything you
read is important in KCSE.
 Don’t consider yourself a genius. Always read a question three times or
more.
 You must know why the question is there; know what the examiner wants
from you. Don’t hurry to answer a question before you understand where the
question is coming from i.e. the topic and its purpose
 NB: never attempt a question and forget to cancel it if you don’t want it
marked!! Otherwise you will be in hot soup.
 Avoid cancelling questions any Howley.
 Use civilized method to cancel sentence-strike through method
 Mind you handwriting
 KCSE is marked by human beings not machines like the case of KCPE so
make sure you write well. A good handwriting attracts the rreader.
 Write your answers in English
HOW TO PASS COMPUTER STUDIES PAPER 2
Tested areas: 4 areas
1. Desktop publishing -using Ms. Publisher or adobe PageMaker
2. Word processing-using Ms. Word
3. Databases-using Ms. Access
4. Spreadsheet-using Ms. Excel
 NB: computer practical exam will only test two out of four areas. Each
question will carry 50 marks.
TIPS TO PASS
1. Never use the wrong package to answer a question
For example
Answer a DTP QUESTION using Microsoft word program.
2. Check spelling mistakes
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 Example
 If asked to save the file as MatokeoMfuti…………. Don’t save like
MATOKEOMFUTI or even matokeomfuti. Save the file exactly as it
is.
3. Confirm your work in the CD and that it is opening
 Open your CD on another computer to ascertain that you did not save
shortcuts
4. Check the aligntment, text wrapping in Microsoft excel files. Many students
don’t bother to check the alignments which cost them a lot.
See the following slide
 IN MICROSOFT ACCESS
 Always put the right primary key. If you forget to assign the primary
key………………………
 Microsoft access will put a primary key called ID which is an
additional field not asked by the examiner
 See the next slide
 Work on the relationships.
 Therefore, to pass in Ms. Access question, it is all about queries
5. DTP
 Avoid inserting clip arts
 Be creative
 Draw objects as expected for example
 This question below students inserted laptop and the star
 Instead of drawing
 See the next slide 2013,2016 KCSE
 Two triangles

(Rectangle and trapezium)

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 Given 3ds
6. Correct positioning of objects applies to word and DTP
Candle
7. Word processing
 Check the number of lines the drop cap occupies
 To be in default, it occupies three lines.
 Set spacing to no spacing before you start typing.
8. Name the fields exactly as indicated. Avoid changing the cases.
9. Charts and graphs
 For easy printing of the charts
 Change your chart from embedded to chart sheet
THEN IN EXCEL
 Remember to assign borders even if not asked to do so.
 Remember to rename worksheet as instructed.
10.In DTP
Design and layout features below
 Paper size: 8.5cm width by 5.5 cm height
 Layout type: multiple page per sheet
 Target paper size: A4
 Orientation: portrait
 Margin: 0.75cm all round
DON’TS
 Never put passwords on your file
 Never forget to write the version of office you have used
 Never save shortcuts-you can ask your teacher what is saving shortcuts
Skill tested in word processing question
The following skills are tested in MS word in practical
 Typing speed
 Table of content
 Drawing table
 Performing calculations in table
 Drawing auto shapes
 Print screen
 Mail merging

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SPREADSHEETS
 Functions and formulae-IF function is the disturbing stuff here
 Charts and graphs
 Data entry in cells
 Formatting and editing data in a worksheet
 Applying decimal places
 Applying currency symbols
 Copy cut and paste data between cells and worksheets.
 Adjust column and width and row heights
 Merge and Centre cells
 Sorting and filtering
 Data validation and subtotals
DATABASES-MS. ACCESS
 Creating a table in design view
 Setting respective data types and field properties accordingly
 Data entry and editing using datasheet view
 Assign primary and foreign keys
 Relationships
 Perform calculations in table and queries
 Create form by using wizard and design view.
 Creating reports, macros blab la bla using wizard and design view
 Applying navigation buttons using command wizards.
 Running macros
 Performing calculations in a form and reports respectively
Remember features of a primary key; should not be null; should be unique.
DESKTOP PUBLISHING -DTP
We use MS publisher or adobe page maker
 Setting page setup -A4; land scape or portrait
 Use of text boxes to set where text goes
 Layout guides and column guides
 Grouping objects
 Insert pages
 Applying page borders
 Ordering items; front, behind text, Bring Front etc.
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 Applying headers and footer
 Setting measurement and margins accordingly
 Copy, cut, paste
 Formatting and editing
In conclusion an A is simple but you have to balance all the three papers by
ensuring that you utilize your time well. Don’t take any computer paper for
granted. Every paper is crucial for your contribution to getting an ‘A’.

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