AS

Computing
COMP1 – Problem Solving, Programming, Data Representation and
Practical Exercise
Mark scheme

2510
June 2016

Version :1.0 Final

Mark schemes are prepared by the Lead Assessment Writer and considered, together with the
relevant questions, by a panel of subject teachers. This mark scheme includes any amendments
made at the standardisation events which all associates participate in and is the scheme which was
used by them in this examination. The standardisation process ensures that the mark scheme covers
the students’ responses to questions and that every associate understands and applies it in the same
correct way. As preparation for standardisation each associate analyses a number of students’
scripts. Alternative answers not already covered by the mark scheme are discussed and legislated
for. If, after the standardisation process, associates encounter unusual answers which have not been
raised they are required to refer these to the Lead Assessment Writer.

It must be stressed that a mark scheme is a working document, in many cases further developed and
expanded on the basis of students’ reactions to a particular paper. Assumptions about future mark
schemes on the basis of one year’s document should be avoided; whilst the guiding principles of
assessment remain constant, details will change, depending on the content of a particular
examination paper.

Further copies of this mark scheme are available from aqa.org.uk

Copyright © 2016 AQA and its licensors. All rights reserved.

AQA retains the copyright on all its publications. However, registered schools/colleges for AQA are permitted to copy material from this
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material that is acknowledged to a third party even for internal use within the centre.
 MARK SCHEME – AS LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 – JUNE 2016

Notation used in GCE Computing mark schemes:

; - means a single mark

// - means alternative response
/ - means an alternative word or sub-phrase
A - means acceptable creditworthy answer
R - means reject answer as not creditworthy
I - means ignore
NE - means not enough

Qu Part Marking Guidance Marks

1 01 180; 1

1 02 5.625 // 2
5 5/8 //
45/8

Mark as follows:
3 bits before binary point correct (5);
5 bits after binary point correct (0.625 or 5/8);
Alternative:
45/8;;

1 03 Easier for people to read/understand; 1

(Can be displayed using) fewer digits;
More compact when printed/displayed;
NE. Takes up less space
NE. More compact

MAX 1

1 04 B;4; 2

1 05 -;76; 2

1 06 4; 1

I. any quotes

1 07 Error correction (not just error detection) (for single errors); 2

Can detect when two errors have occurred in data transmission;
Reduces the need for the retransmission of data;
Decreases the likelihood of an undetected error // improved error
detection;
Can locate an error (not just detect that an error has occurred);

Max 2

1 08 4; 1

3 of NUMPAGES \* Arabic
\* Mî`–
óN
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

2 09 The number of pixels/dots; per cm/inch/unit of measurement; 2

//
Width x height; in pixels;

2 10 24 // 16; 1

2 11 512;;; // 3
16*16;*16;÷8; //
4096;; ÷8;

MAX 2 if final answer not correct

2 12 (For geometric images) less storage space /memory likely to be needed; 2

NE. less space
(For geometric images) will load faster from secondary storage;
(For geometric images) will download faster;
Can be scaled/resized/zoomed without distortion // can be
scaled/resized/zoomed without loss of quality;
Image can be (more easily) searched for particular objects;
Can (more easily) manipulate individual objects in an image;
Can preserve the background so that it can be recreated if an object is
deleted;

MAX 2
3 13 2
Original State Input New State
S30 10 S40
S30 20 S50
S30 50 S0
S30 R S0

Note: order of rows not important

Mark as follows:
Any 2 rows correct;
All 3 rows correct;

3 14 5; 1
4 15 12 (bits); 1
4 16 1600 // 1
800 * 2;

4 17 48000;;; // 3
12*1600;*20;/8;

A. alternative values to 1600 only if match (incorrect) answer from 16

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

4 18 An analogue signal is an electrical signal; 3

that represents analogue/continuous data // that varies in a continuous
manner.;
Digital signals are electrical signals;
(with voltage changes that are) in discrete steps.;

Note: Only one mark for stating that either of / both of analogue and
digital signals are electrical signals

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

5 19 1) Correct variable declarations for X, F, L and N; 14

Note for examiners

If a language allows variables to be used without explicit declaration (eg
Python) then this mark should be awarded if the four correct variables
exist in the program code and the first value they are assigned is of the
correct data type.

2) Correct output message Enter a number:;

3) N assigned the value entered by the user;

4) F assigned the value of 16.0;

5) IF statement with correct condition;

6) X assigned the value stored in N;

7) WHILE loop, with syntax allowed by the programming language with

one correct condition for the termination of the loop; A. alternative correct
logic for condition

8) WHILE loop, has correct 2nd condition and correct logic, WHILE is
inside the selection structure; A. alternative correct logic for condition

9) Two correct assignment statements for X and L - inside the WHILE

statement; R. If order of assignment statements incorrect

10) 2nd WHILE loop, with syntax allowed by the programming language
and correct condition for the termination of the loop; R. If not inside 1st
iterative structure

11) One correct assignment statement for F or X - inside the 2nd WHILE
loop;

12) 2nd correct assignment statement for F or X - inside the 2nd WHILE
loop; R. If order of assignment statements incorrect

13) Value of X outputted – must not be in an iterative structure and must

be in the THEN part of the selection structure;

14) Correct output message Not a number greater than or

equal to 1 – must be in the ELSE part of the selection structure;

I. Case of variable names and output messages

A. Minor typos in variable names and output messages
I. spacing in prompts
A. initialisation of variables at declaration stage

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

5 20 ****SCREEN CAPTURE**** 1
Must match code from 19, including messages on screen capture
matching those in code. Code for 19 must be sensible.

Mark as follows:
Value of 0.1 entered by the user followed by output message Not a
number greater than or equal to 1;

5 21 ****SCREEN CAPTURE**** 1
Must match code from 19, including messages on screen capture
matching those in code. Code for 19 must be sensible.

Mark as follows:
Value of 4.1 entered by the user followed by output of 2.050025;
A. output of any number between 2 and 2.1

5 22 (Estimate the) square root (of a number); 1

5 23 A (step-by-step) description of how to complete a task / a description of a 2

process that achieves some task / a sequence of steps that solve a
problem / a sequence of unambiguous instructions for solving a problem;
NE. Set of instructions

Independent of any programming language //

That can be completed in finite time;

6 24 HumanPlayersTurn // 1
MoveIsValid //
FlipStillPossible //
FlipFound //
OpponentPieceFound;

A. Piece;
R. if any additional code
R. if spelt incorrectly
I. case

6 25 DisplayGameBoard // 1
SetUpGameBoard //
CheckIfMoveIsValid //
GameOver //
PlayGame;

R. if any additional code

R. if spelt incorrectly
I. case

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

6 26 Score // 1
RowCount //
ColumnCount;

R. if any additional code

R. if spelt incorrectly
I. case

6 27 Count // 1
Row //
Column //
ColumnCount //
RowCount;

R. if any additional code

R. if spelt incorrectly
I. case

6 28 Row // Column; 1

R. if any additional code

R. if spelt incorrectly
I. case

6 29 Choice // 1
BoardSize //
Move;

A. Coordinates
A. PlayerName
R. if any additional code
R. if spelt incorrectly
I. case

6 30 ChangeBoardSize // 1
GetHumanPlayerMove //
GetComputerPlayerMove //
GetPlayersName //
PrintLine //
DisplayGameBoard //
DisplayMenu //
GetMenuChoice;

A. WriteLine (VB6 only)

A. WriteNoLine (VB6 only)
A. ReadLine (VB6 only)
A. CreateBoard (Python only)
R. if any additional code
R. if spelt incorrectly
I. case

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

6 31 VB.Net 1
Row = Move Mod 10 //
MoveIsValid = False //
MoveIsValid = True //
Column = Move \ 10;

Pascal
Row := Move Mod 10 //
Column := Move Div 10 //
MoveIsValid := False //
MoveIsValid := True //
CheckIfMoveIsValid := MoveIsValid;
I. semicolons

VB6
Row = Move Mod 10 //
MoveIsValid = False //
MoveIsValid = True //
Column = Move \ 10 //
CheckIfMoveIsValid = MoveIsValid;

Java
row = move % 10 //
column = move / 10 //
moveIsValid = false //
moveIsValid = true;
I. semicolons

C#
Row = Move % 10 //
Column = Move / 10 //
MoveIsValid = false //
MoveIsValid = true;
I. semicolons

Python
Row = Move % 10 //
Column = Move // 10 //
MoveIsValid = False //
MoveIsValid = True;

R. if any additional code

R. if spelt incorrectly
I. case

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

6 32 Missing parameter (Board) in the calls to 4

FlipOpponentPiecesInOneDirection;

When FlipOpponentPiecesInOneDirection is called with the last

two parameters being 0 and 0 this will not be for a diagonal;

There are only three calls to FlipOpponentPiecesInOneDirection, there

should be 4 // Not all diagonals have been checked;

The subroutine calls have been placed before the variable Row has been
given a value // The subroutine calls have been placed before the
variable Column has been given a value // The subroutine calls have
been placed before the variables have been given values // The
subroutine calls have been placed after the if statement;

6 33 When row 10 is entered Row will be assigned a value of 0; 2

When 10 / a 2-digit row is entered the value of Column is always going to

be greater than 10 // when 10 / a 2-digit row is entered the value of
Column will contain part of the row number;

//

When the user tries to place a piece in 1010 then the program will try to
insert a piece in column 101 row 0;;
NE row / column would be incorrect
Note for examiners
To get 2 marks the answer must include the inputs that would be used by
the program to produce incorrect outputs for row and column and the
incorrect values that would be assigned to both row and column from
these inputs.

7 34 Selection structure with correct condition in correct place in program code 3

e.g. by checking for empty string or checking length of string is 0;

Correct message That is not a valid name, using default

name instead displayed – must be inside the selection structure;

Default name Human player assigned to the PlayerName variable –

must be inside the selection structure;

7 35 ****SCREEN CAPTURE**** 2
Must match code from 34. Code for 34 must be sensible.

No name entered followed by error message from code for 34 being

displayed;
Message saying Human player enter the letter of your
chosen option displayed;

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

8 36 Additional parameter in subroutine call to CheckIfMoveIsValid 1

subroutine; R. If parameters do not match routine interface for code from
37

8 37 1) Additional parameter in routine interface for CheckIfMoveIsValid 5

subroutine;

2) Selection structure with two correct conditions and correct logic;

3) Selection structure with all four correct conditions and correct logic;

4) Check for square containing a space is only done within their attempt
at 2 and/or 3 i.e. when their conditions have been met;

5) Correct Boolean values returned by subroutine under all

circumstances; R. if check for boundary values are incorrect

A. answers that obtain correct functionality by just modifying the existing

selection structure rather than creating a new selection structure. The
check that Board(Row, Column) contains a space must be the last
condition to award the final two mark points for 37 and short circuit
evaluation must be used to connect this condition to the others. If short
circuit evaluation has not been used and evidence has been provided
showing that the modified program works then examiners should refer
the answer to their team leader for advice (in case this functionality could
be obtained by altering compiler settings).

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

8 38 ****SCREEN CAPTURE**** 2
Must match code from 36 and 37. Code for 36 and 37 must be sensible.

Coordinates of 74 followed by message saying their name followed by

enter the coordinates for the square that you want to put a
piece in:
Coordinates of 47 followed by message saying their name followed by
enter the coordinates for the square that you want to put a
piece in:;
R. if no/incorrect upper boundary check in code for 37

Coordinates of 10 followed by message saying their name followed by

enter the coordinates for the square that you want to put a
piece in:
Coordinates of 01 followed by message saying their name followed by
enter the coordinates for the square that you want to put a
piece in:
Coordinates of 66 followed by game board being displayed with a H in
the bottom-right corner;
R. if no/incorrect lower boundary check in code for 37.

R. both marks if when coordinates entered are out of bounds the program
code from 37 would execute the check for an invalid square being empty.

9 39 1) Appropriate message displayed to the user; 7

2) Code that allows the user to enter their choice;

3) Selection structure with suitable condition (comparing user’s choice to

another value) in correct place in code;

4) Correct code will be executed if the user chooses the four centre
square option;

5) Attempt at code for the four corner square option is in the correct part
of the selection structure and code will work correctly for at least one size
of board;

6) Code for four corner square option works correctly for two corners for
all board sizes;

7) Code for four corner square option works correctly for all four corners
for all board sizes;

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

9 40 ****SCREEN CAPTURE**** 1
Must match code from 39, including prompts on screen capture matching
those in code. Code for 39 must be sensible.

User input for four centre square option followed by board display shown
below;

H C
C H

9 41 ****SCREEN CAPTURE**** 1
Must match code from 39, including prompts on screen capture matching
those in code. Code for 39 must be sensible.

User input for four corner square option followed by board display shown
below;
H C

C H
9 42 ****SCREEN CAPTURE**** 1
Must match code from 39, including prompts on screen capture matching
those in code. Code for 39 must be sensible.

User input for four corner square option followed by board display shown
below;
H C

C H
10 43 1) Correctly named subroutine GetFlipSquares created; I. Case and 10
minor typos

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

2) Two parameters of the correct data type in the routine interface for
new subroutine;

3) Code that will cause message Choosing one of the following

squares will mean you flip some pieces: to be displayed;
A. Code for message in PlayGame

4) Code will look at every row on the board;

R. if not for all board sizes

5) Code will look at every column on the board;

R. if not for all board sizes

Note for examiners

The following apply to mark points 6, 7 and 8
R. if will not work correctly for a square on the edge of the board.
R. if possible flips are checked for a non-empty square.
R. if squares get “permanently” changed when checking for flips
I. Out of bounds checks

6) Code correctly checks for flips in one direction;

7) Code correctly checks for flips in a second direction;

8) Code correctly checks for flips in all four directions

9) Selection structure that checks if square will result in flips;

10) Coordinates of square displayed – must be inside selection structure

that checks if square will result in flips; A. alternative code which works
correctly

MAX 9 if code will display any incorrect squares

MAX 9 if code will not display any correct square

Note for examiners

Refer unusual answers to Team Leader

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

10 44 Correct subroutine call to GetFlipSquares subroutine; 2

R. if subroutine call would not work I. Case

Subroutine call added in correct place in program code;

10 45 ****SCREEN CAPTURE**** 1
Must match code from 43 and 44, including prompts on screen capture
matching those in code. Code for 43 and 44 must be sensible.

Message Choosing one of the following squares will mean

you flip some pieces: is displayed followed by the values 24, 35,
53, 42;

I. order of values displayed

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

Pascal

Qu Part Marking Guidance Marks

5 19 Program Question5; 14
Var
N : Real;
X : Real;
L : Real;
F : Real;
Begin
Write('Enter a number: ');
Readln(N);
F := 16;
If N >= 1
Then
Begin
X := N;
While (X * X - N > 1) And (F - 1 > 1)
Do
Begin
L := X;
X := X / F;
While (X * X <= N)
Do
Begin
F := F - 0.1;
X := L / F;
End;
End;
Writeln(X);
End
Else Writeln('Not a number greater than or equal to
1');
Readln;
End.
7 34 Function GetPlayersName : String; 3
Var
PlayerName : String;
Begin
Write('What is your name? ');
Readln(PlayerName);
If PlayerName = ''
Then
Begin
Writeln('That is not a valid name, using default
name instead');
PlayerName := 'Human player';
End;
GetPlayersName := PlayerName;
End;

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

8 36 ... 1
Else Move := GetComputerPlayerMove(BoardSize);
MoveIsValid := CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move,
BoardSize);
Until MoveIsValid;
...

8 37 Function CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board : TBoard; Move, BoardSize 5

: Integer) : Boolean;
Var
Row : Integer;
Column : Integer;
MoveIsValid : Boolean;
Begin
Row := Move Mod 10;
Column := Move Div 10;
MoveIsValid := False;
If (Row <= BoardSize) And (Row >= 1) And (Column <=
BoardSize) And (Column >= 1)
Then
If Board[Row, Column] = ' '
Then MoveIsValid := True;
CheckIfMoveIsValid := MoveIsValid;
End;

Alternative answer

Function CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board : TBoard; Move, BoardSize

: Integer) : Boolean;
...
MoveIsValid := False;
If (Row > BoardSize) Or (Row < 1) Or (Column > BoardSize)
Or (Column < 1)
Then MoveIsValid := False
Else If Board[Row, Column] = ' '
Then MoveIsValid := True;
...

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

9 39 Procedure SetUpGameBoard(Var Board : TBoard; BoardSize : 7

Integer);
Var
Row : Integer;
Column : Integer;
Choice : Char;
Begin
Write('Do you want to play with the starting pieces
being on the four c(e)ntre squares');
Write('or on the four c(o)rner squares?');
Readln(Choice);
If Choice = 'e'
Then
For Row := 1 To BoardSize
Do
For Column := 1 To BoardSize
Do
If (Row = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2) And
(Column = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2 + 1)
Or (Column = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2) And
(Row = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2 + 1)
Then Board[Row, Column] := 'C'
Else
If (Row = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2 + 1)
And (Column = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2 + 1)
Or (Column = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2)
And (Row = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2)
Then Board[Row, Column] := 'H'
Else Board[Row, Column] := ' '
Else
For Row := 1 To BoardSize
Do
For Column := 1 To BoardSize
Do
If (Row = 1) And (Column = 1)
Or (Row = BoardSize) And (Column =
BoardSize)
Then Board[Row, Column] := 'H'
Else
If (Row = 1) And (Column = BoardSize)
Or (Row = BoardSize) And (Column = 1)
Then Board[Row, Column] := 'C'
Else Board[Row, Column] := ' ';
End;

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

Alternative answer

Procedure SetUpGameBoard(Var Board : TBoard; BoardSize :

Integer);
Var
Row : Integer;
Column : Integer;
Choice : Char;
Begin
Write('Do you want to play with the starting pieces
being on the four c(e)ntre squares');
Write('or on the four c(o)rner squares?');
Readln(Choice);
If Choice = 'e'
Then
For Row := 1 To BoardSize
Do
For Column := 1 To BoardSize
Do
If (Row = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2) And
(Column = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2 + 1)
Or (Column = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2) And
(Row = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2 + 1)
Then Board[Row, Column] := 'C'
Else
If (Row = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2 + 1)
And (Column = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2 + 1)
Or (Column = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2)
And (Row = (BoardSize + 1) Div 2)
Then Board[Row, Column] := 'H'
Else Board[Row, Column] := ' '
Else
Begin
For Row := 1 To BoardSize
Do
For Column := 1 To BoardSize
Do
Board[Row, Column] := ' ';
Board[1, 1] := 'H';
Board[BoardSize, 1] := 'C';
Board[1, BoardSize] := 'C';
Board[BoardSize, BoardSize] := 'H';
End;
End;

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

10 43 Procedure GetFlipSquares(Board : TBoard; BoardSize : 10

Integer);
Var
Row, Column: Integer;
SquareWillCauseFlips : Boolean;
OldValue : Char;
Begin
Writeln('Choosing one of the following squares will
mean you flip some pieces: ');
For Row := 1 To BoardSize
Do
For Column := 1 To BoardSize
Do
If Board[Row, Column] = ' ' Then
Begin
OldValue := Board[Row, Column];
Board[Row, Column] := 'H';
SquareWillCauseFlips := False;
If CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board,
BoardSize, Row, Column, 0 , 1)
Then SquareWillCauseFlips := True;
If CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board,
BoardSize, Row, Column, 0 , -1)
Then SquareWillCauseFlips := True;
If CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board,
BoardSize, Row, Column, 1 , 0)
Then SquareWillCauseFlips := True;
If CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board,
BoardSize, Row, Column, -1 , 0)
Then SquareWillCauseFlips := True;
If SquareWillCauseFlips
Then
Begin
Write(Column);
Writeln(Row);
End;
Board[Row, Column] := OldValue;
End;
End;
10 44 ... 2
If HumanPlayersTurn
Then
Begin
GetFlipSquares(Board, BoardSize);
Move := GetMove(PlayerName);
End
Else Move := GetComputerPlayerMove(BoardSize);
MoveIsValid := CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move,
BoardSize);
Until MoveIsValid;
...

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

VB.Net

Qu Part Marking Guidance Marks

5 19 Dim N As Single 14
Dim X As Single
Dim L As Single
Dim F As Single
Console.Write("Enter a number: ")
N = Console.ReadLine
F = 16
If N >= 1 Then
X = N
While X * X - N > 1 And F - 1 > 1
L = X
X = X / F
While X * X <= N
F = F - 0.1
X = L / F
End While
End While
Console.WriteLine(X)
Else
Console.WriteLine("Not a number greater than or equal to
1")
End If
Console.ReadLine()

7 34 Function GetPlayersName() As String 3

Dim PlayerName As String
Console.Write("What is your name? ")
PlayerName = Console.ReadLine
If PlayerName = "" Then
Console.WriteLine("That is not a valid name, using
default name instead")
PlayerName = "Human player"
End If
Return PlayerName
End Function

8 36 ... 1
End If
MoveIsValid = CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize)
Loop Until MoveIsValid
...

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

8 37 Function CheckIfMoveIsValid(ByVal Board(,) As Char, ByVal 5

Move As Integer, ByVal BoardSize As Integer) As Boolean
Dim Row As Integer
Dim Column As Integer
Dim MoveIsValid As Boolean
Row = Move Mod 10
Column = Move \ 10
MoveIsValid = False
If Row > BoardSize Or Row < 1 Or Column > BoardSize Or
Column < 1 Then
MoveIsValid = False
ElseIf Board(Row, Column) = " " Then
MoveIsValid = True
End If
Return MoveIsValid
End Function

Alternative answer

Function CheckIfMoveIsValid(ByVal Board(,) As Char, ByVal

Move As Integer, ByVal BoardSize As Integer) As Boolean
...
If Row <= BoardSize And Row >= 1 And Column <=
BoardSize And Column >= 1 Then
If Board(Row, Column) = " " Then
MoveIsValid = True
End If
End If
...

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

9 39 Sub SetUpGameBoard(ByVal Board(,) As Char, ByVal BoardSize 7

As Integer)
Dim Row As Integer
Dim Column As Integer
Dim Choice As Char
Console.Write("Do you want to play with the starting
pieces being on the four c(e)ntre squares or on the four
c(o)rner squares?")
Choice = Console.ReadLine
If Choice = "e" Then
For Row = 1 To BoardSize
For Column = 1 To BoardSize
If Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 And Column =
(BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 Or Column = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 And
Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 Then
Board(Row, Column) = "C"
ElseIf Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 And Column =
(BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 Or Column = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 And
Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 Then
Board(Row, Column) = "H"
Else
Board(Row, Column) = " "
End If
Next
Next
Else
For Row = 1 To BoardSize
For Column = 1 To BoardSize
If Row = 1 And Column = 1 Or Row = BoardSize And
Column = BoardSize Then
Board(Row, Column) = "H"
ElseIf Row = 1 And Column = BoardSize Or Row =
BoardSize And Column = 1 Then
Board(Row, Column) = "C"
Else
Board(Row, Column) = " "
End If
Next
Next
End If
End Sub

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

Alternative answer

Sub SetUpGameBoard(ByVal Board(,) As Char, ByVal BoardSize

As Integer)
Dim Row As Integer
Dim Column As Integer
Dim Choice As Char
Console.Write("Do you want to play with the starting
pieces being on the four c(e)ntre squares or on the four
c(o)rner squares?")
Choice = Console.ReadLine
If Choice = "e" Then
For Row = 1 To BoardSize
For Column = 1 To BoardSize
If Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 And Column =
(BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 Or Column = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 And
Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 Then
Board(Row, Column) = "C"
ElseIf Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 And Column =
(BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 Or Column = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 And
Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 Then
Board(Row, Column) = "H"
Else
Board(Row, Column) = " "
End If
Next
Next
Else
For Row = 1 To BoardSize
For Column = 1 To BoardSize
BoardSize(Row, Column) = " "
Next
Next
Board(1,1) = "H"
Board(BoardSize, BoardSize) = "H"
Board(1, BoardSize) = "C"
Board(BoardSize, 1) = "C"
End If
End Sub

24 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

10 43 Sub GetFlipSquares(ByVal Board(,) As Char, ByVal BoardSize 10

As Integer)
Dim Row As Integer
Dim Column As Integer
Dim SquareWillCauseFlips As Boolean
Dim OldValue As Char
Console.WriteLine("Choosing one of the following
squares will mean you flip some pieces: ")
For Row = 1 To BoardSize
For Column = 1 To BoardSize
If Board(Row, Column) = " " Then
OldValue = Board(Row, Column)
Board(Row, Column) = "H"
SquareWillCauseFlips = False
If CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board,
BoardSize, Row, Column, 0, 1) Then
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
ElseIf
CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board, BoardSize, Row, Column,
0, -1) Then
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
ElseIf
CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board, BoardSize, Row, Column,
1, 0) Then
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
ElseIf
CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board, BoardSize, Row, Column,
-1, 0) Then
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
End If
If SquareWillCauseFlips Then
Console.Write(Column)
Console.WriteLine(Row)
End If
Board(Row, Column) = OldValue
End If
Next
Next
Console.WriteLine()
End Sub
10 44 ... 2
Do
If HumanPlayersTurn Then
GetFlipSquares(Board, BoardSize)
Move = GetMove(PlayerName)
Else
Move = GetComputerPlayerMove(BoardSize)
End If
MoveIsValid = CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize)
Loop Until MoveIsValid
...

25 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

VB6

Qu Part Marking Guidance Marks

5 19 Private Sub Form_Load() 14

Dim N As Single
Dim X As Single
Dim L As Single
Dim F As Single
N = ReadLine("Enter a number: ")
F = 16
If N >= 1 Then
X = N
While X * X - N > 1 And F - 1 > 1
L = X
X = X / F
While X * X <= N
F = F - 0.1
X = L / F
Wend
Wend
WriteLine(X)
Else
WriteLine("Not a number greater than or equal to 1")
End If
End Sub

Alternative answers could use some of the following instead of

WriteLine:
Console.Text = Console.Text & ...
WriteLineWithMsg
WriteWithMsg
Msgbox
WriteNoLine

7 34 Private Function GetPlayersName() As String 3

Dim PlayerName As String
PlayerName = ReadLine("What is your name? ")
If PlayerName = "" Then
WriteLine ("That is not a valid name, using default
name instead")
PlayerName = "Human player"
End If
GetPlayersName = PlayerName
End Function

8 36 ... 1
End If
MoveIsValid = CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize)
Loop Until MoveIsValid
...

26 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

8 37 Private Function CheckIfMoveIsValid(ByRef Board() As 5

String, ByVal Move As Integer, ByVal BoardSize As Integer)
As Boolean
Dim Row As Integer
Dim Column As Integer
Dim MoveIsValid As Boolean
Row = Move Mod 10
Column = Move \ 10
MoveIsValid = False
If Row > BoardSize Or Row < 1 Or Column > BoardSize Or
Column < 1 Then
MoveIsValid = False
ElseIf Board(Row, Column) = " " Then
MoveIsValid = True
End If
CheckIfMoveIsValid = MoveIsValid
End Function

Alternative answer

Private Function CheckIfMoveIsValid(ByRef Board() As

String, ByVal Move As Integer, ByVal BoardSize As Integer)
As Boolean
...
If Row <= BoardSize And Row >= 1 And Column <=
BoardSize And Column >= 1 Then
If Board(Row, Column) = " " Then
MoveIsValid = True
End If
End If
...

27 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

9 39 Private Sub SetUpGameBoard(ByRef Board() As String, ByVal 7

BoardSize As Integer)
Dim Row As Integer
Dim Column As Integer
Dim Choice As String
Choice = ReadLine("Do you want to play with the starting
pieces being on the four c(e)ntre squares or on the four
c(o)rner squares?")
If Choice = "e" Then
For Row = 1 To BoardSize
For Column = 1 To BoardSize
If Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 And Column =
(BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 Or Column = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 And
Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 Then
Board(Row, Column) = "C"
ElseIf Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 And Column =
(BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 Or Column = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 And
Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 Then
Board(Row, Column) = "H"
Else
Board(Row, Column) = " "
End If
Next
Next
Else
For Row = 1 To BoardSize
For Column = 1 To BoardSize
If Row = 1 And Column = 1 Or Row = BoardSize And
Column = BoardSize Then
Board(Row, Column) = "H"
ElseIf Row = 1 And Column = BoardSize Or Row =
BoardSize And Column = 1 Then
Board(Row, Column) = "C"
Else
Board(Row, Column) = " "
End If
Next
Next
End If
End Sub

28 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

Alternative answer

Private Sub SetUpGameBoard(ByRef Board() As String, ByVal

BoardSize As Integer)
Dim Row As Integer
Dim Column As Integer
Dim Choice As String
Choice = ReadLine("Do you want to play with the starting
pieces being on the four c(e)ntre squares or on the four
c(o)rner squares?")
If Choice = "e" Then
For Row = 1 To BoardSize
For Column = 1 To BoardSize
If Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 And Column =
(BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 Or Column = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 And
Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 Then
Board(Row, Column) = "C"
ElseIf Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 And Column =
(BoardSize + 1) \ 2 + 1 Or Column = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 And
Row = (BoardSize + 1) \ 2 Then
Board(Row, Column) = "H"
Else
Board(Row, Column) = " "
End If
Next
Next
Else
For Row = 1 To BoardSize
For Column = 1 To BoardSize
BoardSize(Row, Column) = " "
Next
Next
Board(1,1) = "H"
Board(BoardSize, BoardSize) = "H"
Board(1, BoardSize) = "C"
Board(BoardSize, 1) = "C"
End If
End Sub

29 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

10 43 Private Sub GetFlipSquares(ByRef Board() As String, ByVal 10

BoardSize As Integer)
Dim Row As Integer
Dim Column As Integer
Dim SquareWillCauseFlips As Boolean
Dim OldValue As String
WriteLine ("Choosing one of the following squares will
mean you flip some pieces: ")
For Row = 1 To BoardSize
For Column = 1 To BoardSize
If Board(Row, Column) = " " Then
OldValue = Board(Row, Column)
Board(Row, Column) = "H"
SquareWillCauseFlips = False
If CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board,
BoardSize, Row, Column, 0, 1) Then
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
ElseIf CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board,
BoardSize, Row, Column, 0, -1) Then
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
ElseIf CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board,
BoardSize, Row, Column, 1, 0) Then
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
ElseIf CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board,
BoardSize, Row, Column, -1, 0) Then
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
End If
If SquareWillCauseFlips Then
WriteNoLine (Column)
WriteLine (Row)
End If
Board(Row, Column) = OldValue
End If
Next
Next
WriteLine ("")
End Sub

10 44 ... 2
Do
If HumanPlayersTurn Then
Call GetFlipSquares(Board, BoardSize)
Move = GetHumanPlayerMove(PlayerName)
Else
Move = GetComputerPlayerMove(BoardSize)
End If
MoveIsValid = CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize)
Loop Until MoveIsValid
...

30 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

Java

Qu Part Marking Guidance Marks

5 19 public static void main(String[] args) { 14
float n;
float x;
float l;
float f;
console.print("Enter a number: ");
n = Float.parseFloat(console.readLine());
f = 16;
if (n >= 1) {
x = n;
while ((x * x - n > 1) && (f - 1 > 1)) {
l = x;
x = (float)(x / f);
while (x * x <= n) {
f = (float)(f - 0.1);
x = (float)(l / f) ;
}
}
console.println(x);
}
else {
console.println("Not a number greater than or equal to
1");
}
}

Alternative answer (not using AQAConsole2016) :

public static void main(String[] args) {

Scanner in = new Scanner(System.in);
float n;
float x;
float l;
float f;
System.out.print("Enter a number: ");
n = Float.parseFloat(in.next());
f = 16;
if (n >= 1) {
x = n;
while ((x * x - n > 1) && (f - 1 > 1)) {
l = x;
x = (float)(x / f);
while (x * x <= n) {
f = (float)(f - 0.1);
x = (float)(l / f) ;
}
}

31 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

System.out.println(x);
}
else {
System.out.println("Not a number greater than or equal
to 1");
}
}

Alternative answer (using double variables)

public static void main(String[] args) {

double n;
double x;
double l;
double f;
console.print("Enter a number: ");
n = Double.parseDouble(console.readLine());
f = 16;
if (n >= 1) {
x = n;
while ((x * x - n > 1) && (f - 1 > 1)) {
l = x;
x = x / f;
while (x * x <= n) {
f = f - 0.1;
x = l / f ;
}
}
console.println(x);
}
else {
console.println("Not a number greater than or equal to
1");
}
}

N.B. For n = 4.1 this gives output 2.049999999999958

32 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

7 34 String getPlayersName() { 3
String playerName;
console.print("What is your name? ");
playerName = console.readLine();
if (playerName.equals("")){
console.println("That is not a valid name, using
default name instead");
playerName = "Human player";
}
return playerName;
}

Alternative answer :

String getPlayersName() {
String playerName;
console.print("What is your name? ");
playerName = console.readLine();
if (playerName.isEmpty()) {
console.println("That is not a valid name, using
default name instead");
playerName = "Human player";
}
return playerName;
}

Alternative answer :

String getPlayersName() {
String playerName;
console.print("What is your name? ");
playerName = console.readLine();
if (playerName.length() == 0) {
console.println("That is not a valid name, using
default name instead");
playerName = "Human player";
}
return playerName;
}

8 36 . . . 1
if (humanPlayersTurn) {
move = getHumanPlayerMove(playerName);
} else {
move = getComputerPlayerMove(boardSize);
}
moveIsValid = checkIfMoveIsValid(board, move, boardSize);
} while (!moveIsValid);
. . .

33 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

8 37 boolean checkIfMoveIsValid(char[][] board, int move, int 5

boardSize) {
int row;
int column;
boolean moveIsValid;
row = move % 10;
column = move / 10;
moveIsValid = false;
if (row <= boardSize && row >= 1 && column <= boardSize
&& column >= 1) {
if (board[row][column] == ' ') {
moveIsValid = true;
}
}
return moveIsValid;
}

Alternative answer :

boolean checkIfMoveIsValid(char[][] board, int move, int

boardSize) {
int row;
int column;
boolean moveIsValid;
row = move % 10;
column = move / 10;
moveIsValid = false;
if (row > boardSize || row < 1 || column > boardSize ||
column < 1) {
moveIsValid = false;
} else {
if (board[row][column] == ' ') {
moveIsValid = true;
}
}
return moveIsValid;
}

34 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

9 39 void setUpGameBoard(char[][] board, int boardSize) { 7

char choice;
console.print("Do you want to play with the starting
pieces being on the four c(e)ntre squares");
console.print(" or on the four c(o)rner squares? ");
choice = console.readChar();
if (choice == 'e') {
for (int row = 1; row <= boardSize; row++) {
for (int column = 1; column <= boardSize; column++) {
if (row == (boardSize + 1) / 2 && column ==
(boardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 || column == (boardSize + 1) / 2 &&
row == (boardSize + 1) / 2 + 1) {
board[row][column] = 'C';
} else {
if (row == (boardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 && column ==
(boardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 || column == (boardSize + 1) / 2 &&
row == (boardSize + 1) / 2) {
board[row][column] = 'H';
} else {
board[row][column] = ' ';
}
}
}
}
} else {
for (int row = 1; row <= boardSize; row++) {
for (int column = 1; column <= boardSize; column++) {
if (row == 1 && column == 1 || row == boardSize &&
column == boardSize) {
board[row][column] = 'H';
} else {
if (row == 1 && column == boardSize || row ==
boardSize && column == 1) {
board[row][column] = 'C';
} else {
board[row][column] = ' ';
}
}
}
}
}
}

35 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

Alternative answer :

void setUpGameBoard(char[][] board, int boardSize) {

char choice;
console.print("Do you want to play with the starting
pieces being on the four c(e)ntre squares");
console.print(" or on the four c(o)rner squares? ");
choice = console.readChar();
if (choice == 'e') {
for (int row = 1; row <= boardSize; row++) {
for (int column = 1; column <= boardSize; column++) {
if (row == (boardSize + 1) / 2 && column ==
(boardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 || column == (boardSize + 1) / 2 &&
row == (boardSize + 1) / 2 + 1) {
board[row][column] = 'C';
} else {
if (row == (boardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 && column ==
(boardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 || column == (boardSize + 1) / 2 &&
row == (boardSize + 1) / 2) {
board[row][column] = 'H';
} else {
board[row][column] = ' ';
}
}
}
}
} else {
for (int row = 1; row <= boardSize; row++) {
for (int column = 1; column <= boardSize; column++) {
board[row][column] = ' ';
}
}
board[1][1] = 'H';
board[boardSize][1] = 'C';
board[1][boardSize] = 'C';
board[boardSize][boardSize] = 'H';
}
}

36 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

10 43 void getFlipSquares(char[][] board, int boardSize) { 10

boolean squareWillCauseFlips;
char oldValue;
console.println("Choosing one of the following squares
will mean you flip some pieces");
for (int row = 1; row <= boardSize; row++) {
for (int column = 1; column <= boardSize; column++) {
if (board[row][column] == ' ') {
oldValue = board[row][column];
board[row][column] = 'H';
squareWillCauseFlips = false;
if (checkIfThereArePiecesToFlip(board, boardSize,
row, column, 0, 1)) {
squareWillCauseFlips = true;
}
if (checkIfThereArePiecesToFlip(board, boardSize,
row, column, 0, -1)) {
squareWillCauseFlips = true;
}
if (checkIfThereArePiecesToFlip(board, boardSize,
row, column, 1, 0)) {
squareWillCauseFlips = true;
}
if (checkIfThereArePiecesToFlip(board, boardSize,
row, column, -1, 0)) {
squareWillCauseFlips = true;
}
if (squareWillCauseFlips) {
console.print(column);
console.println(row);
}
board[row][column] = oldValue;
}
}
}
console.println();
}

10 44 . . . 2
do {
if (humanPlayersTurn) {
getFlipSquares(board, boardSize);
move = getHumanPlayerMove(playerName);
} else {
move = getComputerPlayerMove(boardSize);
}
moveIsValid = checkIfMoveIsValid(board, move, boardSize);
} while (!moveIsValid);
. . .

37 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

C#

Qu Part Marking Guidance Marks

5 19 double X, F, L, N; 14
Console.WriteLine("Enter a number:");
N = Convert.ToDouble(Console.ReadLine());
F = 16.0;
if (N >= 1.0)
{
X = N;
while (X * X - N > 1.0 && F - 1.0 > 1.0)
{
L = X;
X = X / F;
while (X * X <= N )
{
F = F - 0.1;
X = L / F;
}
}
Console.WriteLine(X);
}
else
{
Console.WriteLine("Not a number greater than or equal to
1");
}
Console.ReadLine();

7 34 static string GetPlayersName() 3

{
string PlayerName;
Console.Write("What is your name? ");
PlayerName = Console.ReadLine();
if (PlayerName == "")
{
Console.WriteLine("That is not a valid name, using
default name instead");
PlayerName = "Human Player";
}
return PlayerName;
}

8 36 ... 1
Move = GetComputerPlayerMove(BoardSize);
}
MoveIsValid = CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize);
}
if (!HumanPlayersTurn)
...

38 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

8 37 static bool CheckIfMoveIsValid(char[,] Board, int Move, int 5

BoardSize)
{
int Row;
int Column;
bool MoveIsValid;
Row = Move % 10;
Column = Move / 10;
MoveIsValid = false;
if (Row < 1 || Row > BoardSize || Column < 1 || Column >
BoardSize)
{
MoveIsValid = false;
}
else if (Board[Row, Column] == ' ')
{
MoveIsValid = true;
}
return MoveIsValid;
}

Alternative answer

static bool CheckIfMoveIsValid(char[,] Board, int Move, int

BoardSize)
{
...
if (Row >= 1 && Row <= BoardSize && Column >= 1 && Column
<= BoardSize)
{
if (Board[Row, Column] == ' ')
{
MoveIsValid = true;
}
}
...
}

39 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

9 39 static void SetUpGameBoard(char[,] Board, int BoardSize) 7

{
char Choice;
Console.Write("Do you want to play with the starting
pieces being on the four c(e)ntre squares or the four
c(o)rner squares?");
Choice = Convert.ToChar(Console.ReadLine());
if (Choice == 'e')
{
for (int Row = 1; Row <= BoardSize; Row++)
{
for (int Column = 1; Column <= BoardSize; Column++)
{
if (Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 && Column ==
(BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 || Column == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 &&
Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1)
{
Board[Row, Column] = 'C';
}
else if (Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 && Column
== (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 || Column == (BoardSize + 1) / 2
&& Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2)
{
Board[Row, Column] = 'H';
}
else
{
Board[Row, Column] = ' ';
}
}
}
}
else
{
for (int Row = 1; Row <= BoardSize; Row++)
{
for (int Column = 1; Column <= BoardSize; Column++)
{
if (Row == 1 && Column == 1 || Row == BoardSize &&
Column == BoardSize)
{
Board[Row, Column] = 'H';
}
else if (Row == 1 && Column == BoardSize || Row ==
BoardSize && Column == 1)
{
Board[Row, Column] = 'C';
}
else
{
Board[Row, Column] = ' ';
}
}
}
}
}

40 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

Alternative answer

static void SetUpGameBoard(char[,] Board, int BoardSize)

{
char Choice;
Console.Write("Do you want to play with the starting
pieces being on the four c(e)ntre squares or the four
c(o)rner squares?");
Choice = Convert.ToChar(Console.ReadLine());
if (Choice == 'e')
{
for (int Row = 1; Row <= BoardSize; Row++)
{
for (int Column = 1; Column <= BoardSize; Column++)
{
if (Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 && Column ==
(BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 || Column == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 &&
Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1)
{
Board[Row, Column] = 'C';
}
else if (Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 && Column
== (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 || Column == (BoardSize + 1) / 2
&& Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2)
{
Board[Row, Column] = 'H';
}
else
{
Board[Row, Column] = ' ';
}
}
}
}
else
{
for (int Row = 1; Row <= BoardSize; Row++)
{
for (int Column = 1; Column <= BoardSize; Column++)
{
Board[Row, Column] = ' ';
}
Board[1, 1] = 'H';
Board[BoardSize, BoardSize] = 'H';
Board[1, BoardSize] = 'C';
Board[BoardSize, 1] = 'C';
}
}
}

41 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

10 43 static void GetFlipSquares(char[,] Board, int BoardSize) 10

{
bool SquareWillCauseFlips;
char OldValue;
Console.WriteLine("Choosing one of the following squares
will mean you flip some pieces: ");
for (int Row = 1; Row <= BoardSize; Row++)
{
for (int Column = 1; Column <= BoardSize; Column++)
{
if (Board[Row, Column] == ' ')
{
OldValue = Board[Row, Column];
Board[Row, Column] = 'H';
SquareWillCauseFlips = false;
if (CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board, BoardSize,
Row, Column, 0, 1))
{
SquareWillCauseFlips = true;
}
else if (CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board,
BoardSize, Row, Column, 0, -1))
{
SquareWillCauseFlips = true;
}
else if (CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board,
BoardSize, Row, Column, 1, 0))
{
SquareWillCauseFlips = true;
}
else if (CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board,
BoardSize, Row, Column, -1, 0))
{
SquareWillCauseFlips = true;
}
if (SquareWillCauseFlips )
{
Console.Write(Column);
Console.WriteLine(Row);
}
Board[Row, Column] = OldValue;
}
}
}
Console.WriteLine();
}

42 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

10 44 ... 2
do
{
if (HumanPlayersTurn)
{
GetFlipSquares(Board, BoardSize);
Move = GetHumanPlayerMove(PlayerName);
}
else
{
Move = GetComputerPlayerMove(BoardSize);
}
MoveIsValid = CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move);
} while (!MoveIsValid);
...

43 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

Python 2

Qu Part Marking Guidance Marks

5 19 N = float(raw_input("Enter a number:")) 14
F = 16.0
if N >= 1.0:
X = N
while X * X - N > 1.0 and F - 1.0 > 1.0:
L = X
X = X / F
while X * X <= N:
F = F - 0.1
X = L / F
print X
else:
print "Not a number greater than or equal to 1"

7 34 def GetPlayersName(): 3
PlayerName = raw_input("What is your name? ")
if PlayerName == "":
print "That is not a valid name, using default name
instead"
PlayerName = "Human player"
return PlayerName

Alternative answer

def GetPlayersName():
PlayerName = raw_input("What is your name? ")
if len(PlayerName) == 0:
print "That is not a valid name, using default name
instead"
PlayerName = "Human player"
return PlayerName

8 36 ... 1
else:
Move = GetComputerPlayerMove(BoardSize)
MoveIsValid = CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize)
...

44 of 51
 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

8 37 def CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize): 5

Row = Move % 10
Column = Move / 10
MoveIsValid = False
if Row > BoardSize or Row < 1 or Column > BoardSize or
Column < 1:
MoveIsValid = False
elif Board[Row][Column] == " ":
MoveIsValid = True
return MoveIsValid

Alternative answer

def CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize):

Row = Move % 10
Column = Move / 10
MoveIsValid = False
if Row <= BoardSize and Row >= 1 and Column <= BoardSize
and Column >= 1:
if Board[Row][Column] == " ":
MoveIsValid = True
return MoveIsValid

Alternative answer

def CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize):

Row = Move % 10
Column = Move / 10
MoveIsValid = False
if Row <= BoardSize and Row >= 1 and Column <= BoardSize
and Column >= 1 and Board[Row][Column] == " ":
MoveIsValid = True
return MoveIsValid

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

9 39 def SetUpGameBoard(Board, BoardSize): 7

Choice = raw_input("Do you want the starting pieces being
on the four c(e)ntre squares or on the four c(o)rner
squares?")
if Choice == "e":
for Row in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
for Column in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
if (Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 and Column ==
(BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1) or (Column == (BoardSize + 1) / 2
and Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1):
Board[Row][Column] = "C"
elif (Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 and Column ==
(BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1) or (Column == (BoardSize + 1) / 2
and Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2):
Board[Row][Column] = "H"
else:
Board[Row][Column] = " "
else:
for Row in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
for Column in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
if Row == 1 and Column == 1 or Row == BoardSize and
Column == BoardSize:
Board[Row][Column] = "H"
elif Row == 1 and Column == BoardSize or Row ==
BoardSize and Column == 1:
Board[Row][Column] = "C"
else:
Board[Row][Column] = " "

Alternative answer

def SetUpGameBoard(Board, BoardSize):

Choice = raw_input("Do you want the starting pieces being
on the four c(e)ntre squares or on the four c(o)rner
squares?")
if Choice == "e":
for Row in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
for Column in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
if (Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 and Column ==
(BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1) or (Column == (BoardSize + 1) / 2
and Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1):
Board[Row][Column] = "C"
elif (Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 and Column ==
(BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1) or (Column == (BoardSize + 1) / 2
and Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2):
Board[Row][Column] = "H"
else:
Board[Row][Column] = " "

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

else:
for Row in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
for Column in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
Board[Row][Column] = " "
Board[1][1] = "H"
Board[BoardSize][BoardSize] = "H"
Board[1][BoardSize] = "C"
Board[BoardSize][1] = "C"

10 43 def GetFlipSquares(Board, BoardSize): 10

print "Choosing one of the following squares will mean
you will flip some pieces: "
for Row in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
for Column in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
if Board[Row][Column] == " ":
OldValue = Board[Row][Column]
Board[Row][Column] = "H"
SquareWillCauseFlips = False
if CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board, BoardSize,
Row, Column, 0, 1):
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
elif CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board, BoardSize,
Row, Column, 0, -1):
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
elif CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board, BoardSize,
Row, Column, 1, 0):
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
elif CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board, BoardSize,
Row, Column, -1, 0):
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
if SquareWillCauseFlips:
print str(Column) + str(Row)
Board[Row][Column] = OldValue
print

10 44 . . . 2
while not MoveIsValid:
if HumanPlayersTurn:
GetFlipSquares(Board, BoardSize)
Move = GetHumanPlayerMove(PlayerName)
else:
. . .

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

Python 3

Qu Part Marking Guidance Marks

5 19 N = float(input("Enter a number:")) 14
F = 16.0
if N >= 1.0:
X = N
while X * X - N > 1.0 and F - 1.0 > 1.0:
L = X
X = X / F
while X * X <= N:
F = F - 0.1
X = L / F
print(X)
else:
print("Not a number greater than or equal to 1")

7 34 def GetPlayersName(): 3
PlayerName = input("What is your name? ")
if PlayerName == "":
print("That is not a valid name, using default name
instead")
PlayerName = "Human player"
return PlayerName

Alternative answer

def GetPlayersName():
PlayerName = raw_input("What is your name? ")
if len(PlayerName) == 0:
print("That is not a valid name, using default name
instead")
PlayerName = "Human player"
return PlayerName

8 36 ... 1
else:
Move = GetComputerPlayerMove(BoardSize)
MoveIsValid = CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize)
...

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

8 37 def CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize): 5

Row = Move % 10
Column = Move // 10
MoveIsValid = False
if Row > BoardSize or Row < 1 or Column > BoardSize or
Column < 1:
MoveIsValid = False
elif Board[Row][Column] == " ":
MoveIsValid = True
return MoveIsValid

Alternative answer

def CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize):

Row = Move % 10
Column = Move // 10
MoveIsValid = False
if Row <= BoardSize and Row >= 1 and Column <= BoardSize
and Column >= 1:
if Board[Row][Column] == " ":
MoveIsValid = True
return MoveIsValid

Alternative answer

def CheckIfMoveIsValid(Board, Move, BoardSize):

Row = Move % 10
Column = Move // 10
MoveIsValid = False
if Row <= BoardSize and Row >= 1 and Column <= BoardSize
and Column >= 1 and Board[Row][Column] == " ":
MoveIsValid = True
return MoveIsValid

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

9 39 def SetUpGameBoard(Board, BoardSize): 7

Choice = input("Do you want the starting pieces being on
the four c(e)ntre squares or on the four c(o)rner
squares?")
if Choice == "e":
for Row in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
for Column in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
if (Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 and Column ==
(BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1) or (Column == (BoardSize + 1) / 2
and Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1):
Board[Row][Column] = "C"
elif (Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 and Column ==
(BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1) or (Column == (BoardSize + 1) / 2
and Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2):
Board[Row][Column] = "H"
else:
Board[Row][Column] = " "
else:
for Row in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
for Column in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
if Row == 1 and Column == 1 or Row == BoardSize and
Column == BoardSize:
Board[Row][Column] = "H"
elif Row == 1 and Column == BoardSize or Row ==
BoardSize and Column == 1:
Board[Row][Column] = "C"
else:
Board[Row][Column] = " "

Alternative answer

def SetUpGameBoard(Board, BoardSize):

Choice = input("Do you want the starting pieces being on
the four c(e)ntre squares or on the four c(o)rner
squares?")
if Choice == "e":
for Row in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
for Column in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
if (Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 and Column ==
(BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1) or (Column == (BoardSize + 1) / 2
and Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1):
Board[Row][Column] = "C"
elif (Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1 and Column ==
(BoardSize + 1) / 2 + 1) or (Column == (BoardSize + 1) / 2
and Row == (BoardSize + 1) / 2):
Board[Row][Column] = "H"
else:
Board[Row][Column] = " "

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 MARK SCHEME – A-LEVEL COMPUTING – COMP1 –JUNE 2016

else:
for Row in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
for Column in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
Board[Row][Column] = " "
Board[1][1] = "H"
Board[BoardSize][BoardSize] = "H"
Board[1][BoardSize] = "C"
Board[BoardSize][1] = "C"

10 43 def GetFlipSquares(Board, BoardSize): 10

print("Choosing one of the following squares will mean
you will flip some pieces: ")
for Row in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
for Column in range(1, BoardSize + 1):
if Board[Row][Column] == " ":
OldValue = Board[Row][Column]
Board[Row][Column] = "H"
SquareWillCauseFlips = False
if CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board, BoardSize,
Row, Column, 0, 1):
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
elif CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board, BoardSize,
Row, Column, 0, -1):
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
elif CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board, BoardSize,
Row, Column, 1, 0):
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
elif CheckIfThereArePiecesToFlip(Board, BoardSize,
Row, Column, -1, 0):
SquareWillCauseFlips = True
if SquareWillCauseFlips:
print(str(Column) + str(Row))
Board[Row][Column] = OldValue
print()

10 44 ... 2
while not MoveIsValid:
if HumanPlayersTurn:
GetFlipSquares(Board, BoardSize)
Move = GetHumanPlayerMove(PlayerName)
else:
...

>'

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