Computer Studies Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

You’re welcome to our school exams series where we provide you with termly examination questions in different subjects. In today’s post, we will focus on Computer Studies exam questions. We will cover Computer Studies exam questions for SS3 First term with answers. This means that we’ll be providing you with answers to the questions at the end. Also, you will get a few success tips on how to pass Computer Studies examinations with flying colors. Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Introduction to Computer Studies as a School Subject

Before we venture into Past Computer Studies Exam Questions for SS3 First term, here’s a brief introduction to the subject:

Computer Studies is an important school subject that introduces students to the world of computers and modern technology. It helps them understand how computers work, how to use them effectively, and how they can be applied in everyday life and different careers.

Through Computer Studies, students learn about computer hardware, software, data processing, programming, and communication technologies. The subject also develops students’ problem-solving, critical thinking, and creative skills, preparing them for future studies and the digital workplace.

In today’s world where computers are used in education, business, medicine, and almost every field, Computer Studies equips learners with the knowledge and skills they need to thrive in the 21st century.

Computer Studies Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

Computer Studies Exam Questions for SS3 First Term are divided into two sections:

• Section A
• Section B

The first section, namely, Section A is the objective test, and students are expected to attempt all questions in the section. Section B is the theory part, and students are expected to follow specific instruction and answer the required number of questions.

Note that what you have below are SS3 Computer Studies First Term Exam Past Questions made available to assist students in their revision for 1st term examinations and also teachers in structuring standard examinations.

SECTION A: Objective Test

Instruction: Answer all questions in this section by choosing from the options lettered A—D. Each question carries equal marks.

1. Which HTML tag is used to underline text in HTML5?
A. <u>         B. <b>
C. <i>          D. <s>

2. Which of these is not a type of network topology?
A. Bus topology
B. Hybrid topology
C. Mesh topology
D. Star topology

3. In a network, the main computer that provides services to other computers is called the ____.
A. Client
B. Server
C. Switch
D. Workstation

4. Which device is used to forward packets between different networks?
A. Hub            B. Switch
C. Router        D. Modem

5. The World Wide Web was proposed in 1989 by ____.
A. Bill Gates
B. Steve Jobs
C. Tim Berners-Lee
D. Elon Musk

6. Which of the following is a Database Management System (DBMS)?
A. Oracle
B. Notepad
C. Paint
D. Excel (as a plain spreadsheet)

7. Which connector is commonly used for single-line telephone connections?
A. RJ-11         B. RJ-45
C. RJ-25         D. RJ-14

8. Which programming paradigm focuses on objects that contain both data and methods?
A. Functional programming
B. Procedural programming
C. Object-oriented programming
D. Logical programming

9. Which cable transmits light signals instead of electrical signals?
A. Coaxial cable
B. STP cable
C. UTP cable
D. Fibre-optic cable

10. Which of the following best describes phishing?
A. A method of cooling computer servers
B. An attempt to obtain sensitive information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity
C. An internet protocol for file transfer
D. A database backup technique

11. Which of the following is NOT a standard method of data representation?
A. ASCII          B. CDS
C. BCD            D. Unicode

12. In BASIC, which statement reserves space for arrays?
A. FOR…NEXT
B. DIM
C. INT
D. WHILE…WEND

13. Which of these is a common view for tables in MS Access?
A. Landscape view
B. Datasheet view
C. Portrait view
D. Slide view

14. Which protocol is used to secure HTTP traffic on the web?
A. FTP         B. SMTP
C. SSH        D. HTTPS

15. A device that converts digital signals to analog signals for transmission over telephone lines is called a ____.
A. Switch       B. Modem
C. Router       D. Repeater

16. The hardware component that connects a computer to a network is the ____.
A. Modem
B. Hub
C. Network Interface Card
D. Router

17. Which of the following is NOT a programming language?
A. Visual Basic
B. Java
C. HTML
D. C++

18. Which action is NOT normally performed with the Pick tool in CorelDRAW?
A. Skew objects
B. Rotate objects
C. Select objects
D. Draw curves from scratch

19. Which of the following is a benefit of data normalization in a relational database?
A. Increased redundancy
B. Reduced data inconsistency
C. Slower queries always
D. More storage use

20. In relational databases, a field that refers to the primary key of another table is called the ____.
A. Composite key
B. Foreign key
C. Candidate key
D. Secondary key

21. Which tool samples and copies colour from an object in CorelDRAW?
A. Colour palette
B. Eyedropper
C. Bezier tool
D. Interactive fill

22. Which of these is NOT a type of DBMS package (as named)?
A. MS Oracle
B. SQL Server
C. Paradox
D. RBase

23. A request for a specific set of data from a database is called a ____.
A. File           B. Form
C. Report      D. Query

24. Which of these is NOT a network medium or connector used for data transmission?
A. Telephone wire
B. Shielded twisted pair
C. RJ-45
D. Coaxial cable

25. Which IP addressing version provides a vastly larger address space than IPv4?
A. IPX         B. IPv6
C. ARP       D. DHCP

26. Which MS Access object is commonly used to gather user input in a structured way?
A. Table         B. Query
C. Form         D. Macro

27. Which database object is best for producing formatted printouts of data?
A. Form         B. Report
C. Query       D. Table

28. Which programming language feature is executed line-by-line at runtime?
A. Interpreted languages
B. Compiled languages
C. Assembly languages
D. Machine languages

29. DIM A(9) in 0-based BASIC creates how many elements?
A. 10        B. 9
C. 11        D. 8

30. Which CorelDRAW tool is best suited for drawing precise Bézier curves?
A. Pick tool
B. Rectangle tool
C. Bezier tool
D. Interactive fill

31. Which HTML element is used to create an ordered list?
A. <ul>        B. <ol>
C. <li>         D. <dl>

32. Which of the following is a common website development tool (code editor)?
A. VS Code      B. MS Word
C. Oracle         D. CorelDRAW

33. Which of the following is NOT an advantage of high-level programming languages?
A. Machine-dependent
B. User-friendly
C. Easier to maintain
D. Easier to write

34. Which is an example of an interpreted scripting language often used for web pages?
A. C++               B. Python
C. JavaScript       D. Assembly

35. Which programming language acronym stands for a business-oriented language commonly used historically?
A. Common Oriented Business Object Language
B. Common Business-Oriented Language
C. Common Object Language Oriented Language
D. Compiled Oriented Business Language

36. Which of the following is a network best suited for linking computers within a single school site?
A. LAN          B. PAN
C. MAN         D. SAN

37. Which topology commonly uses token passing for media access control?
A. Ring        B. Mesh
C. Bus          D. Tree

38. Which topology typically avoids traffic congestion because of dedicated links between nodes?
A. Star         B. Bus
C. Ring        D. Mesh

39. Which device provides the fastest random access time among the listed storage devices?
A. Magnetic tape
B. Hard disk drive (HDD)
C. Solid state drive (SSD)
D. Optical disc (CD/DVD)

40. Which of the following best describes acceptable behaviour in computer ethics?
A. Accessing someone’s email without permission
B. Using copyrighted software without a licence
C. Citing sources when using other people’s work
D. Distributing malware

41. In classic BASIC, a string variable name typically ends with which character?
A. $          B. %
C. *           D. #

42. Which symbol sequence (CAFE) is a valid number in which number system?
A. Decimal
B. Hexadecimal
C. Octal
D. Binary

43. Convert 4₁₀ × 6₁₀ to binary. The result is ____.
A. 11001       B. 00011
C. 10100       D. 11000

44. 1111111011101101₂ equals which hexadecimal value?
A. DEEF₁₆         B. EEEF₁₆
C. FEED₁₆         D. EDEF₁₆

45. If x₂ + 1010₂ = 10000₂, then x equals ____.
A. 110₂         B. 011₂
C. 101₂         D. 100₂

46. Which of the following is a common view in MS Access tables?
A. Landscape view
B. Datasheet view
C. Portrait view
D. Slide view

47. Which software cannot be used to create or edit bitmap/vector images?
A. MS Access
B. AutoCAD
C. CorelDRAW
D. Adobe Photoshop

48. Which of the following is used to secure web traffic (HTTPS uses this)?
A. FTP          B. SMTP
C. SSH         D. HTTPS

49. The shortcut key often used to centre an object on the page in CorelDRAW is usually ____.
A. Ctrl+C      B. Ctrl+P
C. P               D. C

50. Which of the following is NOT a DBMS package?
A. MS Oracle
B. SQL Server
C. Paradox
D. RBase

51. A key used to create and enforce relationships between tables is the ____.
A. Primary key
B. Secondary key
C. Foreign key
D. Master key

52. Which of the following is NOT a type of data representation method?
A. ASCII         B. CDS
C. BCD          D. Unicode

53. Which action is performed by the Eyedropper tool in CorelDRAW?
A. Colour palette selection
B. Sample and copy colour from an object
C. Create Bezier curves
D. Fill objects interactively

54. Which is NOT normally performed with the Pick tool in CorelDRAW?
A. Skew objects
B. Rotate objects
C. Select objects
D. Draw curves from lines

55. Which is an advantage of using a relational database model?
A. Flat file simplicity
B. Support for many-to-many relationships through linking tables
C. Only hierarchical links allowed
D. No support for queries

56. Which of the following is used to view pages on the World Wide Web?
A. Text editor
B. Web browser
C. Website
D. Hyperlink

57. SMTP stands for ____.
A. Small Medium Text Protocol
B. Simple Mail Transfer Protocol
C. Sample Main Transfer Protocol
D. Small Mail Transfer Protocol

58. Which cable links a system unit to an analogue (non-HD) monitor?
A. VDU cable
B. VGA cable
C. USB cable
D. Power cable

59. Which of the following is a benefit of data normalization?
A. Increased redundancy
B. Reduced data inconsistency
C. More storage use
D. Worse maintainability

60. Which programming construct uses LIFO (Last In, First Out)?
A. Queue
B. Stack
C. Linked list
D. Array

SECTION B: Essay / Theory

INSTRUCTION – Answer only five (5) questions in this section. Write your answers clearly and show working where necessary.

1. Explain the following network topologies: bus, star, ring, and mesh. For each topology, state two advantages and two disadvantages, and give one typical use case.

2. (a) Describe the role of an operating system in a computer system.
(b) Explain three functions of device drivers and why they are important.

3. (a) Define a relational database.
(b) Explain the concept of primary key, foreign key and referential integrity in relational databases, using an example involving a student table and a course table.

4. (a) Outline the steps you would follow to design a simple website for a school (from planning to deployment).
(b) List four HTML elements you would use on the homepage and explain their purpose.

5. (a) Write a short BASIC (or pseudocode) program that accepts ten numbers from a user, stores them in an array and prints the largest number.
(b) Explain how the DIM statement and a FOR…NEXT loop are used in your program.

6. (a) Explain the differences between interpreted and compiled languages, and give two examples of each.
(b) Discuss briefly how a compiler and an interpreter work.

7. (a) Describe the function of the following CorelDRAW tools: Pick tool, Bezier tool, Eyedropper tool, and Interactive Fill tool.
(b) Explain how you would prepare a document in CorelDRAW for print, stating four checks you would perform before printing.

Remember to use the comments sections if you have questions, and don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Answers to Computer Studies Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

Answers to Section A (Objective Test)

The following table gives the correct answers to the objective section of Computer Studies exam questions for SS3 First term. If you are using a mobile device, hold the table and scroll to the right or left for a complete view.

So here you have the answers to the objective section of Computer Studies Exam Questions for SS3 First term. Use the comments section to let me know if you have any questions you would want me to clarify or discuss further.

Answers to Section B (Theory)

1. Network Topologies

(a) Bus Topology: All computers are connected to a single communication line (bus). Data sent by one computer travels along the bus and can be received by any other computer.

Advantages:
– Easy to install and requires less cable.
– Cost-effective for small networks.

Disadvantages:
– A fault in the main cable can bring down the entire network.
– Performance degrades as more devices are added.

Use case: Small office networks with limited devices.

(b) Star Topology: All computers are connected to a central device such as a hub or switch.

Advantages:
– Easy to add or remove devices without affecting others.
– A fault in one cable does not affect the rest of the network.

Disadvantages:
– Failure of the central hub/switch stops all communication.
– Requires more cable length.

Use case: Modern LANs in schools and offices.

(c) Ring Topology: Each device is connected to two others forming a circular data path.

Advantages:
– Data flows in one direction, reducing collision chances.
– Easy to identify faults in the network.

Disadvantages:
– Failure of one device can disrupt the entire network.
– Adding or removing nodes is difficult.

Use case: Token ring networks and some industrial control systems.

(d) Mesh Topology: Each computer is connected to every other computer.

Advantages:
– Provides high reliability and fault tolerance.
– Data can be transmitted simultaneously via multiple paths.

Disadvantages:
– Expensive due to high cabling costs.
– Complex to install and maintain.

Use case: Military communication and data centers.

2. Operating System and Device Drivers

(a) The operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software, and resources. It acts as an interface between the user and the computer. It handles memory management, process scheduling, file management, and input/output operations.

(b) Functions of Device Drivers:
1. They enable communication between the operating system and hardware devices.
2. They translate general OS commands into device-specific instructions.
3. They ensure that hardware devices function efficiently and correctly.
Importance: Without device drivers, the OS cannot recognize or control hardware such as printers, keyboards, or sound cards.

3. Relational Database Concepts

(a) A relational database is a type of database that stores data in tables (relations) consisting of rows and columns. Each table represents an entity, and relationships can be established between tables using keys.

(b) The primary key uniquely identifies each record in a table. A foreign key is a field in one table that links to the primary key of another table. Referential integrity ensures that relationships between tables remain consistent.

Example: A Student table with StudentID (primary key) and a Course table with CourseID (primary key). A Registration table may include StudentID as a foreign key referencing the Student table, ensuring that only existing students can register for courses.

4. Website Design Process

(a) Steps to design a simple school website:
1. Planning – Define purpose, audience, and structure.
2. Design – Create layout and select colour scheme.
3. Development – Write HTML, CSS, and scripts.
4. Testing – Check for errors and mobile compatibility.
5. Deployment – Upload files to a web server.
6. Maintenance – Update content regularly.

(b) HTML elements for the homepage:
– <header>: Displays the school name and logo.
– <nav>: Contains navigation links.
– <section>: Displays school news or welcome message.
– <footer>: Shows contact information and copyright.

5. BASIC Program Example

(a)

DIM A(10)
FOR I = 1 TO 10
    INPUT "Enter number "; A(I)
NEXT I

MAX = A(1)
FOR I = 2 TO 10
    IF A(I) > MAX THEN
        MAX = A(I)
    END IF
NEXT I

PRINT "The largest number is "; MAX

(b) The DIM statement is used to declare an array that can hold multiple values (10 numbers). The FOR…NEXT loop repeats a set of instructions a fixed number of times, allowing input collection and comparison in the program.

6. Interpreted and Compiled Languages

(a) Interpreted languages translate and execute code line by line (e.g. Python, JavaScript), while compiled languages translate the entire source code into machine code before execution (e.g. C, C++).

(b) A compiler scans the entire program, translates it into object code, and reports errors after compilation. An interpreter executes one instruction at a time, stopping when it encounters an error.

7. CorelDRAW Tools and Printing Preparation

(a) Functions of CorelDRAW tools:
– Pick Tool: Selects, moves, rotates, or resizes objects.
– Bezier Tool: Draws precise curves and lines.
– Eyedropper Tool: Samples and copies colours from objects.
– Interactive Fill Tool: Applies gradient and texture fills.

(b) Steps to prepare a CorelDRAW document for printing:
1. Check page size and layout.
2. Convert text to curves to avoid font issues.
3. Ensure images are of high resolution.
4. Set the correct colour mode (CMYK) and margins.

Read Also: Computer Studies Exam Questions for SS2 First Term

How to Pass Computer Studies Exam Questions for SS3 First Term

Passing your Computer Studies exam questions for SS3 First term requires a combination of preparation, understanding, and strategy. Here are actionable tips to help you excel:

1. Know the syllabus

Find the official SS3 first term scheme of work. Know the topics you must cover. Do not guess. Stick to what the syllabus lists.

2. Make a study plan

• Break topics into small parts. Study one part each day.
• Spend more time on weak areas like programming or binary math.
• Include daily short practice on objective questions.

3. Learn key facts and definitions

Memorise short, exact definitions for terms: network topologies, DBMS, primary key, foreign key, HTML tags, and others. Use flashcards or quick notes.

4. Practice past objective questions

Do many past questions under timed conditions. Objective questions test speed and accuracy. Mark your mistakes and review them immediately.

5. Master practical and short-answer work

For CorelDRAW, HTML, BASIC or pseudocode, and database tasks, practise by doing. Create short projects: a simple webpage, a table in Access, or a small drawing. Hands-on practice builds confidence.

6. Work on calculations and conversions

Practice binary, hexadecimal, and BCD conversions. Do lots of quick drills until you are fast and sure. Write out steps clearly when solving on paper.

7. Improve exam technique

• Read questions carefully. Underline keywords.
• Answer easy questions first, then hard ones.
• For theory answers, plan three main points before you write.
• Use examples and short diagrams where needed.

8. Time management during the exam

Divide your time. Give the objective section a fixed time. Leave enough time for essay/theory questions. Do not spend too long on one question.

9. Revise with classmates

Form a small study group. Teach one another. Explaining a topic helps you remember it better.

10. Prepare mentally and physically

• Sleep well the night before exam day.
• Eat a light, healthy meal before the exam.
• Arrive early with all materials: pens, calculator, ruler.

It’s a wrap!

If you need more clarification on SS3 First Term Questions on Computer Studies, you can use the comments box below. We’ll be there to answer you asap. Don’t forget to join our Free Online Tutorial Classes on YouTube. (Subscribe to the Channel)

Best wishes..