NB: The marking Scheme is marged under this document . Best of luck!!
Computer science
Higher level
Paper 2
Monday 5 November (morning)
1 hour 20 minutes
Instructions to candidates
Do not open this examination paper until instructed to do so.
Answer all of the questions from one of the options.
The maximum mark for this examination paper is [65 marks].
Option Questions
Option A — Databases 1–4
Option B — Modelling and simulation 5–8
Option C — Web science 9 – 12
Option D — Object-oriented programming 13 – 16
8818 – 7012
17 pages © International Baccalaureate Organization
, –2– Authentic exam 2026
Blank page
, –3– Authentic exam 2026
Option A — Databases
1. (a) Outline the difference between an information system and a database. [3]
A bank maintains a database that stores details of clients and their accounts.
A client wants to transfer money between two accounts held at the same bank.
(b) Explain how the ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) properties would
apply in the context of this database transaction. [8]
A bank holds large volumes of financial and personal information about its clients in its
database.
(c) Discuss whether this database should be open to interrogation by the police or the
Government. [6]
2. (a) Define the term database management system (DBMS). [1]
(b) Identify three characteristics of logical schema. [3]
(c) Outline the purpose of a data definition language (DDL). [2]
(d) Identify two tasks that a database administrator carries out to ensure the security of the
database. [2]
(Option A continues on the following page)
Turn over
Computer science
Higher level
Paper 2
Monday 5 November (morning)
1 hour 20 minutes
Instructions to candidates
Do not open this examination paper until instructed to do so.
Answer all of the questions from one of the options.
The maximum mark for this examination paper is [65 marks].
Option Questions
Option A — Databases 1–4
Option B — Modelling and simulation 5–8
Option C — Web science 9 – 12
Option D — Object-oriented programming 13 – 16
8818 – 7012
17 pages © International Baccalaureate Organization
, –2– Authentic exam 2026
Blank page
, –3– Authentic exam 2026
Option A — Databases
1. (a) Outline the difference between an information system and a database. [3]
A bank maintains a database that stores details of clients and their accounts.
A client wants to transfer money between two accounts held at the same bank.
(b) Explain how the ACID (Atomicity, Consistency, Isolation, Durability) properties would
apply in the context of this database transaction. [8]
A bank holds large volumes of financial and personal information about its clients in its
database.
(c) Discuss whether this database should be open to interrogation by the police or the
Government. [6]
2. (a) Define the term database management system (DBMS). [1]
(b) Identify three characteristics of logical schema. [3]
(c) Outline the purpose of a data definition language (DDL). [2]
(d) Identify two tasks that a database administrator carries out to ensure the security of the
database. [2]
(Option A continues on the following page)
Turn over
