OCR AS Level Computer Science: 1.1.2
Exam 2026 Questions and Answers
Graded A+
What is an instruction set? - Correct answer-The complete set of machine code
instructions a CPU can recognise and execute.
What does CISC stand for? - Correct answer-Complex Instruction Set Computer.
What does RISC stand for? - Correct answer-Reduced Instruction Set Computer.
What are the features of CISC processors? - Correct answer-• Large instruction set
• Complex instructions
• Instructions can perform multiple operations
• Variable length instructions
• Fewer assembly language instructions needed
Why are CISC instructions called complex? - Correct answer-A single instruction
may perform several operations at once.
©COPYRIGHT 2026, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, What is an example of a complex CISC instruction? - Correct answer-The MULT
instruction loads, multiplies and stores data.
What are the advantages of CISC? - Correct answer-• Fewer instructions needed
• Smaller programs
• Easier for programmers/compiler
• Less RAM needed for instructions
What are the disadvantages of CISC? - Correct answer-• More complex hardware
• Instructions may take multiple clock cycles
• Harder to pipeline
• Higher power consumption
Where are CISC processors commonly used? - Correct answer-• Desktop
computers
• Laptops
• Intel x86 processors
What are the features of RISC processors? - Correct answer-• Small/simple
instruction set
• Simple instructions
©COPYRIGHT 2026, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
Exam 2026 Questions and Answers
Graded A+
What is an instruction set? - Correct answer-The complete set of machine code
instructions a CPU can recognise and execute.
What does CISC stand for? - Correct answer-Complex Instruction Set Computer.
What does RISC stand for? - Correct answer-Reduced Instruction Set Computer.
What are the features of CISC processors? - Correct answer-• Large instruction set
• Complex instructions
• Instructions can perform multiple operations
• Variable length instructions
• Fewer assembly language instructions needed
Why are CISC instructions called complex? - Correct answer-A single instruction
may perform several operations at once.
©COPYRIGHT 2026, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 1
, What is an example of a complex CISC instruction? - Correct answer-The MULT
instruction loads, multiplies and stores data.
What are the advantages of CISC? - Correct answer-• Fewer instructions needed
• Smaller programs
• Easier for programmers/compiler
• Less RAM needed for instructions
What are the disadvantages of CISC? - Correct answer-• More complex hardware
• Instructions may take multiple clock cycles
• Harder to pipeline
• Higher power consumption
Where are CISC processors commonly used? - Correct answer-• Desktop
computers
• Laptops
• Intel x86 processors
What are the features of RISC processors? - Correct answer-• Small/simple
instruction set
• Simple instructions
©COPYRIGHT 2026, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED 2
