← IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

Evaluating USB for a given use

Judge if USB suits a use by weighing benefits (universal, plug and play) against drawbacks (short cable length, limited speed) for the scenario, such as a printer or drive.

Part of: IGCSE Computer Science 0478 — 2.1 Data Transmission Types and Methods — Module 40

Understanding Evaluating USB for a given use in IGCSE Computer Science Paper 1

What it does: The answer names a benefit (plug and play) and ties it to the scenario (an external drive). The answer gives a drawback (short cable length) and explains why it is not a problem here. An evaluation looks at both sides. The answer depends on the needs of the scenario, so a one-sided answer earns fewer marks. USB is a widely used industry standard, so one drive can be used with many computers. This is a strong benefit to include in the justification. The drawbacks of USB (limited speed and cable length) count against it when the scenario needs high speed or long distance.

Common mistakes: The text value is missing its quotes. A string must be written in quotes: scenario ← "printer on desk". The cable needed (20) is longer than USB allows, so USB is a poor fit. Saying it is a good fit contradicts the line above it.

Class: _____________________  ·  Name: _____________________  ·  Date: _________

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Learning
Duo
A student wants to connect a printer to a laptop on the same desk. Is USB a suitable choice?
No - USB cannot connect printers because it only works with keyboardsYes - USB is universal and plug and play, and the short cable is not a problem on one desk
Matches
USB is always the best choice because it has benefits.
↓
It ignores the drawbacks and the scenario. An evaluation must weigh benefits against drawbacks for the specific use.
Applying
Meanings
Term
Evaluate USB
Meaning
Judge if USB suits a use by weighing benefits (universal, plug and play) against drawbacks (short cable length, limited speed) for the scenario, such as a printer or drive.
Practice
distance ← 3
Testing
Gaps
IF cableNeeded maxCable THEN
Check Answer
Spots
1scenario ← printer on desk
2cableNeeded ← 2

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Quick Questions

1. A student wants to connect a printer to a laptop on the same desk. Is USB a suitable choice?
A. Yes - USB is universal and plug and play, and the short cable is not a problem on one desk ✓
B. No - USB cannot connect printers because it only works with keyboards
USB is designed for peripherals like printers. The benefits (standard connector, automatic detection) outweigh the cable length drawback when the devices are close together.
2. A school needs to connect a printer in a room 30 metres away from a computer. Which evaluation is best?
A. USB is ideal because USB cables can be any length without losing signal
B. USB may be unsuitable because its cable length is limited, so another method may be needed ✓
USB cables have a limited maximum length. Over long distances the signal can weaken, so cable length is a real drawback for this scenario.
3. Which statement is a valid justification for using USB to connect an external drive?
A. It is the only connection that can ever transfer data between two devices
B. It is plug and play, so the computer detects the drive and sets it up automatically ✓
A good evaluation links a benefit to the scenario. Plug and play makes an external drive easy to connect. USB is not the only way to transfer data.
4. When evaluating USB for a scenario, what should you do?
A. Weigh its benefits and drawbacks against what the scenario needs ✓
B. List only the benefits because USB is always the best choice
An evaluation looks at both sides. The answer depends on the needs of the scenario, so a one-sided answer earns fewer marks.
5. Which is a drawback of USB that matters when the devices are far apart?
A. Limited cable length ✓
B. The connector only fits one way round on every device
Short maximum cable length is the drawback to mention when devices need to be placed far from the computer.

Match the Pairs

Evaluate USB: printer, 1 m away → USB suits this use because plug and play and a universal connector make setup easy, and a short cable is enough
Evaluate USB: sensor, 50 m away → USB is a poor choice because the cable length is too short and signals weaken over distance
A good evaluation links a USB benefit to the scenario's needs, such as an external drive needing easy setup → USB suits an external drive because it is plug and play, so the computer detects it automatically.
A balanced evaluation also states a drawback and says whether it matters for the scenario → USB has a short cable length, but this does not matter as the printer sits on the same desk.
USB is always the best choice because it has benefits. → It ignores the drawbacks and the scenario. An evaluation must weigh benefits against drawbacks for the specific use.
USB is bad for a printer because the cable is short. → It only states a drawback and ignores the scenario. A printer is usually close to the computer, so cable length is not a problem.

Key Term

Evaluate USB
Judge if USB suits a use by weighing benefits (universal, plug and play) against drawbacks (short cable length, limited speed) for the scenario, such as a printer or drive.

Fill in the Blanks

1. IF cableNeeded > maxCable THEN OUTPUT "USB not suitable" ENDIF
Hint: Type the comparison operator that checks the cable needed is longer than the limit.
2. IF device = "printer" THEN OUTPUT "USB suits: plug and play" ENDIF
Hint: Type the keyword that displays a message to the user.
3. IF cableNeeded > 5 THEN OUTPUT "Cable too long for USB" ENDIF
Hint: Type the keyword that closes the selection block.
4. needsPlugAndPlay ← TRUE IF needsPlugAndPlay = TRUE THEN OUTPUT "USB is a good fit"
Hint: Type the variable name set on the first line that records the device need.
5. IF isPrinter AND cableNeeded <= 3 THEN OUTPUT "USB suits this use" ENDIF
Hint: Type the logical operator that requires both conditions to be true.

Spot the Error

Question 1
A scenario ← printer on desk
B cableNeeded ← 2
C IF cableNeeded <= 5 THEN
D OUTPUT "USB suits this"
E ENDIF
Line A — The text value is missing its quotes. A string must be written in quotes: scenario ← "printer on desk".
Question 2
A distance ← 20
B IF distance > 5 THEN
C OUTPUT "Cable too long"
D OUTPUT "USB is a good fit"
E ENDIF
Line D — The cable needed (20) is longer than USB allows, so USB is a poor fit. Saying it is a good fit contradicts the line above it.
Question 3
A device ← "printer"
B usbIsUniversal ← TRUE
C IF usbIsUniversal
D OUTPUT "Works on many PCs"
E ENDIF
Line C — The IF statement is missing THEN. It should be: IF usbIsUniversal THEN.
Question 4
A length ← 8
B maxLen ← 5
C IF length < maxLen THEN
D OUTPUT "Too long for USB"
E ENDIF
Line C — The wrong comparison operator is used. The message says the cable is too long, so the test must be length > maxLen.
Question 5
A device ← "USB printer"
B OUTPUT "Setup by hand needed"
C OUTPUT "USB is a good fit"
Line B — USB is plug and play, so the computer detects the device automatically. It should not need manual setup, which is a benefit of USB.

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