A/L ICT past papers — Sinhala & English medium

Explores the basic concepts of ICT together with its role and applicability in today's knowledge based society.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_right"Distinguish data from information" is a near-annual short-answer opener
• chevron_rightListing the characteristics of quality/valuable information is a common structured question
• chevron_right"Why did ICT replace manual methods" recurs as an essay-length Part A prompt
• chevron_rightThe network → Internet → mobile → cloud timeline is a common short-essay question

Explores the evolution of computing devices, so as to be able to describe and compare the performance of modern computers.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_right"Complete the generations-of-computers table" is a classic structured question
• chevron_rightClassify-by-example MCQs (e.g. what class a smartphone falls into) are common
• chevron_rightMatching a device to input/output/storage is heavily tested in MCQs
• chevron_right"Advantages of direct-entry input over keyboard entry" is a recurring short-answer question

Investigates how instructions and data are represented in computers and exploit them in arithmetic and logic operations.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_rightNumber-system conversion and complement questions are near-guaranteed every year — in MCQ as quick conversions and in Paper II Part A as multi-step problems
• chevron_rightTwo's complement is the single most consistently examined numeric skill in this unit — drill it until automatic
• chevron_right"Why is Unicode needed for Sinhala/Tamil text" is a common local-context question
• chevron_rightBinary addition/subtraction with full working shown is a reliable Paper II Part A question

Uses logic gates to design basic digital circuits and devices.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_rightDrawing gate symbols and truth tables from a given expression is asked almost every year
• chevron_right"Build gate X using only NAND/NOR" is a recurring, higher-mark question
• chevron_rightKarnaugh map simplification (up to 3-4 variables) is one of the highest-value recurring essay questions in this unit — practise until it is routine
• chevron_rightDe Morgan's law application is a frequent MCQ/short-answer trap question

Uses operating systems to manage the functionality of computers.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_rightClassify-by-scenario MCQs ("a system controlling a nuclear plant is classified as...") are common
• chevron_rightListing the four main OS functions is a reliable short-answer question
• chevron_rightComparing contiguous/linked/indexed allocation is a recurring structured question
• chevron_rightExplaining defragmentation with a diagram is common

Explores the data communication and computer networking technologies to share information effectively.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_rightSignal-property calculation questions are common in Paper II Part A
• chevron_rightComparing guided media types on cost, speed and interference is a frequent structured question
• chevron_rightDrawing a Manchester-encoded waveform for a given bit string is a recurring essay task
• chevron_rightA modem-connection schematic diagram is a common short structured question

Explores the systems concept and uses systems analysis and design methodology in developing information systems.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_rightClassify-with-example short questions are a common warm-up mark
• chevron_rightMatching a system type to a described business scenario is a frequent MCQ/short-answer format
• chevron_rightComparing waterfall vs spiral vs agile, each with its own diagram, is a frequent essay component
• chevron_rightOnly 2 periods allocated — expect a short definitional question, not an essay

Designs and develops database systems to manage data efficiently and effectively.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_rightComparing database models is a quick, reliable short-structured question
• chevron_rightConstraint definitions form a common MCQ set
• chevron_rightSQL query writing, especially SELECT with joins and WHERE conditions, is one of the highest-value, most reliably examined practical skills in the whole syllabus
• chevron_rightCREATE TABLE with correct data types, PRIMARY KEY and FOREIGN KEY syntax is asked almost every year

Develops algorithms to solve problems and uses python programming language to encode algorithms.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_rightLow period weight — usually a short conceptual question
• chevron_rightStructure chart drawing recurs as a short-to-medium structured question
• chevron_rightFlowchart/pseudocode writing plus a hand-trace table is a near-guaranteed Paper II component, often paired with 9.7-9.8
• chevron_rightShort definitional/MCQ material

Develops websites incorporating multi-media technologies (using HTML 5).

Commonly asked as

• chevron_rightMostly conceptual/MCQ material
• chevron_rightSometimes combined with the HTML essay question as a planning sub-part
• chevron_rightWriting a minimal valid HTML page skeleton from memory is a reliable warm-up mark
• chevron_rightWriting a complete multi-page HTML site with working links, a table and an image is the single largest essay-length question in the Web unit — highest priority for hands-on practice

Explores IoT and identify the building blocks of digital systems to develop simple applications.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_rightNew, lower-weight unit — expect a short structured question naming components/features rather than a full essay
• chevron_right"Define IoT and give two applications" is the typical exam depth for this competency given its low period count

Explores applicability of ICT to business organizations and the competitive marketplace.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_rightMatching a business-model term (brick/click) to a scenario is a common short-answer question
• chevron_rightNaming and exemplifying each transaction type (B2B/B2C/etc.) is a reliable short-structured question
• chevron_rightUsually a compact definitional/short-answer question

Explores new trends and future directions of ICT.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_rightConceptual/short-answer material — a good source of "define the term" MCQs
• chevron_rightShort conceptual question; low essay weight
• chevron_rightEmerging-technology definitions are a good source of a final MCQ or short-answer question

Designs and implements a simple Information system as the project.

Commonly asked as

• chevron_rightMarked by School-Based Assessment, not a written paper — but weak Unit 7/8 skills show up directly here, so treat the project as applied revision for the SAD and Database essay questions
• chevron_rightNo separate period allocation in the syllabus — implementation runs within the same 30 project periods as 14.1; keep it aligned with what was actually designed there