Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science Exam Technique Cheat Sheet 2026 (0478)
Every Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science command word decoded — what examiners actually want, the structure that earns full marks, the top mistakes flagged in real examiner reports, and the phrases that pick up the marks others leave on the table. Free printable PDF.
5 command words decoded
5 top mistakes flagged
Phrases that earn marks
Print-ready PDF
Command words — click to expand
Top tips for Computer Science
- 1Use Cambridge pseudocode — NOT Python — in pseudocode answers. ENDIF, ENDWHILE, NEXT are required.
- 2Trace tables: fill in EVERY column for EVERY iteration — examiners check.
- 3For 6-mark essays on hardware: cover at least 3 distinct components with their functions.
- 4Binary/hex conversions: show all working (don't just state the answer).
- 5Always indent loops, conditions, and procedures — even on paper.
⚠️ Top mistakes examiners flag for Computer Science
- ✗Using Python syntax (def, print, indentation alone) when pseudocode is required.
- ✗Omitting ENDIF / ENDWHILE / NEXT keywords in pseudocode.
- ✗Confusing RAM and ROM — RAM is volatile, ROM is non-volatile.
- ✗Forgetting to declare variables before use in pseudocode.
- ✗Trace tables with missing iterations — every loop pass must be shown.
✅ Phrases that earn marks
- → …the algorithm uses a linear search with O(n) complexity
- → …the data is encrypted using a public key
- → …the operating system manages memory allocation
- → …using a stack (LIFO data structure)
- → …the protocol ensures reliable, ordered delivery
❌ Phrases that lose marks
- ✗ The computer thinks (say: the CPU processes)
- ✗ Data is stored in the cloud (say: data is stored on a remote server)
- ✗ Generic non-technical answers
- ✗ Python syntax in pseudocode answers
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Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science exam technique — FAQ
What are the most important command words in Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science? ▼
Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) papers use 5 core command words. The most frequently misread are Define (where students add unnecessary explanation) and Explain (concept) (where students describe instead of reasoning with because/therefore). The full breakdown — what each word means, the answer structure, and the do/don't list — is in the interactive cheat sheet above.
What's the difference between "describe" and "explain" in Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science? ▼
Describe asks WHAT happens — quote values from data, state the trend, no reasoning. Explain asks WHY — every sentence must contain "because", "therefore" or "as a result". Mixing them up is one of the highest-frequency reasons Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science students lose marks they could have earned with the same content.
What are the top examiner-flagged mistakes for Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science? ▼
Across recent Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science examiner reports, the most-flagged mistakes are: Using Python syntax; Omitting ENDIF / ENDWHILE / NEXT keywords in pseudocode.; Confusing RAM and ROM. The full list with explanations is in the "Top mistakes" block in the cheat sheet above.
Can I print the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science exam technique cheat sheet as a PDF? ▼
Yes — click the "Download Computer Science Cheat Sheet PDF" button above. Sign up free (no payment), and the printable A4 PDF downloads instantly. The PDF includes the command-word table, top tips, common mistakes and the earn/avoid phrase pairs — designed to fit on one page so you can pin it above your desk.
Will this cheat sheet help me get top marks in Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science? ▼
The cheat sheet covers EXAM TECHNIQUE — how to read command words, structure answers, and use mark-scheme language. Combined with strong subject knowledge it can lift students by 1–2 grades by closing the gap on extended-response questions.
Is this Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science cheat sheet free? ▼
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