Complete the description of Primary Storage by dragging the correct terms into the gaps.
Computers use (drop here)
storage to hold data that the processor needs to access quickly. (drop here) is a type of
memory that is Read-Only. This stores the (drop here) instructions. This memory is (drop here), meaning data is safe when
power is off.
The other type is (drop here).
This stores data that is (drop here). This memory is (drop here), meaning contents are lost when
power is off.
volatile
non-volatile
secondary
primary
firmware
start-up
deleted
saved
ROM
RAM
currently in use
✅ Mark Scheme
primary
ROM
start-up (instructions)
non-volatile
RAM
currently in use
volatile
Score yourself (1 mark per correct gap):
2[4 Marks]
Identify whether each statement describes RAM or ROM.
Statement
Selection
Stores the BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
The contents can be changed by the computer
Has a larger capacity in a typical personal computer
Stores the operating system parts currently in use
✅ Mark Scheme
Stores BIOS: ROM
Contents Changed: RAM
Larger Capacity: RAM (Usually GBs vs MBs)
OS in use: RAM
Score yourself (Max 4):
3[2 Marks]
State the purpose of RAM in a computer system. (Do not describe its characteristics like volatile/non-volatile).
💡Hint: What does it store and WHEN does it store it?
✅ Mark Scheme
To store data / instructions / applications / OS [1]
... that are currently in use / currently running [1]
⚠️ Common Mistake
Do not just say "stores data". You MUST say "currently in use".
Score yourself (Max 2):
4[2 Marks]
A car has an on-board computer system (an embedded system) to control the engine.
Explain why this computer system needs Read Only Memory (ROM).
💡Hint: What happens when you turn the car engine off?
✅ Mark Scheme
It needs to store the start-up instructions / firmware. [1]
So that instructions are not lost when the car engine/power is turned off (Non-volatile).
[1]
Score yourself (Max 2):
5[2 Marks]
Explain one difference between RAM and ROM relating to their volatility.
✅ Mark Scheme
RAM is volatile whereas ROM is non-volatile. [1]
Meaning RAM loses data when power is off, but ROM keeps data when power is off. [1]