0478 · Cambridge IGCSE
0478/22
Algorithms, Programming and Logic
Computer Science · June 2024 · Variant 2
Relative difficulty
Analysis source: Cambridge Assessment International Education
3.5 / 5
150
210 min
Algorithm Design and Arrays
Cohort performance
Session statistics from official examination reports
Total marks
150
Duration
210 min
Session difficulty
3.5 / 5
Key examiner messages
Top priorities from the principal examiner before you revise
This exam series sitting of the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) presents a moderate to high level of challenge (3.5 out of 5).
Paper 12 holds several standard recall questions, but elevates difficulty with precise conversion mechanics and conceptual process-diagramming.
Paper 22 introduces logical hurdles through a demanding multi-stage trace table and an intensive 2D array scenario program that tests grid boundary limits.
Question difficulty map
How candidates performed on each question in this series
No data available in official reports
Assessment objectives
Skill and AO weighting from official examiner commentary
Skill weighting
Shows the skill mix this paper tested most heavily.
Procedural
Weight: 6100%Logic
Weight: 583%Factual
Weight: 467%Recall & Understanding
Weight: 350%Mathematical & Calculation
Weight: 233%Structure
Weight: 117%
Method marks watchlist
Where working, steps, or method marks were commonly lost
No data available in official reports
Recurring mistakes across years
Themes examiners flag in multiple recent sessions for this subject
No data available in official reports
Question choice intelligence
Mean scores and popularity for optional questions (HKDSE electives)
No data available in official reports
Level exemplars
What candidate scripts at each grade level looked like
No data available in official reports
Grade & admission context
How marks relate to grade thresholds and entry standards
Report type
Cambridge Principal Examiner Report — component performance and international standards
Level A*
Approx. 80% of maximum mark
Level A
Approx. 63% of maximum mark
Level B
Approx. 47% of maximum mark
Level C
Approx. 30% of maximum mark
Level D
Approx. 25% of maximum mark
Level E
Approx. 19% of maximum mark
Deep insights
What top candidates did
Techniques and approaches examiners rewarded in this series
No data available in official reports
Command word playbook
How to match each command word to the expected response style
Match the expected response style for “Give” questions.
Give reasons and link mechanism to outcome; each point needs a because/so chain.
State features in sequence or list observable properties — do not explain causes unless asked.
Name or point to the specific feature asked for — avoid extra explanation.
Match the expected response style for “Write” questions.
Match the expected response style for “State” questions.
Time traps
Sections where candidates spent disproportionate time relative to marks
Min per mark: 2.7
Min per mark: 1.5
Min per mark: 1.3
Min per mark: 1.3
Syllabus traceability
Topics linked to questions and mark weighting in this session
Algorithm design and problem-solving
23 marks this session
Arrays
20 marks this session
Programming concepts
13 marks this session
MCQ trap analytics
Commonly chosen wrong options from examiner commentary
No data available in official reports
Topic heatmap across years
Mark concentration by topic and exam year for this subject
Mark intensity
Algorithm design and problem-solving
Programming concepts
Arrays
Cyber security
Robotics
Methods of error detection
The internet and the world wide web
Data storage
Difficulty trend
How session difficulty has shifted across recent years
Paper comparison
Marks and duration breakdown across papers in this session
Paper 1 Computer Systems (0478/12):
Paper 2 Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22):
Marks you can still earn
Where valid approaches outside the mark scheme may still gain credit
No data available in official reports
Practise what examiners flagged
Target weak topics from this report inside the Revui app
Algorithm design and problem-solving
23 marks this session
Practise in RevuiArrays
20 marks this session
Practise in RevuiProgramming concepts
13 marks this session
Practise in RevuiSelf-diagnostic checklist
Key actions before you sit this paper — copy and tick off as you revise
- 1Message
This exam series sitting of the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) presents a moderate to high level of challenge (3.5 out of 5).
- 2Message
Paper 12 holds several standard recall questions, but elevates difficulty with precise conversion mechanics and conceptual process-diagramming.
- 3Message
Paper 22 introduces logical hurdles through a demanding multi-stage trace table and an intensive 2D array scenario program that tests grid boundary limits.
Teacher briefing pack
One-page session summary for tutors and classroom review
June 2024 2024
Computer Science
This exam series sitting of the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) presents a moderate to high level of challenge (3.5 out of 5). Paper 12 holds several standard recall questions, but elevates difficulty with precise conversion mechanics and conceptual process-diagramming. P
This exam series sitting of the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) presents a moderate to high level of challenge (3.5 out of 5).
Paper 12 holds several standard recall questions, but elevates difficulty with precise conversion mechanics and conceptual process-diagramming.
Paper 22 introduces logical hurdles through a demanding multi-stage trace table and an intensive 2D array scenario program that tests grid boundary limits.
- Total marks
- 150
- Duration
- 210 min
- Session difficulty
- 3.5 / 5
Session analysis
This exam series sitting of the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) presents a moderate to high level of challenge (3.5 out of 5). Paper 12 holds several standard recall questions, but elevates difficulty with precise conversion mechanics and conceptual process-diagramming. Paper 22 introduces logical hurdles through a demanding multi-stage trace table and an intensive 2D array scenario program that tests grid boundary limits.
Updated Jun 13, 2026
Paper breakdown
Paper 1 Computer Systems (0478/12):
Paper 2 Algorithms, Programming and Logic (0478/22):
Top chapters
Exam structure insights
Marks by chapter
See where the marks were concentrated so revision time goes to the highest-value topics.
Mark accessibility
Estimate which marks were basic, mid-level, or high-difficulty.
80% within easy or medium reach
Command word frequency
Spot common command words so answers match the expected response style.
Question type mix
Compare the mark share of each paper section and question type.
Algorithms & Pseudocode Design
50·6·33%
Systems Explanation & Diagrams
43·12·29%
Short Answer & Terminology
25·15·17%
Calculations & Logic Application
20·8·13%
Multiple Choice / Matching
12·6·8%
Study ROI
Bigger bubbles recur more often; higher bubbles carry more marks, helping you rank revision priorities.
Time vs marks
Compare marks with suggested time allocation to plan exam pacing.
Paper 1 - Core Theo…
0.67 m/minPaper 1 - Applied S…
0.78 m/minPaper 2 - Core Prog…
0.75 m/minPaper 2 - Trace Tab…
0.38 m/minTotal marks
95
Total time
150 min
Avg pace
0.63
Next-year prediction
Topics worth watching next year, with the reason shown directly below each bar.
Input and output devices (Hardware)
90%90%
Robotics & Automated Systems
85%85%
Types of programming language, translators and IDEs
75%75%
Difficulty Verdict
This exam series sitting of the Cambridge IGCSE Computer Science (0478) presents a moderate to high level of challenge (3.5 out of 5). Paper 12 holds several standard recall questions, but elevates difficulty with precise conversion mechanics and conceptual process-diagramming. Paper 22 introduces logical hurdles through a demanding multi-stage trace table and an intensive 2D array scenario program that tests grid boundary limits.
Exam tips
Paper format
- Duration
- 1h 45min
- Total marks
- 75
- Weighting
- 50%
- Question types
- Trace tables & Diagrams, Pseudocode writing, Scenario-based coding (2D Array), SQL and Database tasks
Analysis is paraphrased for study purposes. Always verify against the official examiner report and mark scheme.