IGCSE ICT: Audience — Practice Questions

These questions cover Cambridge IGCSE ICT 0417 Topic 9: audience appreciation (9.1) and copyright (9.2). They practise the two skills the exam rewards: justifying a design choice by linking it to a named audience, and explaining software copyright and the methods producers use to stop piracy.

These are original questions written for Marlbridge, for revision and practice on this content. They are not reproduced past-paper questions, and they do not replicate the exam’s exact structure, question count or mark tariffs — Cambridge International holds copyright in its own papers. Use these alongside the official past papers available through your school or Cambridge directly.

Related: Audience revision notes · Audience study guide

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Section A: short answers

1. State what is meant by software piracy. [1]

2. Give two characteristics of an audience that should be considered before designing a presentation. [2]

3. Name two methods software producers use to prevent their software being copied illegally. [2]

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Section B: structured questions

4. A health centre is producing a leaflet about healthy eating for people aged over 70.

(a) Describe three features of the leaflet that would make it suitable for this audience. [3] (b) Explain why the designer should show a draft of the leaflet to some of the patients before printing. [2]

5. A games company makes a website for children aged 7 to 10.

(a) Give two features of the website suitable for this audience and explain why each is suitable. [4] (b) The same company produces a report for its shareholders. Describe two ways the report should differ from the website. [2]

6. A software company spends two years developing an accounting program.

(a) Explain why copyright legislation is needed to protect the company. [2] (b) A business buys one licence and installs the program on 15 computers. Explain why this breaks copyright. [2] (c) Describe how a product key and activation help prevent this. [2]

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Section C: extended questions

7. A tourist information centre is creating an interactive kiosk for visitors from many different countries. Discuss how the designer should analyse and meet the needs of this audience. [6]

8. Describe four methods software producers use to prevent copyright legislation being broken. [4]

9. A student says: “If I put the programmer’s name on the copy of the game I give my friend, it isn’t piracy.” Explain whether the student is correct. [2]

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Worked answers

1. Copying, distributing or using software without the copyright owner’s permission / without a valid licence. [1]

2. Any two of: age; level of knowledge or expertise; interests; culture or language; special needs such as visual impairment; where or how they will view it. [2]

3. Any two of: product key / activation code; licence agreement; requiring the original media; dongle; digital rights management; encrypting the program code; holograms on packaging. [2]

4. (a) Any three, each with a link to the audience: large font size, because eyesight may be weaker (1); high contrast between text and background, for easier reading (1); simple, clear layout with short sections and headings (1); plain language without jargon (1); clear images of foods to support the text (1). [3] (b) Patients can say whether the leaflet is easy to read and understand (1), so the designer can respond to their needs and make changes before money is spent on printing (1). [2]

5. (a) Two features with explanations, for example: large, colourful buttons with pictures (1) because children may not read well and need easy targets (1); short, simple sentences (1) because their vocabulary is limited (1); animations or sound (1) to hold their attention (1). [4] (b) Any two: formal language rather than simple language (1); charts and tables of financial data rather than cartoons (1); corporate colours and consistent house style rather than bright mixed colours (1); more detailed text (1). [2]

6. (a) The company has invested a lot of time and money (1); copyright law stops others copying and selling the program, so the company can earn income from its work and is encouraged to develop more software (1). [2] (b) The licence only gives permission to use the software on one computer (1); installing it on 15 computers means 14 copies are being used without permission, which is illegal copying (1). [2] (c) A unique key must be entered before the software will run (1); activation checks the key online and records that it has been used, so the same key cannot activate many installations (1). [2]

7. Up to 6 marks from analysing and meeting needs, for example:

• Find out who the visitors are: their languages, ages and familiarity with technology (1), for example through questionnaires or observing visitors (1).
• Offer a choice of languages on the first screen (1).
• Use symbols and images that are understood internationally, so less text is needed (1).
• Use plain language and avoid slang or idioms that do not translate (1).
• Be respectful: avoid images, colours or gestures that could offend some cultures (1).
• Large touch targets and simple navigation for users of all ages and abilities (1).
• Test the kiosk with a sample of visitors and change it in response to feedback (1). [6]

8. Any four described, 1 mark each: product key / activation code entered before the software runs; licence agreement the user must accept, limiting the number of installations; original CD/DVD required in the drive for the software to run; dongle that must be plugged in; digital rights management restricting copying; encryption of the code so it cannot be copied or read; holograms showing the package is genuine. [4]

9. The student is not correct (1). Giving a copy to a friend without the copyright owner’s permission or a licence is still illegal copying, even if the author is credited; acknowledgement does not replace permission (1). [2]

Frequently asked questions

How do I get full marks for a “suitable for the audience” question? Give a specific feature and say why it suits the named audience. Generic answers such as “make it colourful” score poorly unless linked to the audience.

Is crediting the source enough to use software legally? No. Using or copying software needs the copyright owner’s permission, usually through a licence.

Official syllabus

Cambridge International, Cambridge IGCSE Information and Communication Technology (0417) syllabus for 2026, 2027 and 2028, Version 3, Topic 9 “Audience” (9.1 Audience appreciation, 9.2 Copyright).