Parts of a computer

Learning about the key parts of a computer: monitor, keyboard, mouse, CPU, hard drive and RAM

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Try each question. If you're stuck, leave it and come back. The answer key is on the last page.

1
Which part of a computer is sometimes called its 'brain'? A) The CPU B) The monitor C) The mouse D) The keyboard
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2
True or false? A monitor shows pictures and text on a screen. A) True B) False
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3
Match each computer part to its job. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: Monitor, Keyboard, Mouse, Speakers Right: Shows pictures and text, Types letters and numbers, Clicks and points on screen, Play sounds
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4
What does the hard drive (or SSD) do? A) Stores files even when the computer is off B) Shows pictures on the screen C) Makes the keyboard work D) Connects to the internet
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5
Complete the sentence. RAM is a kind of ___ memory used while the computer is running.
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6
Which part connects all the other parts together inside a computer? A) The motherboard B) The keyboard C) The screen D) The mouse
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7
True or false? A phone or tablet is also a kind of computer. A) True B) False
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8
Which part of a computer is used to do calculations very quickly? A) The CPU B) The monitor C) The mouse D) The hard drive
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9
Match each computer part to its type of memory or job. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: RAM, Hard drive / SSD, CPU, Motherboard Right: Temporary memory while running, Permanent storage for files, Does calculations, Connects all the parts
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10
Match the part with what its name means. Match each item on the left to one on the right. Left: CPU, RAM, SSD, HDD Right: Central Processing Unit, Random Access Memory, Solid-State Drive, Hard Disk Drive
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Answer key

Parts of a computer · for parents and teachers

1
The CPU
The CPU (Central Processing Unit) does the calculations. It is often called the brain of the computer.
2
True
True. A monitor is an output device that shows pictures and text on a screen.
3
Monitor → Shows pictures and text; Keyboard → Types letters and numbers; Mouse → Clicks and points on screen; Speakers → Play sounds
Each part of a computer has a job: monitor displays, keyboard types, mouse points, and speakers make sound.
4
Stores files even when the computer is off
The hard drive (or SSD) is permanent storage. Files stay there even when the computer is off.
5
temporary
RAM is temporary memory. It holds programs while they run and is cleared when the computer turns off.
6
The motherboard
The motherboard is the main board inside a computer that connects all the parts.
7
True
True. Phones and tablets have a CPU, memory and storage just like a desktop computer.
8
The CPU
The CPU does calculations and follows the instructions in a program very quickly.
9
RAM → Temporary memory while running; Hard drive / SSD → Permanent storage for files; CPU → Does calculations; Motherboard → Connects all the parts
Each main part has a special role: RAM (temporary memory), hard drive (permanent storage), CPU (calculations), motherboard (connects).
10
CPU → Central Processing Unit; RAM → Random Access Memory; SSD → Solid-State Drive; HDD → Hard Disk Drive
Computer parts often have short names made from the first letters of longer words.