Writing exam answers about automated systems

Name:

Date:

Class:

Quick Questions

Shade in the A or B circle for each question.

1. A question asks how an automated greenhouse waters plants. Which answer follows the correct order?

A The actuator reads the soil, the sensor compares it with the stored value, and the microprocessor turns on the water pump.

B The moisture sensor reads the soil, the microprocessor compares it with the stored value, and the actuator turns on the water pump.

2. Which part of an automated system physically carries out an action, such as opening a valve?

A Sensor

B Actuator

3. Which sentence shows the best use of 'because' in an exam answer about automated street lights?

A The lights switch on automatically because the light sensor detects that it is getting dark.

B The lights are good because they are good for the town.

4. An exam question says: 'Describe the advantages and disadvantages of automated traffic lights.' What should your answer include?

A At least one advantage and at least one disadvantage, each linked to traffic lights.

B Only advantages, because they are the most important part.

5. Which answer is tied to the scenario of an automated farm irrigation system?

A It works through the night because the sensors keep checking soil moisture without a farmer being present.

B Automated systems are faster than people and are used a lot nowadays.

Match the Pairs

Draw a line connecting each item on the left to its match on the right.

Left column		Right column
1sensor, microprocessor, actuator		AA general point not tied to the scenario: it names no system and gives no specific reason.
2... because it is safe for workers		BThe correct order to describe a system: the sensor reads, the microprocessor compares and decides, then the actuator acts
3Describing a greenhouse system in order using the correct terms		CThe moisture sensor sends a reading to the microprocessor, which compares it with the stored value and switches on the sprinkler actuator.
4Giving an advantage and a disadvantage tied to the scenario, each with a reason		DSensor and actuator are confused: the sensor measures and the actuator is the output device that acts, such as a heater or motor.
5The actuator measures the temperature and sends it to the microprocessor.		EAdvantage: the robot works all night because it does not get tired. Disadvantage: a power cut stops the factory because the system needs electricity.
6Automation is good because it is better and faster than people.		FA reason linked to the scenario, which turns a bare point into a developed exam point

Definitions

sensor, microprocessor, actuator

Fill in the Blanks

Complete each line of code by filling in the missing parts.

The ______ reads the temperature.

The ______________ compares the reading with the stored value.

The ________ opens the window.

It heats up _______ the room is too cold.

Sensor, then ______________, then actuator.

Spot the Error

Shade in the letter of the line that contains an error.

Question 1

A Temp sensor reads the heat

B Data goes to microprocessor

C Actuator compares the value

D Heater actuator switches on

Question 2

A Advantage: waters at night

B because sensors never tire

C Disadvantage: power cut

D because machines are bad

Question 3

A Light sensor reads the dark

B Microprocessor sees low value

C Sensor switches the lamp on

Question 4

A IR actuator detects a person

B Microprocessor checks the data

C Motor actuator opens the door

Question 5

A Sensor reads the pressure

B Reading goes to microprocessor

C Compares it with the actuator

D Actuator sounds the alarm

Answer Key

Writing exam answers about automated systems

Section A: Quick Questions

B — The moisture sensor reads the soil, the microprocessor compares it with the stored value, and the actuator turns on the water pump.

B — Actuator

A — The lights switch on automatically because the light sensor detects that it is getting dark.

A — At least one advantage and at least one disadvantage, each linked to traffic lights.

A — It works through the night because the sensors keep checking soil moisture without a farmer being present.

Section B: Match the Pairs

sensor, microprocessor, actuator → The correct order to describe a system: the sensor reads, the microprocessor compares and decides, then the actuator acts

... because it is safe for workers → A reason linked to the scenario, which turns a bare point into a developed exam point

Describing a greenhouse system in order using the correct terms → The moisture sensor sends a reading to the microprocessor, which compares it with the stored value and switches on the sprinkler actuator.

Giving an advantage and a disadvantage tied to the scenario, each with a reason → Advantage: the robot works all night because it does not get tired. Disadvantage: a power cut stops the factory because the system needs electricity.

The actuator measures the temperature and sends it to the microprocessor. → Sensor and actuator are confused: the sensor measures and the actuator is the output device that acts, such as a heater or motor.

Automation is good because it is better and faster than people. → A general point not tied to the scenario: it names no system and gives no specific reason.

Section C: Definitions

sensor, microprocessor, actuator — Use these terms in order in an exam answer: the sensor reads, the microprocessor compares and decides, the actuator acts. Tie each point to the scenario and explain it with 'because'.

Section D: Fill in the Blanks

The sensor reads the temperature.

The microprocessor compares the reading
with the stored value.

The actuator opens the window.

It heats up because the room is too cold.

Sensor, then microprocessor, then actuator.

Section E: Spot the Error

C — The microprocessor compares the reading with the stored value, not the actuator. Line 3 should say: It compares with set value. The actuator only acts in step 4.

D — The reason is a general point and is not tied to the scenario. It should link the power cut to the system, for example: because the pump stops working.

C — Sensor and actuator are confused. A sensor only reads data. The actuator is the part that switches the lamp on.

A — The first step is the sensor reading the input. An actuator does not detect anything. It should be: IR sensor detects a person.

C — The microprocessor compares the reading with a stored (pre-set) value, not with an actuator. It should be: Compares it with stored value.