The answer is that the command lists all EC2 instances regardless of state. This is correct because the AWS CLI command uses the --query parameter to specify which fields to display—InstanceId and State.Name—and formats the output with --output table, but it does not include any filtering condition like a JMESPath expression that would limit results by state. The --query parameter here only projects the fields you want to see; it does not act as a filter on the data returned by the describe-instances API call. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this tests your understanding that --query is for projection and formatting, not for server-side filtering—a common trap where candidates confuse --query with the --filters parameter. A memory tip: think of --query as a "spotlight" that highlights specific columns, while --filters is a "bouncer" that decides which rows get in.
SAP-C02 Design for New Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Network Topology
A Solutions Architect runs the AWS CLI command shown in the exhibit. Which statement accurately describes the output?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The command lists all instances regardless of state.
The command uses the --query parameter to filter output and --output table. The query extracts InstanceId and State.Name, and the table format shows the results. The command does not filter by state; it returns all instances regardless of state.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
The command lists all instances regardless of state.
Why this is correct
The command returns all instances with their state.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The command lists instances in JSON format.
Why it's wrong here
The --output table specifies table format, not JSON.
✗
The command lists only running instances.
Why it's wrong here
The query does not filter by state; it returns all instances.
✗
The command fails because --query is used incorrectly.
Why it's wrong here
The syntax is correct; it works.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The --output table specifies table format, not JSON.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which SAP-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The command lists all instances regardless of state. — The command uses the --query parameter to filter output and --output table. The query extracts InstanceId and State.Name, and the table format shows the results. The command does not filter by state; it returns all instances regardless of state.
What should I do if I get this SAP-C02 question wrong?
Identify which SAP-C02 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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