The answer is a loose or damaged display cable, as this is the most likely cause when a laptop screen flickers when moving the lid. This occurs because the display cable, which runs from the motherboard to the LCD panel through the hinge, experiences intermittent contact as the lid angle changes; a specific angle may maintain a clear image, while movement disrupts the connection, causing flickering or a black screen. On the CompTIA A+ Core 1 220-1201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to differentiate between a cable issue and other common failures like a failing inverter, backlight, or LCD panel—a classic trap is to assume the screen itself is faulty when the cable is the culprit. Remember the memory tip: “Hinge means cable,” so if movement triggers the flicker, always suspect the display cable first.
220-1201 Display Devices Practice Question
This 220-1201 practice question tests your understanding of display devices. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A customer reports that their laptop screen flickers intermittently, especially when they adjust the lid angle. The image is clear when the screen is at a specific angle but flickers or goes black at others. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The display cable is loose or damaged
This scenario describes a classic symptom of a failing or loose display cable, which connects the motherboard to the LCD panel. The cable is often routed through the hinge, and movement causes intermittent contact. Replacing or reseating the cable usually resolves the issue.
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 LCD panel has a dead pixel
Why it's wrong here
A dead pixel would appear as a constant dot, not intermittent flickering related to lid movement.
✓
The display cable is loose or damaged
Why this is correct
A loose or damaged cable in the hinge area causes intermittent contact, leading to flickering when the lid moves.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The video card driver is outdated
Why it's wrong here
Driver issues typically cause persistent display problems, not flickering that changes with physical movement.
✗
The inverter is failing
Why it's wrong here
Inverters are used in CCFL-backlit displays, which are rare in modern laptops; LED-backlit screens don't use inverters.
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.
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 practitioner preparing for the 220-1201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1201 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1201 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.
Display Devices — This question tests Display Devices — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The display cable is loose or damaged — This scenario describes a classic symptom of a failing or loose display cable, which connects the motherboard to the LCD panel. The cable is often routed through the hinge, and movement causes intermittent contact. Replacing or reseating the cable usually resolves the issue.
What should I do if I get this 220-1201 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1201 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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A user's laptop screen flickers intermittently, but the external monitor works fine. What is the most likely cause?
easy
A.The graphics driver is outdated.
B.The LCD panel is failing.
C.The inverter or backlight is failing.
✓ D.The display cable connecting the motherboard to the screen is loose or damaged.
Why D: Since the external monitor works fine, the issue is likely with the laptop's display components. A loose or failing display cable is a common cause of intermittent flickering on built-in screens.
Last reviewed: Jun 18, 2026
Question Discussion
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