The answer is that the directory lacks group write permission. This is the most likely cause because the directory’s permission string drwxr-xr-x grants the owning group ‘staff’ only read and execute (r-x) access, not write (w). Since the user belongs to the ‘staff’ group, they are subject to these group-level permissions, and without the write bit, they cannot create, delete, or modify files inside /data/projects. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Linux file permission syntax and the distinction between owner, group, and others—a common trap is confusing execute with write, or assuming membership in the group bypasses missing group write. Remember that the group permission triplet must include w for any group member to write, regardless of the owner’s permissions. A useful mnemonic: “If the group lacks w, the group can’t do.”
220-1202 Linux Commands and File Permissions Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. 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 help desk ticket states that a user cannot write to a shared directory /data/projects. The directory permissions are drwxr-xr-x and the user is in the 'staff' group. The directory's group owner is 'staff'. 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 directory lacks group write permission.
The directory has group read and execute permissions (r-x) but no write permission for the group. Since the user is in the 'staff' group, they need group write permission to create or modify files.
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 user does not have read permission on the directory.
Why it's wrong here
The directory has read for group (r-x), so the user can read the directory listing.
✓
The directory lacks group write permission.
Why this is correct
The group has r-x, meaning no write permission; adding group write (chmod g+w) would resolve the issue.
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 user is not the owner of the directory.
Why it's wrong here
Being the owner is not required; group membership should suffice if group permissions are set correctly.
✗
The sticky bit is set on the directory.
Why it's wrong here
The sticky bit (shown as 't' in permissions) prevents users from deleting others' files, but it does not prevent writing.
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 sticky bit (shown as 't' in permissions) prevents users from deleting others' files, but it does not prevent writing.
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 220-1202 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 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 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.
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The directory lacks group write permission. — The directory has group read and execute permissions (r-x) but no write permission for the group. Since the user is in the 'staff' group, they need group write permission to create or modify files.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 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.
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Question Discussion
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