Quick Answer
The answer is a misconfigured /etc/resolv.conf file. This is correct because the dig command succeeded when explicitly targeting the 8.8.8.8 DNS server, proving that network connectivity and the remote DNS service are both functional. However, the host command fails because it relies on the system’s default resolver, which reads /etc/resolv.conf to determine which nameserver to query. If that file is missing, contains an invalid IP, or has a syntax error, the resolver cannot reach any DNS server, resulting in a “Host not found” error. On the LPIC-1 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Linux applications resolve hostnames: some tools like dig allow you to bypass the system resolver, while others like host and nslookup depend entirely on /etc/resolv.conf. A common trap is assuming a network-wide DNS outage when the real issue is local configuration. Memory tip: “dig digs directly, host hopes for resolv.conf.”
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of essential system services and networking. 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.
An administrator is troubleshooting a DNS issue. The command 'dig @8.8.8.8 example.com' returns a response, but 'host example.com' returns 'Host not found'. Which of the following 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.
The network interface is down.
Why wrong: Would affect both commands.
The /etc/hosts file is corrupt.
Why wrong: Corrupt hosts file would affect both similarly.
The DNS server at 8.8.8.8 is not responding.
Why wrong: But dig succeeded, so it is responding.
The /etc/resolv.conf file is misconfigured.
'host' uses local resolver, which may have wrong DNS servers.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
The /etc/resolv.conf file is misconfigured.
The command 'dig @8.8.8.8 example.com' succeeds, proving that the DNS server at 8.8.8.8 is reachable and functional, and that network connectivity is fine. However, 'host example.com' fails because it uses the system's default resolver, which reads /etc/resolv.conf to determine which DNS server to query. If /etc/resolv.conf is misconfigured (e.g., missing or incorrect nameserver entries), the resolver cannot reach a valid DNS server, resulting in 'Host not found'.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
The network interface is down.
Why it's wrong here
Would affect both commands.
The /etc/hosts file is corrupt.
Why it's wrong here
Corrupt hosts file would affect both similarly.
The DNS server at 8.8.8.8 is not responding.
Why it's wrong here
But dig succeeded, so it is responding.
The /etc/resolv.conf file is misconfigured.
Why this is correct
'host' uses local resolver, which may have wrong DNS servers.
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.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates see a successful 'dig' and assume DNS is fully working, not realizing that 'dig' with an explicit server bypasses the local resolver configuration, while 'host' relies on /etc/resolv.conf.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
Corrupt hosts file would affect both similarly.
Command / output trap
Would affect both commands.
Detailed technical explanation
The resolver library (glibc's nsswitch.conf) typically checks /etc/hosts first, then queries the nameservers listed in /etc/resolv.conf. The 'host' command uses the system resolver, while 'dig @8.8.8.8' bypasses it by specifying a server directly. A common misconfiguration is a missing 'nameserver' line or a typo (e.g., 'nameserver 8.8.8.8' vs. 'nameserver 8.8.8.8.') that causes the resolver to fail silently or fall back to an invalid server.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the LPIC-1 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.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Essential System Services and Networking — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Essential System Services and Networking practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All LPIC-1 questions
522 questions across all exam domains
Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 1 LPIC-1 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
LPIC-1 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to GNU and Unix Commands.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Devices, Filesystems and FHS.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Linux Installation and Package Management.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Essential System Services and Networking.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Administrative Tasks.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to Shells, Scripting and Data Management.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to System Architecture.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to LPIC-1 fundamentals.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to LPIC-1 scenario.
Practise LPIC-1 questions linked to LPIC-1 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Essential System Services and Networking — This question tests Essential System Services and Networking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: The /etc/resolv.conf file is misconfigured. — The command 'dig @8.8.8.8 example.com' succeeds, proving that the DNS server at 8.8.8.8 is reachable and functional, and that network connectivity is fine. However, 'host example.com' fails because it uses the system's default resolver, which reads /etc/resolv.conf to determine which DNS server to query. If /etc/resolv.conf is misconfigured (e.g., missing or incorrect nameserver entries), the resolver cannot reach a valid DNS server, resulting in 'Host not found'.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 →
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This LPIC-1 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the LPIC-1 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.