LPIC-2 Linux Kernel and System Startup Practice Question
During boot, the kernel panics because the root filesystem cannot be mounted. Which kernel parameter should be added at the GRUB prompt to try an alternative root device?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many candidates confuse kernel parameters with bootloader commands or init system targets, mistakenly thinking 'rescue' or 'single' can fix a root device failure when they only affect post-mount behavior.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
root=/dev/sdb1
The kernel parameter 'root=' specifies the device for the root filesystem. When the default root device fails to mount, adding 'root=/dev/sdb1' at the GRUB prompt overrides the compiled-in root and tells the kernel to attempt mounting from that alternative block device. This is the standard method to redirect the root mount during boot troubleshooting.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
root=/dev/sdb1
Why this is correct
The root= parameter explicitly specifies the root device.
- ✗
init=/bin/sh
Why it's wrong here
init= specifies a different init program, not the root device.
- ✗
rescue
Why it's wrong here
rescue is not a standard kernel parameter.
- ✗
single
Why it's wrong here
single boots into single-user mode, but does not change the root device.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This LPIC-2 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-2 exam.