- A
hosts: Defines the managed hosts or groups
The 'hosts' directive specifies which hosts or groups to run the playbook against.
- B
tasks: Defines the list of actions to be executed on hosts
The 'tasks' directive contains the sequence of modules to execute.
- C
become: Enables privilege escalation
The 'become' directive allows tasks to run with elevated privileges (e.g., sudo).
- D
hosts: Defines variables used throughout the playbook
Why wrong: Incorrect — 'hosts' defines target hosts, not variables. Variables are defined with 'vars'.
- E
tasks: Defines the target hosts or groups
Why wrong: Incorrect — 'tasks' defines actions, not target hosts. Target hosts are defined with 'hosts'.
Question 416 of 528
Understanding Ansible Playbook Directives: hosts, tasks, become
This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of coordinate rolling updates. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Match each Ansible playbook directive to its purpose.
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
✓
hosts: Defines the managed hosts or groups
Correct matches: 'hosts' specifies target hosts, 'tasks' lists actions, 'become' enables privilege escalation. Common confusion includes swapping hosts and tasks.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
hosts: Defines the managed hosts or groups
Why this is correct
The 'hosts' directive specifies which hosts or groups to run the playbook against.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
tasks: Defines the list of actions to be executed on hosts
Why this is correct
The 'tasks' directive contains the sequence of modules to execute.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✓
become: Enables privilege escalation
Why this is correct
The 'become' directive allows tasks to run with elevated privileges (e.g., sudo).
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
hosts: Defines variables used throughout the playbook
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — 'hosts' defines target hosts, not variables. Variables are defined with 'vars'.
- ✗
tasks: Defines the target hosts or groups
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect — 'tasks' defines actions, not target hosts. Target hosts are defined with 'hosts'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related EX294 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Coordinate rolling updates — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX294 question test?
Coordinate rolling updates — This question tests Coordinate rolling updates — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: hosts: Defines the managed hosts or groups — Correct matches: 'hosts' specifies target hosts, 'tasks' lists actions, 'become' enables privilege escalation. Common confusion includes swapping hosts and tasks.
What should I do if I get this EX294 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related EX294 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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