- A
The 'webservers' group includes web2 due to a misconfiguration.
The inventory JSON shows web2 is not in webservers, but the playbook still tries to run on web2, suggesting the limit is not working correctly or the inventory is misconfigured.
- B
The SSH key for web2 is not authorized.
Why wrong: The error is a permission denied, but the root cause is the limit not matching.
- C
The inventory file has a syntax error causing web2 to be included in webservers.
Why wrong: The JSON output clearly shows web2 not in webservers, so no syntax error.
- D
The playbook's 'hosts' directive is set to 'all' instead of 'webservers'.
Why wrong: If the playbook hosts were 'all', the limit 'webservers' would still restrict to webservers. The error indicates web2 is being targeted despite limit.
Ansible --limit Misconfiguration
This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of implement advanced ansible automation. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. A key principle to apply: ansible --limit option. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. When running the playbook with the limit set to 'webservers', why does the playbook fail on web2?
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
The 'webservers' group includes web2 due to a misconfiguration.
Option A is correct because the inventory file, as shown in the exhibit, does not list web2 under the 'webservers' group. However, when running the playbook with --limit webservers, web2 is still targeted. This indicates a misconfiguration such as a duplicate host entry, incorrect group assignment, or a faulty inventory script that inadvertently includes web2 in the webservers group. Ansible's --limit option restricts execution to hosts that are members of the specified group, so if web2 is not supposed to be in webservers but appears due to error, the playbook fails on web2 because it is unreachable or misconfigured for that role.
Key principle: Ansible --limit 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 'webservers' group includes web2 due to a misconfiguration.
Why this is correct
The inventory JSON shows web2 is not in webservers, but the playbook still tries to run on web2, suggesting the limit is not working correctly or the inventory is misconfigured.
Related concept
Ansible --limit option
- ✗
The SSH key for web2 is not authorized.
Why it's wrong here
The error is a permission denied, but the root cause is the limit not matching.
- ✗
The inventory file has a syntax error causing web2 to be included in webservers.
Why it's wrong here
The JSON output clearly shows web2 not in webservers, so no syntax error.
- ✗
The playbook's 'hosts' directive is set to 'all' instead of 'webservers'.
Why it's wrong here
If the playbook hosts were 'all', the limit 'webservers' would still restrict to webservers. The error indicates web2 is being targeted despite limit.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Candidates often assume that the --limit option filters based on intended roles or hostnames rather than actual group membership in the inventory. The trap here is that the inventory determines group membership, and any host included (even by mistake) will be targeted. This question tests the understanding that --limit uses inventory data, not logical groupings.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The JSON output clearly shows web2 not in webservers, so no syntax error.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `--limit` option in Ansible applies a pattern filter to the inventory, restricting execution to hosts that match the pattern; it does not change the group membership. If web2 is listed under 'webservers', it will be included regardless of whether it should be there. This is a common misconfiguration where a host is accidentally added to a group due to a typo or incorrect inventory structure, leading to unexpected failures when the group is targeted. In real-world scenarios, this can cause playbooks to fail on hosts that are not properly configured for the intended role, such as missing packages or incorrect network settings.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Ansible --limit option
- Inventory misconfiguration
TExam Day Tips
- 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
Ansible --limit option
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the EX294 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. Ansible --limit option Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ansible --limit option, then practise related EX294 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX294 question test?
Implement advanced Ansible automation — This question tests Implement advanced Ansible automation — Ansible --limit option.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 'webservers' group includes web2 due to a misconfiguration. — Option A is correct because the inventory file, as shown in the exhibit, does not list web2 under the 'webservers' group. However, when running the playbook with --limit webservers, web2 is still targeted. This indicates a misconfiguration such as a duplicate host entry, incorrect group assignment, or a faulty inventory script that inadvertently includes web2 in the webservers group. Ansible's --limit option restricts execution to hosts that are members of the specified group, so if web2 is not supposed to be in webservers but appears due to error, the playbook fails on web2 because it is unreachable or misconfigured for that role.
What should I do if I get this EX294 question wrong?
Review ansible --limit option, then practise related EX294 questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Ansible --limit option
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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