This EX294 practice question tests your understanding of transform data with filters and plugins. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```yaml
---
- hosts: localhost
vars:
original_list:
- "hello123"
- "world456"
- "test789"
tasks:
- name: Filter list
set_fact:
filtered_list: "{{ original_list | select('match') }}"
```
The playbook above fails with an error. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```yaml
---
- hosts: localhost
vars:
original_list:
- "hello123"
- "world456"
- "test789"
tasks:
- name: Filter list
set_fact:
filtered_list: "{{ original_list | select('match') }}"
```
A
The `select` filter must be used with `selectattr` for attributes.
Why wrong: `selectattr` is for filtering based on attribute values, not for this case.
B
The `select` filter requires the test name without quotes.
Why wrong: Quotes are required for test names.
C
The `match` test requires a regex pattern as an argument.
The `match` test must be called with a pattern, e.g., `select('match', '.*')`.
D
The `filter` plugin should be used instead of `select`.
Why wrong: There is no `filter` plugin; `select` is appropriate here.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The `match` test requires a regex pattern as an argument.
The `match` test in Ansible always requires a regex pattern as an argument (e.g., `match('^foo')`). Without providing a pattern, the test has nothing to match against, and the playbook fails. Option C correctly identifies this as the cause. The other options are incorrect: `select` can be used without `selectattr` (A), quotes are not the issue (B), and `filter` plugin is not a substitute (D).
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 `select` filter must be used with `selectattr` for attributes.
Why it's wrong here
`selectattr` is for filtering based on attribute values, not for this case.
✗
The `select` filter requires the test name without quotes.
Why it's wrong here
Quotes are required for test names.
✓
The `match` test requires a regex pattern as an argument.
Why this is correct
The `match` test must be called with a pattern, e.g., `select('match', '.*')`.
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 `filter` plugin should be used instead of `select`.
Why it's wrong here
There is no `filter` plugin; `select` is appropriate here.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may assume the `match` test works without arguments (like `defined` or `none`), but it always requires a regex pattern, and the error message may be misinterpreted as a syntax or filter issue.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `match` test in Ansible is a Jinja2 test that checks if a string matches a given regex pattern. When used with the `select` filter, the pattern must be provided as an argument (e.g., `select('match', '^foo')`). Without it, the test has no pattern to evaluate, causing a failure. This is distinct from the `search` or `regex` tests, which also require patterns.
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.
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
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 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. 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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Transform data with filters and plugins — This question tests Transform data with filters and plugins — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The `match` test requires a regex pattern as an argument. — The `match` test in Ansible always requires a regex pattern as an argument (e.g., `match('^foo')`). Without providing a pattern, the test has nothing to match against, and the playbook fails. Option C correctly identifies this as the cause. The other options are incorrect: `select` can be used without `selectattr` (A), quotes are not the issue (B), and `filter` plugin is not a substitute (D).
What should I do if I get this EX294 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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