CSM Scrum Events Practice Question
During a Sprint Review, a stakeholder asks the Developers to add a new high-priority feature to the current Sprint Backlog so it can be demonstrated at the next Sprint Review. The Product Owner is present. What is the most appropriate action for the Scrum Master to take?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that because the Sprint Review is an inspect-and-adapt event, stakeholders can directly add work to the current Sprint.
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
✓
Remind the team that the Sprint Backlog is owned by the Developers and that new work should be negotiated with the Product Owner for future Sprints, while the current Sprint Goal remains protected.
The Sprint Backlog is owned by the Developers, and the Sprint Goal provides focus for the Sprint. While the Product Owner manages the Product Backlog and can collaborate with the Developers to renegotiate scope, stakeholders do not directly assign work during the Sprint Review. The Scrum Master should protect the Sprint Goal and ensure changes are handled through the appropriate Scrum roles and events.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Escalate the request to the Scrum Master's manager to decide whether the feature should be added to the current Sprint.
Why it's wrong here
The Scrum Master does not escalate product decisions to a manager. The Product Owner is accountable for maximizing product value and managing the Product Backlog. Involving an external manager would undermine self-management and the Product Owner's authority. The Scrum Master should coach the team and stakeholders on Scrum principles rather than escalate.
- ✓
Remind the team that the Sprint Backlog is owned by the Developers and that new work should be negotiated with the Product Owner for future Sprints, while the current Sprint Goal remains protected.
Why this is correct
The Sprint Backlog is owned by the Developers, and the Sprint Goal should not be jeopardized by adding scope mid-Sprint without careful consideration. The Product Owner manages the Product Backlog and can collaborate with the Developers to renegotiate scope if needed, but the Scrum Master should protect the Sprint Goal and ensure changes are handled transparently, not imposed by stakeholders during the Sprint Review.
- ✗
Instruct the Developers to add the feature immediately, since the Sprint Review is the official inspect-and-adapt event where stakeholders provide input.
Why it's wrong here
While the Sprint Review is an inspect-and-adapt event, it is not a forum for stakeholders to directly assign new work to the Developers. The Product Owner is responsible for managing the Product Backlog and ordering items. Adding work mid-Sprint without the Product Owner's involvement and without assessing impact on the Sprint Goal undermines Scrum's roles and could destabilize the Sprint.
- ✗
Tell the stakeholder that no changes can ever be made during a Sprint and that the feature must wait until the next Sprint Planning regardless of its priority.
Why it's wrong here
This response is too rigid. The Scrum Guide allows the scope of a Sprint to be clarified and renegotiated with the Product Owner as more is learned. While the Sprint Goal should remain stable, the Developers and Product Owner can adjust the Sprint Backlog. A blanket refusal ignores the collaborative nature of Scrum and the Product Owner's role in managing value.
About these practice questions
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Scrum Alliance exam blueprint
This CSM practice question is part of Courseiva's free Scrum Alliance 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 CSM exam.