The answer is enabling DAX (DynamoDB Accelerator) to cache read results, as this directly reduces the read capacity consumption from global secondary indexes. When your application repeatedly queries a GSI, each request consumes read capacity units from that index; DAX caches those frequently accessed items in memory, so subsequent reads hit the cache instead of the index, drastically lowering overall consumption. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this question tests your understanding that GSIs have their own provisioned read capacity, and that caching is a targeted solution—unlike changing sort keys or adjusting write capacity, which do nothing for read efficiency. A common trap is assuming a local secondary index would help, but LSIs share the base table’s read capacity, not reduce GSI consumption. Memory tip: “DAX Deflects Reads” from the index, keeping your capacity costs down.
DBS-C01 Monitoring and Troubleshooting Practice Question
This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of monitoring and troubleshooting. 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.
A company notices that its Amazon DynamoDB table is consuming more read capacity than expected. The table has a global secondary index (GSI) with a different sort key. Which action would most likely reduce the read consumption?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Enable DAX (DynamoDB Accelerator) to cache read results.
Queries that use the GSI can consume read capacity from the index. However, if the query uses the base table's primary key, it consumes from the base table. Option A is wrong because local secondary indexes don't help. Option B is wrong because adjusting write capacity doesn't affect reads. Option C is correct because enabling DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) caches reads, reducing read capacity consumption. Option D is wrong because changing the sort key is not a direct solution.
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.
✗
Increase the write capacity of the table.
Why it's wrong here
Write capacity does not affect read consumption.
✓
Enable DAX (DynamoDB Accelerator) to cache read results.
Why this is correct
DAX reduces the number of reads to the table, lowering read capacity consumption.
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.
✗
Change the sort key of the base table to match the GSI sort key.
Why it's wrong here
Changing the sort key would require re-engineering and may not reduce read consumption.
✗
Create a local secondary index (LSI) with the same sort key as the GSI.
Why it's wrong here
LSIs share capacity with the base table and would not reduce read consumption.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 cloud solutions architect for a retail company is evaluating services for a new workload. The correct answer here reflects best practice for the specific scenario described — not a general cloud recommendation. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Cloud exam questions reward reading the constraint carefully: the same technology can be right or wrong depending on the use case.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which DBS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Monitoring and Troubleshooting — This question tests Monitoring and Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable DAX (DynamoDB Accelerator) to cache read results. — Queries that use the GSI can consume read capacity from the index. However, if the query uses the base table's primary key, it consumes from the base table. Option A is wrong because local secondary indexes don't help. Option B is wrong because adjusting write capacity doesn't affect reads. Option C is correct because enabling DynamoDB Accelerator (DAX) caches reads, reducing read capacity consumption. Option D is wrong because changing the sort key is not a direct solution.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Identify which DBS-C01 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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