- A
Use a more distributed GSI partition key to avoid hot partitions.
Using a more distributed GSI partition key spreads queries across multiple partitions, reducing the chance of hot partitions and improving read performance.
- B
Ensure that the GSI key attribute exists on all items that need to be queried.
If the GSI key attribute does not exist on all items that need to be queried, the index becomes sparse and may not efficiently serve those queries. Ensuring the attribute exists guarantees the items are indexed.
- C
Increase the read capacity of the GSI.
Why wrong: You cannot directly increase read capacity on a GSI; the GSI uses the same read capacity units as the base table. Moreover, the issue is likely not throttling but hot partitions or sparse index.
- D
Use strongly consistent reads on the GSI.
Why wrong: GSIs only support eventually consistent reads. Strongly consistent reads are not available on GSIs, so this option is invalid.
- E
Increase the write capacity of the DynamoDB table.
Why wrong: Increasing write capacity on the table does not improve read performance on the GSI, as reads and writes use separate capacity pools.
Optimizing DynamoDB Global Secondary Index Query Performance
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting and optimization. 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 developer is optimizing an application that uses Amazon DynamoDB. The application reads items by primary key and also performs queries on a Global Secondary Index (GSI). The developer notices that some queries on the GSI are slow. Which TWO actions would improve the performance of GSI queries? (Choose TWO.)
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"primary"Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
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
Use a more distributed GSI partition key to avoid hot partitions.
Option A: Using a more distributed GSI partition key prevents hot partitions, which can cause throttling and slow queries. Option B: Ensuring the GSI key attribute exists on all queried items avoids a sparse index, where only a small subset of items are indexed, leading to uneven data distribution and potential performance issues. Options C and E are incorrect because GSIs use the table's read capacity units (RCUs); increasing write capacity does not affect read performance. Option D is incorrect because GSIs do not support strongly consistent reads—only eventual consistency is available.
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.
- ✓
Use a more distributed GSI partition key to avoid hot partitions.
Why this is correct
Using a more distributed GSI partition key spreads queries across multiple partitions, reducing the chance of hot partitions and improving read performance.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Ensure that the GSI key attribute exists on all items that need to be queried.
Why this is correct
If the GSI key attribute does not exist on all items that need to be queried, the index becomes sparse and may not efficiently serve those queries. Ensuring the attribute exists guarantees the items are indexed.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Increase the read capacity of the GSI.
Why it's wrong here
You cannot directly increase read capacity on a GSI; the GSI uses the same read capacity units as the base table. Moreover, the issue is likely not throttling but hot partitions or sparse index.
- ✗
Use strongly consistent reads on the GSI.
Why it's wrong here
GSIs only support eventually consistent reads. Strongly consistent reads are not available on GSIs, so this option is invalid.
- ✗
Increase the write capacity of the DynamoDB table.
Why it's wrong here
Increasing write capacity on the table does not improve read performance on the GSI, as reads and writes use separate capacity pools.
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 DVA-C02 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.
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Troubleshooting and Optimization — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DVA-C02 question test?
Troubleshooting and Optimization — This question tests Troubleshooting and Optimization — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Use a more distributed GSI partition key to avoid hot partitions. — Option A: Using a more distributed GSI partition key prevents hot partitions, which can cause throttling and slow queries. Option B: Ensuring the GSI key attribute exists on all queried items avoids a sparse index, where only a small subset of items are indexed, leading to uneven data distribution and potential performance issues. Options C and E are incorrect because GSIs use the table's read capacity units (RCUs); increasing write capacity does not affect read performance. Option D is incorrect because GSIs do not support strongly consistent reads—only eventual consistency is available.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 question wrong?
Identify which DVA-C02 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: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026
This DVA-C02 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services 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 DVA-C02 exam.
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