Quick Answer
The answer is read scale-out, which is the correct feature to configure for directing all read queries to a read-only replica in Azure SQL Database. This capability works by setting the `ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly` parameter in the connection string, which automatically routes read-only queries to a secondary replica while write operations continue on the primary, effectively offloading the primary database from read-heavy workloads like patient record queries. On the Microsoft Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-305 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of high-availability and performance optimization patterns, often appearing in questions about separating read and write traffic for compliance or scalability. A common trap is confusing read scale-out with geo-replication or failover groups—remember that read scale-out uses the same database endpoint but routes based on intent, not a separate server. A useful memory tip: think “Intent equals direction”—setting `ReadOnly` in your intent sends queries to the replica, just like telling a librarian you only want to read, not check out.
This AZ-305 practice question tests your understanding of design data storage solutions. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 healthcare organization stores patient records in Azure SQL Database. They need to ensure that all read queries against the database are directed to a read-only replica to offload the primary. Which feature should you configure?
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.
Elastic database queries
Why wrong: Elastic queries allow cross-database queries but not read offloading.
Failover groups
Why wrong: Failover groups manage failover, not read routing.
Read scale-out
Read scale-out enables routing read-only queries to a readable secondary replica.
Active geo-replication
Why wrong: Geo-replication is for disaster recovery, not read offloading.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Read scale-out
Read scale-out in Azure SQL Database allows you to direct read-only queries to a read-only replica, offloading the primary database. By setting the `ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly` connection string parameter, queries are automatically routed to the secondary replica, which is ideal for read-heavy workloads like patient record queries.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Elastic database queries
Why it's wrong here
Elastic queries allow cross-database queries but not read offloading.
Failover groups
Why it's wrong here
Failover groups manage failover, not read routing.
Read scale-out
Why this is correct
Read scale-out enables routing read-only queries to a readable secondary replica.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Active geo-replication
Why it's wrong here
Geo-replication is for disaster recovery, not read offloading.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse Active geo-replication (which also provides readable secondaries) with Read scale-out, but Active geo-replication requires explicit connection string changes per replica, whereas Read scale-out automatically routes read-only queries via the same logical server endpoint.
Detailed technical explanation
Read scale-out leverages Always On availability groups under the hood, where the primary replica handles read-write traffic and up to four secondary replicas handle read-only traffic. The `ApplicationIntent` property in the connection string is evaluated at the gateway layer, which parses the intent and routes the connection to the appropriate replica. In a real-world scenario, this is critical for healthcare analytics dashboards that query patient records without impacting transactional write performance.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
An e-commerce site experiences heavy traffic on Black Friday and near-zero traffic during off-peak weeks. Rather than provisioning permanent large VMs, the team uses auto-scaling groups that add capacity automatically under load and reduce it overnight. Questions like this test whether you understand elasticity, availability zones, and cloud compute scaling patterns.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Design data storage solutions — This question tests Design data storage solutions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Read scale-out — Read scale-out in Azure SQL Database allows you to direct read-only queries to a read-only replica, offloading the primary database. By setting the `ApplicationIntent=ReadOnly` connection string parameter, queries are automatically routed to the secondary replica, which is ideal for read-heavy workloads like patient record queries.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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