How to Force a Better Query Plan Using Query Store in Azure SQL Database
This DP-300 practice question tests your understanding of monitor, configure, and optimize database resources. 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.
Exhibit
Azure SQL Database query store output for a specific query:
Query ID: 123
Plan ID: 1
Execution count: 1000
Avg CPU time: 500 ms
Avg logical reads: 1000
Avg duration: 2000 ms
Plan ID: 2
Execution count: 100
Avg CPU time: 200 ms
Avg logical reads: 500
Avg duration: 500 ms
Currently, plan 1 is forcing the query. The query is executed frequently and is experiencing high CPU and duration.
Refer to the exhibit. Which action should you take to improve performance?
Exhibit
Azure SQL Database query store output for a specific query:
Query ID: 123
Plan ID: 1
Execution count: 1000
Avg CPU time: 500 ms
Avg logical reads: 1000
Avg duration: 2000 ms
Plan ID: 2
Execution count: 100
Avg CPU time: 200 ms
Avg logical reads: 500
Avg duration: 500 ms
Currently, plan 1 is forcing the query. The query is executed frequently and is experiencing high CPU and duration.
A
Enable automatic tuning for the query.
Why wrong: Automatic tuning might eventually force plan 2, but manual forcing is immediate.
B
Increase the database's DTU/DTU level.
Why wrong: Scaling up may not fix the suboptimal plan selection.
C
Force plan 2 using the query store.
Plan 2 has better metrics and should be forced to improve performance.
D
Drop and recreate the query's indexes.
Why wrong: Index changes might affect multiple queries; not targeted.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Force plan 2 using the query store.
The exhibit shows two plans for the same query. Plan 2 has lower CPU, reads, and duration. Plan 1 is being forced, causing poor performance. The best action is to force plan 2.
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.
✗
Enable automatic tuning for the query.
Why it's wrong here
Automatic tuning might eventually force plan 2, but manual forcing is immediate.
✗
Increase the database's DTU/DTU level.
Why it's wrong here
Scaling up may not fix the suboptimal plan selection.
✓
Force plan 2 using the query store.
Why this is correct
Plan 2 has better metrics and should be forced to improve performance.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Drop and recreate the query's indexes.
Why it's wrong here
Index changes might affect multiple queries; not targeted.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-300 question in full detail.
Identify which DP-300 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.
Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — This question tests Monitor, configure, and optimize database resources — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Force plan 2 using the query store. — The exhibit shows two plans for the same query. Plan 2 has lower CPU, reads, and duration. Plan 1 is being forced, causing poor performance. The best action is to force plan 2.
What should I do if I get this DP-300 question wrong?
Identify which DP-300 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.
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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