- A
Source A: Structured, Source B: Semi-structured, Source C: Unstructured
This correctly identifies structured data (customer records with fixed columns), semi-structured data (JSON with variable fields), and unstructured data (images with no inherent structure).
- B
Source A: Structured, Source B: Unstructured, Source C: Semi-structured
Why wrong: JSON is semi-structured, not unstructured; images are unstructured, not semi-structured.
- C
Source A: Semi-structured, Source B: Structured, Source C: Unstructured
Why wrong: Customer records from a relational database are structured, not semi-structured; JSON posts are semi-structured, not structured.
- D
Source A: Semi-structured, Source B: Unstructured, Source C: Structured
Why wrong: Handwritten notes as images are unstructured, not structured; customer records are structured, not semi-structured.
DP-900 Describe core data concepts Practice Question
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe core data concepts. 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 collects data from three sources: Source A: Customer records from a relational database with fixed columns (CustomerID, Name, Address). Source B: Social media posts in JSON format with varying fields (e.g., some posts have 'likes', others have 'shares'). Source C: Handwritten notes saved as scanned images in TIFF format. Which statement correctly categorizes the data by structure?
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
Source A: Structured, Source B: Semi-structured, Source C: Unstructured
Source A's relational database with fixed columns (CustomerID, Name, Address) enforces a strict schema, making it structured data. Source B's JSON format allows varying fields like 'likes' or 'shares' per record, which is the hallmark of semi-structured data (self-describing, schema-on-read). Source C's scanned TIFF images are binary blobs with no inherent internal structure for querying, classifying them as unstructured data. This matches the standard DP-900 categorization: structured (fixed schema), semi-structured (flexible schema), unstructured (no schema).
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.
- ✓
Source A: Structured, Source B: Semi-structured, Source C: Unstructured
Why this is correct
This correctly identifies structured data (customer records with fixed columns), semi-structured data (JSON with variable fields), and unstructured data (images with no inherent structure).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Source A: Structured, Source B: Unstructured, Source C: Semi-structured
Why it's wrong here
JSON is semi-structured, not unstructured; images are unstructured, not semi-structured.
- ✗
Source A: Semi-structured, Source B: Structured, Source C: Unstructured
Why it's wrong here
Customer records from a relational database are structured, not semi-structured; JSON posts are semi-structured, not structured.
- ✗
Source A: Semi-structured, Source B: Unstructured, Source C: Structured
Why it's wrong here
Handwritten notes as images are unstructured, not structured; customer records are structured, not semi-structured.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Microsoft often tests the misconception that 'JSON is unstructured because it looks like text' or that 'scanned images are semi-structured because they have metadata,' but the DP-900 definition hinges on whether the data has a fixed schema (structured), flexible schema (semi-structured), or no schema (unstructured).
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Structured data relies on a predefined schema (e.g., SQL table DDL) enabling ACID transactions and efficient indexing. Semi-structured data like JSON uses tags or attributes (RFC 8259) to describe data, allowing schema-on-read where each record may have different fields. Unstructured data such as TIFF images (Tagged Image File Format) stores raw pixel data without queryable metadata, often requiring blob storage and AI/ML for extraction (e.g., OCR). In real-world pipelines, Azure Data Factory can ingest all three: structured from Azure SQL, semi-structured from Cosmos DB, and unstructured from Blob Storage.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this DP-900 question test?
Describe core data concepts — This question tests Describe core data concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Source A: Structured, Source B: Semi-structured, Source C: Unstructured — Source A's relational database with fixed columns (CustomerID, Name, Address) enforces a strict schema, making it structured data. Source B's JSON format allows varying fields like 'likes' or 'shares' per record, which is the hallmark of semi-structured data (self-describing, schema-on-read). Source C's scanned TIFF images are binary blobs with no inherent internal structure for querying, classifying them as unstructured data. This matches the standard DP-900 categorization: structured (fixed schema), semi-structured (flexible schema), unstructured (no schema).
What should I do if I get this DP-900 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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