- A
Structured data
Correct. Each record has the same fixed attributes (timestamp, sensor ID, temperature) conforming to a rigid schema, typical of structured data.
- B
Semi-structured data
Why wrong: Incorrect. Semi-structured data, such as JSON or XML, allows for varying fields and hierarchies. Here, all records share an identical schema with no optional or nested elements.
- C
Unstructured data
Why wrong: Incorrect. Unstructured data has no predefined format (e.g., images, videos, free-form text). The IoT readings are clearly structured with well-defined columns.
- D
Streaming data
Why wrong: Incorrect. Streaming data describes a continuous flow of data that is processed in real-time. While the IoT data may be ingested as a stream, the question asks about data classification based on structure, not processing mode.
DP-900 Describe core data concepts Practice Question
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe core data concepts. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 temperature readings from IoT sensors every second. Each reading includes a timestamp, sensor ID, and temperature value. The data is used for real-time monitoring and historical trend analysis. Which type of data is this most likely classified as?
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 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
Structured data
The data consists of timestamp, sensor ID, and temperature value, each with a defined data type and relationship, fitting a tabular schema (rows and columns) typical of relational databases. This structured format enables efficient querying for real-time monitoring and historical trend analysis using SQL-based systems like Azure SQL Database or Azure Synapse Analytics.
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.
- ✓
Structured data
Why this is correct
Correct. Each record has the same fixed attributes (timestamp, sensor ID, temperature) conforming to a rigid schema, typical of structured data.
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.
- ✗
Semi-structured data
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Semi-structured data, such as JSON or XML, allows for varying fields and hierarchies. Here, all records share an identical schema with no optional or nested elements.
- ✗
Unstructured data
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Unstructured data has no predefined format (e.g., images, videos, free-form text). The IoT readings are clearly structured with well-defined columns.
- ✗
Streaming data
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Streaming data describes a continuous flow of data that is processed in real-time. While the IoT data may be ingested as a stream, the question asks about data classification based on structure, not processing mode.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing the data's structure (structured vs. semi-structured) with its velocity (streaming vs. batch), leading candidates to incorrectly select 'Streaming data' because the data arrives in real time, even though the question explicitly asks about classification by type, not ingestion method.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Structured data adheres to a strict schema, often enforced by constraints like primary keys and foreign keys in relational database management systems (RDBMS). In IoT scenarios, this schema allows efficient indexing on timestamp and sensor ID for time-series queries, leveraging columnstore indexes in Azure SQL Database for fast aggregation over millions of rows. Real-world implementations often use Azure IoT Hub to ingest the data and route it to Azure SQL Database for structured 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 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 exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Describe core data concepts — study guide chapter
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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: Structured data — The data consists of timestamp, sensor ID, and temperature value, each with a defined data type and relationship, fitting a tabular schema (rows and columns) typical of relational databases. This structured format enables efficient querying for real-time monitoring and historical trend analysis using SQL-based systems like Azure SQL Database or Azure Synapse Analytics.
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.
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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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This DP-900 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 DP-900 exam.
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