- A
Structured (customer table), Semi-structured (JSON), Unstructured (JPEG)
This is correct because a table with fixed columns is structured, JSON allows varying fields (semi-structured), and JPEG images have no internal structure (unstructured).
- B
Structured (customer table), Unstructured (JSON), Semi-structured (JPEG)
Why wrong: JSON is not unstructured; it is semi-structured because it uses tags to organize data. JPEG images are unstructured, not semi-structured.
- C
Semi-structured (customer table), Structured (JSON), Unstructured (JPEG)
Why wrong: A customer table is structured, not semi-structured. JSON is semi-structured, not structured.
- D
Unstructured (customer table), Structured (JSON), Semi-structured (JPEG)
Why wrong: A customer table is structured, not unstructured. JSON is semi-structured, not structured. JPEGs are unstructured, 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 stores customer names and addresses in a relational table, product descriptions as JSON files, and product images as JPEG files. Which of the following correctly classifies these data types from most structured to least structured?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"least"Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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 (customer table), Semi-structured (JSON), Unstructured (JPEG)
A is correct because structured data (customer table) has a fixed schema with rows and columns, semi-structured data (JSON) uses tags or key-value pairs without a rigid schema, and unstructured data (JPEG) has no predefined structure. The question tests the standard classification hierarchy from most to least structured.
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 (customer table), Semi-structured (JSON), Unstructured (JPEG)
Why this is correct
This is correct because a table with fixed columns is structured, JSON allows varying fields (semi-structured), and JPEG images have no internal structure (unstructured).
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Structured (customer table), Unstructured (JSON), Semi-structured (JPEG)
Why it's wrong here
JSON is not unstructured; it is semi-structured because it uses tags to organize data. JPEG images are unstructured, not semi-structured.
- ✗
Semi-structured (customer table), Structured (JSON), Unstructured (JPEG)
Why it's wrong here
A customer table is structured, not semi-structured. JSON is semi-structured, not structured.
- ✗
Unstructured (customer table), Structured (JSON), Semi-structured (JPEG)
Why it's wrong here
A customer table is structured, not unstructured. JSON is semi-structured, not structured. JPEGs are unstructured, not semi-structured.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing semi-structured (JSON) with unstructured (JPEG) because both lack a rigid schema, but JSON has a logical structure (key-value pairs) while JPEG is raw binary data.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Structured data relies on a predefined schema (e.g., SQL table with columns like CustomerID, Name, Address) enabling ACID transactions and efficient indexing. Semi-structured data like JSON uses self-describing tags (e.g., {"name":"John"}) allowing schema-on-read, while unstructured data like JPEG stores binary pixel data without any inherent metadata structure, requiring external processing for analysis.
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 (customer table), Semi-structured (JSON), Unstructured (JPEG) — A is correct because structured data (customer table) has a fixed schema with rows and columns, semi-structured data (JSON) uses tags or key-value pairs without a rigid schema, and unstructured data (JPEG) has no predefined structure. The question tests the standard classification hierarchy from most to least structured.
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: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
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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