- A
Structured data
Why wrong: Structured data requires a fixed schema where every record has the same set of fields. This JSON file has optional fields, so it is not purely structured.
- B
Semi-structured data
Correct. Semi-structured data has some organizational properties (like tags or keys) but allows variations in the schema. JSON documents with optional fields fall into this category.
- C
Unstructured data
Why wrong: Unstructured data has no pre-defined data model or organization, such as image or video files. This JSON file has a clear structure, so it is not unstructured.
- D
Transactional data
Why wrong: Transactional data is a type of data that records events or transactions, but it is not a classification of data structure. The question is about the structural type, not the business context.
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 data file contains records for customer orders. Each record has fields for OrderID, CustomerID, and OrderDate that are present in every record. However, some records include an optional 'DiscountCode' field, and others include an optional 'GiftMessage' field. The file is stored in JSON format. Which type of data does this file represent?
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
Semi-structured data
The JSON file contains records with a fixed set of fields (OrderID, CustomerID, OrderDate) that are always present, but also includes optional fields (DiscountCode, GiftMessage) that may appear in some records but not others. This mix of a consistent schema with flexible, self-describing fields is the hallmark of semi-structured data. JSON itself is a semi-structured format because it uses key-value pairs and allows nested or optional attributes without requiring a rigid 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.
- ✗
Structured data
Why it's wrong here
Structured data requires a fixed schema where every record has the same set of fields. This JSON file has optional fields, so it is not purely structured.
- ✓
Semi-structured data
Why this is correct
Correct. Semi-structured data has some organizational properties (like tags or keys) but allows variations in the schema. JSON documents with optional fields fall into this category.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Unstructured data
Why it's wrong here
Unstructured data has no pre-defined data model or organization, such as image or video files. This JSON file has a clear structure, so it is not unstructured.
- ✗
Transactional data
Why it's wrong here
Transactional data is a type of data that records events or transactions, but it is not a classification of data structure. The question is about the structural type, not the business context.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'semi-structured' with 'unstructured' because they see optional fields and think the data has no structure, but the presence of a consistent base schema (OrderID, CustomerID, OrderDate) clearly distinguishes it as semi-structured.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, JSON is parsed as a tree of key-value pairs where each object can have a different set of keys, making it schema-on-read rather than schema-on-write. This flexibility allows applications to evolve their data models without breaking existing records, which is why JSON is widely used in NoSQL databases like MongoDB and in REST APIs. A real-world scenario is an e-commerce system where older orders lack a 'DiscountCode' field, but newer orders include it — semi-structured data handles this gracefully without requiring NULL placeholders or schema migrations.
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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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: Semi-structured data — The JSON file contains records with a fixed set of fields (OrderID, CustomerID, OrderDate) that are always present, but also includes optional fields (DiscountCode, GiftMessage) that may appear in some records but not others. This mix of a consistent schema with flexible, self-describing fields is the hallmark of semi-structured data. JSON itself is a semi-structured format because it uses key-value pairs and allows nested or optional attributes without requiring a rigid 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 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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