- A
A. Only structured data is stored because the SQL database contains the primary records.
Why wrong: Incorrect. While the SQL database stores structured data, the company also stores semi-structured JSON files and unstructured image files, so not all data is structured.
- B
B. Only semi-structured and unstructured data is stored because JSON and images are not purely structured.
Why wrong: Incorrect. The SQL database stores structured data, so structured data is also present.
- C
C. Only unstructured data is stored because images have no predefined schema.
Why wrong: Incorrect. Both the SQL database and JSON files have structure, so unstructured data is not the only type present.
- D
D. Structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data are stored.
Correct. The SQL database contains structured data (rows and columns), JSON files contain semi-structured data (key-value pairs with some schema flexibility), and JPEG files contain unstructured data (no inherent structure). All three categories are represented.
Quick Answer
The correct answer is D: structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data are all stored. This is because the product inventory in a SQL database follows a fixed schema of tables, rows, and columns, making it structured; the customer reviews in JSON files use key-value pairs with a flexible schema but no rigid table structure, classifying them as semi-structured; and the JPEG product images lack any predefined schema or organization, placing them in the unstructured category. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this question tests your ability to classify data by its schema rigidity—a core concept for understanding Azure storage solutions like Azure SQL Database, Cosmos DB, and Blob Storage. A common trap is confusing JSON as unstructured, but remember that any data with metadata tags or key-value pairs is semi-structured. For a quick memory tip: think of a spreadsheet (structured), a labeled filing cabinet (semi-structured), and a pile of photos (unstructured).
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 retail company stores product inventory data in a SQL database, customer reviews as JSON files, and product images as JPEG files. Which of the following accurately describes the types of data stored?
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
D. Structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data are stored.
The company stores product inventory data in a SQL database, which enforces a fixed schema (tables, rows, columns) and is therefore structured data. Customer reviews stored as JSON files are semi-structured because they have a flexible schema (key-value pairs) but no rigid table structure. Product images as JPEG files are unstructured because they lack any predefined schema or organization. Option D correctly identifies that all three data types are present.
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.
- ✗
A. Only structured data is stored because the SQL database contains the primary records.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. While the SQL database stores structured data, the company also stores semi-structured JSON files and unstructured image files, so not all data is structured.
- ✗
B. Only semi-structured and unstructured data is stored because JSON and images are not purely structured.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. The SQL database stores structured data, so structured data is also present.
- ✗
C. Only unstructured data is stored because images have no predefined schema.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Both the SQL database and JSON files have structure, so unstructured data is not the only type present.
- ✓
D. Structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data are stored.
Why this is correct
Correct. The SQL database contains structured data (rows and columns), JSON files contain semi-structured data (key-value pairs with some schema flexibility), and JPEG files contain unstructured data (no inherent structure). All three categories are represented.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume 'data type' is determined by the storage medium (e.g., SQL = structured only) rather than recognizing that a single system can store multiple data types, leading them to overlook the presence of semi-structured and unstructured data.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, structured data relies on a fixed schema enforced by the database management system (e.g., SQL Server), enabling ACID transactions and efficient querying via T-SQL. Semi-structured data like JSON uses self-describing tags or attributes, allowing schema-on-read flexibility, often parsed with functions like JSON_VALUE in SQL Server. Unstructured data such as JPEG images is stored as binary large objects (BLOBs) and requires specialized processing (e.g., computer vision) to extract meaning, with no inherent queryable structure.
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.
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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: D. Structured, semi-structured, and unstructured data are stored. — The company stores product inventory data in a SQL database, which enforces a fixed schema (tables, rows, columns) and is therefore structured data. Customer reviews stored as JSON files are semi-structured because they have a flexible schema (key-value pairs) but no rigid table structure. Product images as JPEG files are unstructured because they lack any predefined schema or organization. Option D correctly identifies that all three data types are present.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
2 more ways this is tested on DP-900
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. A company stores customer data in a relational table with fixed columns: CustomerID (integer), FirstName (string), LastName (string), Email (string). They also store product images as JPEG files in Azure Blob Storage, and customer feedback as JSON documents where each document may contain fields such as rating, comment, and optional metadata. Which of the following correctly classifies these data types?
easy- ✓ A.Relational table – structured, JPEG – unstructured, JSON – semi-structured
- B.Relational table – structured, JPEG – semi-structured, JSON – unstructured
- C.Relational table – semi-structured, JPEG – unstructured, JSON – structured
- D.Relational table – unstructured, JPEG – structured, JSON – semi-structured
Why A: Option A is correct because a relational table with fixed columns and data types (CustomerID, FirstName, LastName, Email) stores structured data with a rigid schema. JPEG files in Azure Blob Storage are binary blobs with no internal structure that a database can interpret, making them unstructured. JSON documents with optional fields (like rating, comment, metadata) have a flexible schema that can vary per document, which is the definition of semi-structured data.
Variation 2. A company stores three types of data: 1) Customer orders in a SQL table with fixed columns for OrderID, CustomerID, and OrderDate. 2) Product reviews in XML files where each file contains varying tags such as <rating> and <comment>. 3) Video files of product demonstrations. Which of the following correctly classifies these data types in order from first to third?
easy- ✓ A.Structured, Semi-structured, Unstructured
- B.Semi-structured, Unstructured, Structured
- C.Unstructured, Structured, Semi-structured
- D.Structured, Unstructured, Semi-structured
Why A: Customer orders in a SQL table with fixed columns (OrderID, CustomerID, OrderDate) are structured data because they conform to a rigid schema. Product reviews in XML files with varying tags like <rating> and <comment> are semi-structured data because they have tags/metadata but no fixed schema. Video files of product demonstrations are unstructured data because they lack any predefined data model or organization.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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