The answer is semi-structured data. This classification is correct because the route history is stored as JSON documents where each document can have different fields depending on the recorded events, a flexibility that defines semi-structured data—it uses self-describing tags or markers like key-value pairs rather than a rigid, fixed schema. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between structured data (fixed schema, like the shipment ID table) and semi-structured data (schema-on-read, like JSON or XML). A common trap is confusing semi-structured with unstructured data, but remember: semi-structured still has organizational tags, while unstructured (like plain text or images) has none. For a memory tip, think of a "flexible form"—structured is a printed form with fixed blanks, while semi-structured is a digital form where you can add new fields as needed.
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 logistics company stores shipment tracking data. The shipment ID, destination, and weight are stored in a fixed-schema database table. The shipment's route history is stored as a JSON document where each document can have different fields depending on the route events recorded. Which classification of data best describes the route history data?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Why wrong: Structured data has a fixed schema, like the database table with fixed columns. The route history JSON has a flexible schema, so it is not structured.
B
Semi-structured data
JSON documents with varying fields are a classic example of semi-structured data. They have a schema that can evolve and are self-describing.
C
Unstructured data
Why wrong: Unstructured data has no predefined schema, such as plain text or binary files. JSON has an inherent structure (key-value pairs), so it is not unstructured.
D
Analytical data
Why wrong: Analytical data refers to data used for analysis and reporting; it is not a classification of data structure.
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 route history data is stored as JSON documents where each document can have different fields depending on the events recorded. This flexibility in schema—where fields vary per document—is the hallmark of semi-structured data. Unlike structured data with a fixed schema, semi-structured data uses tags or markers (like JSON key-value pairs) to organize the data, making it self-describing.
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 has a fixed schema, like the database table with fixed columns. The route history JSON has a flexible schema, so it is not structured.
✓
Semi-structured data
Why this is correct
JSON documents with varying fields are a classic example of semi-structured data. They have a schema that can evolve and are self-describing.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Unstructured data
Why it's wrong here
Unstructured data has no predefined schema, such as plain text or binary files. JSON has an inherent structure (key-value pairs), so it is not unstructured.
✗
Analytical data
Why it's wrong here
Analytical data refers to data used for analysis and reporting; it is not a classification of data structure.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse 'structured' with 'organized' and assume JSON is structured because it has keys, but the key differentiator is schema flexibility—structured data enforces a fixed schema, while semi-structured data allows varying fields per record.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Semi-structured data like JSON does not require a rigid schema but still contains metadata (keys) that describe the data values. In Azure, services like Cosmos DB natively store JSON documents and allow schema-agnostic indexing, enabling efficient queries on varying fields. A real-world scenario is IoT telemetry where each device may send different sensor readings, making JSON ideal for capturing heterogeneous event data without 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this DP-900 question in full detail.
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 route history data is stored as JSON documents where each document can have different fields depending on the events recorded. This flexibility in schema—where fields vary per document—is the hallmark of semi-structured data. Unlike structured data with a fixed schema, semi-structured data uses tags or markers (like JSON key-value pairs) to organize the data, making it self-describing.
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: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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 logistics company stores shipping waybill data as JSON documents. Each document contains fields like 'shipmentId', 'destination', and 'items', but the number of items and the fields within each item can vary between shipments. Which category best describes this type of data?
easy
A.Operational data
✓ B.Semi-structured data
C.Unstructured data
D.Structured data
Why B: JSON documents with varying fields and nested structures like 'items' that differ between shipments are a classic example of semi-structured data. Unlike structured data with a fixed schema, semi-structured data uses tags or markers (like JSON key-value pairs) to separate data elements, allowing for flexibility in the number and type of fields per record. This aligns with the DP-900 definition of semi-structured data, which includes formats such as JSON, XML, and Parquet.
Variation 2. A retail company receives real-time data from IoT sensors in its warehouses. Each sensor sends a JSON payload containing a device ID, timestamp, and temperature reading. A data engineer needs to classify this data for storage planning. Which data type best describes the JSON payload?
easy
A.Structured data
✓ B.Semi-structured data
C.Unstructured data
D.Relational data
Why B: The JSON payload is considered semi-structured data because it has organizational properties (key-value pairs, nested structure) that provide a schema, but it does not conform to a rigid tabular schema like a relational database. JSON allows flexible fields and varying data types, which is characteristic of semi-structured data.
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Question Discussion
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