The correct classification is structured, semi-structured, unstructured. This ordering is based on how strictly each data type enforces a schema: the customer table uses fixed columns like CustomerID, Name, and Email, making it structured data with a rigid, predefined schema; the JSON product reviews allow varying fields such as rating and comment, which is semi-structured data because it has a flexible schema-on-read approach; and the MP4 video files lack any internal schema or organization, classifying them as unstructured binary data. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish data types by their schema rigidity, a core concept for Azure data storage solutions like Azure SQL Database (structured), Cosmos DB (semi-structured), and Blob Storage (unstructured). A common trap is confusing JSON with unstructured data, but remember that JSON’s key-value pairs still impose a loose structure. For a quick memory tip, think of the acronym “SSU” (Structured, Semi-structured, Unstructured) as the natural progression from most to least organized.
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 retail company stores three types of customer data: (1) a table with columns for CustomerID, Name, and Email; (2) product reviews as JSON documents with varying fields such as rating and comment; (3) product demonstration videos stored in MP4 format. Which of the following correctly classifies these data types in order from first to third?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Structured, semi-structured, unstructured
Option C is correct because the customer table with fixed columns (CustomerID, Name, Email) is structured data, product reviews as JSON documents with varying fields are semi-structured data (schema-on-read, flexible fields), and MP4 video files are unstructured data (no schema, binary format). This ordering matches the standard classification in Azure Data Fundamentals: structured → semi-structured → unstructured.
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, unstructured, semi-structured
Why it's wrong here
This order is incorrect because JSON documents are semi-structured, not unstructured, and videos are unstructured, not semi-structured.
✗
Semi-structured, structured, unstructured
Why it's wrong here
This order is incorrect because the table is structured, not semi-structured, and JSON documents are semi-structured, not structured.
✓
Structured, semi-structured, unstructured
Why this is correct
Correct. The table is structured (fixed schema), JSON documents are semi-structured (flexible schema), and videos are unstructured (no schema).
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Unstructured, semi-structured, structured
Why it's wrong here
This order is incorrect because the table is the most organized (structured), not unstructured.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse semi-structured data (like JSON) with unstructured data, or assume all non-tabular data is unstructured, when in fact JSON's key-value pairs with varying fields make it semi-structured.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Structured data relies on a fixed schema enforced at write time (e.g., SQL tables with defined columns and data types), while semi-structured data like JSON uses self-describing tags or attributes, allowing schema flexibility at read time. Unstructured data, such as MP4 video, lacks any inherent schema and is stored as binary large objects (BLOBs) in services like Azure Blob Storage, requiring metadata or separate indexing for queryability.
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: Structured, semi-structured, unstructured — Option C is correct because the customer table with fixed columns (CustomerID, Name, Email) is structured data, product reviews as JSON documents with varying fields are semi-structured data (schema-on-read, flexible fields), and MP4 video files are unstructured data (no schema, binary format). This ordering matches the standard classification in Azure Data Fundamentals: structured → semi-structured → unstructured.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
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 company stores customer orders in a database. Each order has an OrderID (integer), CustomerName (text), OrderDate (date), and a JSON column for order details that contains varying fields such as discount codes or gift messages. Which statement best describes the data types in this table?
easy
A.The table stores only structured data.
✓ B.The table stores both structured and semi-structured data.
C.The table stores only unstructured data.
D.The table stores only semi-structured data.
Why B: The table includes structured columns (OrderID integer, CustomerName text, OrderDate date) and a JSON column for order details, which stores semi-structured data because JSON allows flexible schemas with varying fields like discount codes or gift messages. This combination of fixed-schema columns and a schema-less JSON column means the table holds both structured and semi-structured data, making option B correct.
Variation 2. A company stores customer records in a relational database table with fixed columns (CustomerID, Name, Email). They also store product reviews as JSON documents that may contain varying fields such as Rating, Comment, and optional Tags. Additionally, they store product images as JPEG files. Which of the following correctly orders these data types from most structured to least structured?
easy
A.JSON documents, relational table, image files
✓ B.Relational table, JSON documents, image files
C.Image files, relational table, JSON documents
D.Relational table, image files, JSON documents
Why B: Relational tables enforce a fixed schema with predefined columns and data types, making them the most structured. JSON documents have a flexible schema where fields like Tags are optional, placing them in the middle. Image files are binary blobs with no inherent structure, making them the least structured. Option B correctly orders these from most structured (relational table) to least structured (image files).
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Question Discussion
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