The answer is structured, unstructured, unstructured. This is correct because structured data, like Product ID and price in a relational database table, adheres to a fixed schema of rows and columns, while unstructured data, such as plain text files and JPEG images, lacks any predefined format or schema, existing as raw text or binary data. On the Microsoft Azure Data Fundamentals DP-900 exam, this distinction tests your ability to classify data types based on schema rigidity, often appearing in scenario-based questions where you must identify each format in order. A common trap is mistaking plain text for semi-structured data, but remember: text files have no tags or key-value pairs, making them purely unstructured. For a quick memory tip, think of structured as a tidy spreadsheet, unstructured as a messy pile of photos and notes—if it doesn’t fit neatly into rows and columns, it’s unstructured.
DP-900 Describe core data concepts Practice Question
This DP-900 practice question tests your understanding of describe core data concepts. Compare every option against the stated constraints before choosing — the best answer satisfies all requirements, not just the most obvious one. 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 data about their products in different formats. Product ID and price are stored in a relational database table. Product descriptions are stored as plain text files. Product images are stored as JPEG files. Which of the following best categorizes these data types in order?
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: Plain text files are not semi-structured; they lack tags or markers. They are considered unstructured, as are images.
B
Structured, unstructured, unstructured
The relational table is structured. Product descriptions as plain text are unstructured because they have no predefined format. Images are also unstructured binary data.
C
Structured, semi-structured, structured
Why wrong: Images are not structured; they are binary files with no schema. Product descriptions are not semi-structured.
D
Semi-structured, structured, unstructured
Why wrong: The product ID and price in a relational table are structured, not semi-structured. Descriptions are unstructured, not structured.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Structured, unstructured, unstructured
Product ID and price in a relational database table are structured because they follow a fixed schema with rows and columns. Product descriptions as plain text files have no predefined structure, making them unstructured. Product images as JPEG files are also unstructured because they consist of binary data without a schema. Thus, the order is structured, unstructured, unstructured, which matches option B.
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, semi-structured, unstructured
Why it's wrong here
Plain text files are not semi-structured; they lack tags or markers. They are considered unstructured, as are images.
✓
Structured, unstructured, unstructured
Why this is correct
The relational table is structured. Product descriptions as plain text are unstructured because they have no predefined format. Images are also unstructured binary data.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Structured, semi-structured, structured
Why it's wrong here
Images are not structured; they are binary files with no schema. Product descriptions are not semi-structured.
✗
Semi-structured, structured, unstructured
Why it's wrong here
The product ID and price in a relational table are structured, not semi-structured. Descriptions are unstructured, not structured.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is confusing unstructured data (e.g., plain text files) with semi-structured data (e.g., JSON or XML), leading candidates to misclassify product descriptions as semi-structured when they lack any metadata or tags.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Structured data relies on a predefined schema (e.g., SQL tables with fixed columns and data types), enabling efficient indexing and ACID transactions. Unstructured data, such as JPEG images or plain text, lacks a schema and is often stored as BLOBs in databases or as files in object storage like Azure Blob Storage. Semi-structured data (e.g., JSON or XML) includes tags or key-value pairs that provide some organization but no rigid schema, allowing flexibility in attributes.
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, unstructured, unstructured — Product ID and price in a relational database table are structured because they follow a fixed schema with rows and columns. Product descriptions as plain text files have no predefined structure, making them unstructured. Product images as JPEG files are also unstructured because they consist of binary data without a schema. Thus, the order is structured, unstructured, unstructured, which matches option B.
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 company stores customer names and addresses in a fixed-format file where each record has the same fields in the same order. This type of data is best described as:
easy
✓ A.Structured data
B.Semi-structured data
C.Unstructured data
D.Streaming data
Why A: A fixed-format file where each record has the same fields in the same order is a classic example of structured data. Structured data conforms to a rigid schema, such as a table with defined columns and data types, making it easily searchable and processable by relational database systems like Azure SQL Database. The consistent field order and fixed format allow for direct parsing without interpretation.
Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
Question Discussion
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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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