Instructions: This quiz covers the key concepts from Chapter 16 - Design Power BI Reports. Answer all questions to test your understanding.

Section 1: Report Structure & Design Principles (10 Questions)

Question 1

Which design tool supports report development in Power BI?

A) Power BI Service only

B) Power BI Desktop only

C) Both Power BI Desktop and Power BI Service

D) Power BI Mobile

Answer: B) Power BI Desktop only

Explanation: Power BI Desktop is the primary design tool for creating reports and semantic models. The Power BI service is for consumption and distribution, while mobile apps don't support report design.

Question 2

What are the two main types of report objects in Power BI?

A) Charts and graphs

B) Visuals and elements

C) Tables and matrices

D) Filters and slicers

Answer: B) Visuals and elements

Explanation: Visuals are visualizations of semantic model data, while elements (text boxes, buttons, shapes, images) provide visual interest but don't use semantic model data.

Question 3

According to the placement principle, where should the most important information be placed for LTR (left-to-right) reading audiences?

A) Center of the page

B) Lower-right corner

C) Upper-left corner

D) Bottom of the page

Answer: C) Upper-left corner

Explanation: For LTR audiences, the most important information should be placed in the upper-left corner, with elements arranged from left to right and top to bottom.

Question 4

What is the "rule of thirds" in report design?

A) Dividing content into three equal columns

B) Using three colors maximum

C) Dividing the page into 9 equal parts using an invisible grid

D) Having exactly three visuals per page

Answer: C) Dividing the page into 9 equal parts using an invisible grid

Explanation: The rule of thirds proposes dividing a page layout into an invisible grid of nine equal parts (two horizontal and two vertical lines) to create visually pleasing object placement.

Question 5

What is the "golden ratio" used for in Power BI report design?

A) Setting page margins

B) Creating asymmetrical balance with one large visual and smaller supporting visuals

C) Determining font sizes

D) Calculating optimal loading times

Answer: B) Creating asymmetrical balance with one large visual and smaller supporting visuals

Explanation: The golden ratio helps produce asymmetrical balance by aligning a page to have one large visual to draw initial attention, supported by smaller visuals that provide context.

Question 6

In report design, what does "proximity" refer to?

A) How close visuals are to the data source

B) The nearness of report objects to visually group related items

C) The distance between the report and the user

D) How quickly a report loads

Answer: B) The nearness of report objects to visually group related items

Explanation: Proximity is concerned with the nearness of report objects. Related objects should be placed near one another, with space used to visually separate different groups.

Question 7

What is recommended for page margins in Power BI reports?

A) No margins are needed

B) Consistent spacing around the border area to frame report objects

C) Maximum margins for white space

D) Different margins on each side for variety

Answer: B) Consistent spacing around the border area to frame report objects

Explanation: Margins should have consistently spaced border areas to frame the report objects. While margin sizes should be equal on both sides, there can be variation on top and bottom.

Question 8

What is the recommended page size for standard monitors, laptops, and online sharing?

A) 1920 × 1080 (16:9 Large)

B) 1280 × 720 (16:9 Default)

C) 816 × 1056 (Letter)

D) 720 × 1280 (Mobile)

Answer: B) 1280 × 720 (16:9 Default)

Explanation: 1280 × 720 (16:9) is the default and widely used universal layout that balances readability and compatibility across standard monitors, laptops, and online sharing.

Question 9

What does "repetition" achieve in report design?

A) Duplicating data for accuracy

B) Creating association and consistency by using similar design elements

C) Repeating the same chart type on every page

D) Copying pages across different reports

Answer: B) Creating association and consistency by using similar design elements

Explanation: Repetition in report design creates association and consistency by using similar design elements to tie related report objects together, such as using multiple card visuals for key metrics.

Question 10

How can you quickly enforce consistency across an entire report?

A) Manually format each visual

B) Copy and paste format settings

C) Use a report theme

D) Create separate reports for each section

Answer: C) Use a report theme

Explanation: A report theme applies format settings to the entire report, ensuring consistent application of colors, fonts, pages, and visual format options. You can use built-in themes or create custom ones.

Section 2: Visually Appealing Reports (10 Questions)

Question 11

What type of section uses colored shapes and overlays to separate visuals?

A) Implicit section

B) Explicit section

C) Hidden section

D) Dynamic section

Answer: B) Explicit section

Explanation: An explicit section uses colored background shapes and overlays, with visuals aligned on those shapes to clearly separate different groups of content.

Question 12

What should you do when using visual headers to avoid overlapping with nearby objects?

A) Disable visual headers

B) Reduce visual size

C) Provide adequate spacing between visuals

D) Use transparent backgrounds

Answer: C) Provide adequate spacing between visuals

Explanation: When visual headers are enabled, adequate spacing between visuals helps avoid overlapping with nearby objects, making interaction with visual header icons easier.

Question 13

What happens to overridden theme properties when you switch to a different theme?

A) They adapt to the new theme automatically

B) They remain unchanged and are not updated

C) They are deleted

D) They create a conflict error

Answer: B) They remain unchanged and are not updated

Explanation: Properties that are explicitly overridden (like entering a HEX color value) are not updated when you switch themes. This is why you should limit overriding to exception cases.

Question 14

What is the benefit of using softer colors as a base in Power BI reports?

A) They load faster

B) They ensure data is the focus and not distracting

C) They use less memory

D) They are required by Power BI

Answer: B) They ensure data is the focus and not distracting

Explanation: Softer colors as a base ensure that the data is the focus. Bolder colors should be reserved to highlight exceptions, while softer colors prevent distraction.

Question 15

Why is color contrast especially important in reports?

A) To make reports more colorful

B) To create accessible reports for users with low vision

C) To reduce file size

D) To match company branding

Answer: B) To create accessible reports for users with low vision

Explanation: Sufficient color contrast is crucial for creating accessible reports, particularly for report consumers who have low vision.

Question 16

What should generally be true about similar visuals on a page (e.g., a series of card visuals)?

A) They should use different colors

B) They should be different sizes for variety

C) They should be equally sized

D) They should be on separate pages

Answer: C) They should be equally sized

Explanation: When similar visuals are on the page, such as a series of card visuals, they should be equally sized to maintain consistency and balance.

Question 17

What can you use on powerbi.tips to help with report themes?

A) Pre-built reports

B) Theme generator to build color palettes and set property values

C) Data sources

D) Training videos only

Answer: B) Theme generator to build color palettes and set property values

Explanation: The powerbi.tips website can be used to generate themes by guiding you through building a color palette and setting property values for all core visual types.

Question 18

What format is a Power BI theme file saved as?

A) XML

B) CSV

C) JSON

D) PBIX

Answer: C) JSON

Explanation: Report themes are exported and saved as JSON files, which can then be applied to other reports to ensure consistency.

Question 19

What principle states that "less is more" in report design?

A) Complexity

B) Simplicity and clarity

C) Maximization

D) Redundancy

Answer: B) Simplicity and clarity

Explanation: The principle that "less is more" emphasizes that simplicity and clarity lead to good design in Power BI reports.

Question 20

How should alignment be handled within visuals (e.g., titles and legends)?

A) Randomized for variety

B) Consistently across all visuals

C) Different for each visual type

D) Centered always

Answer: B) Consistently across all visuals

Explanation: Alignment of format options like titles and legends within visuals should be consistent across all visuals to maintain a professional appearance.

Section 3: Report Objects & Visuals (10 Questions)

Question 21

How many core visuals are built into Power BI?

A) 10

B) 20

C) Over 30

D) 50

Answer: C) Over 30

Explanation: Power BI includes over 30 core visuals that are built in and available to all reports.

Question 22

What are custom visuals in Power BI?

A) Visuals created by Microsoft only

B) Visuals sourced from Microsoft AppSource or uploaded as PBIVIZ files

C) Visuals that require coding

D) Deprecated visual types

Answer: B) Visuals sourced from Microsoft AppSource or uploaded as PBIVIZ files

Explanation: Custom visuals extend the core visuals and can be sourced from Microsoft AppSource or uploaded as PBIVIZ files.

Question 23

What defines the analytic query for a visual?

A) The visual type selected

B) Filtering, grouping, and summarizing semantic model data (Steps 2-4)

C) The page layout

D) The report theme

Answer: B) Filtering, grouping, and summarizing semantic model data (Steps 2-4)

Explanation: Steps 2-4 of the visual configuration process (mapping fields, applying filters, modifying field mappings) define the analytic query by filtering, grouping, and summarizing data.

Question 24

Which element type can embed dynamic values from the semantic model?

A) Shapes

B) Images

C) Text boxes

D) Buttons

Answer: C) Text boxes

Explanation: Text boxes can embed dynamic values retrieved from the semantic model. These values are filtered when the page is filtered, making the text box behave like a visual.

Question 25

What actions can buttons perform in Power BI reports?

A) Return to previous page, navigate to specific page, drill through

B) Only navigate between pages

C) Only open URLs

D) Buttons cannot perform actions

Answer: A) Return to previous page, navigate to specific page, drill through

Explanation: Buttons can perform various actions including: return to previous page, navigate to a specific page, drill through to a page, select a bookmark, open Q&A, or open a web URL.

Question 26

What is the Smart narrative visual?

A) A custom visual from AppSource

B) A visual that automatically summarizes data using text descriptions and insights

C) A type of chart

D) A filtering mechanism

Answer: B) A visual that automatically summarizes data using text descriptions and insights

Explanation: The Smart narrative visual automatically summarizes data by using text descriptions and insights, similar to a text box with dynamic values.

Question 27

Which image formats are supported for the Image element?

A) BMP, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, PNG

B) SVG, EPS, AI

C) RAW, CR2, NEF

D) PDF, DOC, XLS

Answer: A) BMP, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, PNG

Explanation: Supported image types for the Image element include BMP, JPEG, GIF, TIFF, and PNG formats.

Question 28

Can shapes in Power BI behave like buttons?

A) No, shapes are only decorative

B) Yes, shapes can perform actions like buttons

C) Only basic shapes can perform actions

D) Only when using custom visuals

Answer: B) Yes, shapes can perform actions like buttons

Explanation: Similar to images, shapes can be formatted and styled to behave like buttons to perform actions in the report.

Question 29

What is the primary purpose of elements in a Power BI report?

A) To query the semantic model

B) To provide visual interest without using semantic model data

C) To replace visuals

D) To store data

Answer: B) To provide visual interest without using semantic model data

Explanation: Elements (text boxes, buttons, shapes, images) provide visual interest but don't use semantic model data, with the exception of text boxes with dynamic values.

Question 30

How can you learn what a visual icon represents in the Visualizations pane?

A) Click on it

B) Hover the cursor over it to reveal a tooltip

C) Read the documentation

D) Trial and error

Answer: B) Hover the cursor over it to reveal a tooltip

Explanation: To learn what a visual icon in the Visualizations pane represents, hover the cursor over it to reveal the visual type in a tooltip.

Section 4: Visual Selection & Types (15 Questions)

Question 31

What chart type should you avoid using with categorical data on the X-axis?

A) Bar chart

B) Column chart

C) Line chart

D) Table

Answer: C) Line chart

Explanation: Line charts should be avoided with categorical X-axis because the line implies a relationship between elements that might not exist. Bar or column charts are better for categorical data.

Question 32

How should categorical charts generally be sorted?

A) Alphabetically by category

B) Randomly

C) By value in descending or ascending order

D) By date added

Answer: C) By value in descending or ascending order

Explanation: Categorical charts should mostly be sorted by value rather than alphabetically, unless an established sequence exists (like process steps).

Question 33

For time series data, which visual types are most appropriate?

A) Pie charts and doughnut charts

B) Line charts or column charts

C) Tables only

D) Scatter plots

Answer: B) Line charts or column charts

Explanation: Line or column charts should always be used to show values over time, with the X-axis presenting time sorted from earliest to latest periods.

Question 34

When might a column chart be a better choice than a line chart for time series?

A) When there are many data points

B) When missing values are a possibility

C) When showing multiple series

D) When the data is categorical

Answer: B) When missing values are a possibility

Explanation: If missing values are possible, a column chart might be better because line charts fill gaps with straight lines, potentially creating interpretation of nonexistent trends.

Question 35

What can you add to a line chart to extend historical sales with projected sales?

A) Trendline

B) Forecast

C) Moving average

D) Reference line

Answer: B) Forecast

Explanation: You can apply a forecast analytics option to a line chart to extend historical sales with projected sales.

Question 36

What limitation do proportional visuals have?

A) They can't show time series data

B) They can't plot a mix of positive and negative values

C) They require custom visuals

D) They don't support filtering

Answer: B) They can't plot a mix of positive and negative values

Explanation: Proportional visuals can't plot a mix of positive and negative values. They should be used when all values are positive or all values are negative.

Question 37

Which visual type shows data as part of a whole?

A) Scatter plot

B) Line chart

C) Proportional visuals (100% stacked charts, pie charts, treemap)

D) Card visual

Answer: C) Proportional visuals (100% stacked charts, pie charts, treemap)

Explanation: Proportional visuals show data as part of a whole and effectively communicate how a value is distributed across a dimension.

Question 38

What is the primary use of card visuals?

A) Show detailed breakdowns

B) Display high-level callouts that demand immediate attention

C) Compare multiple metrics

D) Show relationships

Answer: B) Display high-level callouts that demand immediate attention

Explanation: Card visuals show high-level numeric callouts that demand immediate attention and communicate important data quickly.

Question 39

What advantage do matrices provide over tables?

A) Faster rendering

B) Hierarchical navigation with groups on both columns and rows

C) Better color options

D) Smaller file size

Answer: B) Hierarchical navigation with groups on both columns and rows

Explanation: Matrices can have groups on columns and rows, providing hierarchical navigation that allows users to drill down to discover detailed data points.

Question 40

What three pieces of information are needed to configure a KPI visual?

A) Title, subtitle, and description

B) Value, target, and time series

C) Color, size, and position

D) Data source, field, and format

Answer: B) Value, target, and time series

Explanation: To configure a KPI, you need: (1) a unit of measurement to track, (2) a goal for the measurement, and (3) a time series.

Question 41

When is a Map visual (with bubbles) more effective than a Filled map visual?

A) When showing country-level data

B) When there is high dispersion between plot points at granular level (e.g., cities)

C) When showing state-level data

D) Map visuals are never better

Answer: B) When there is high dispersion between plot points at granular level (e.g., cities)

Explanation: When granularity is at city level with high dispersion, the Map visual (showing bubbles) produces a helpful result. Filled maps work better at higher aggregation levels like states.

Question 42

What should you consider when geospatial data doesn't need to be shown in maps?

A) Use a 3D map instead

B) Use a categorical visual instead

C) Don't show the data

D) Use multiple maps

Answer: B) Use a categorical visual instead

Explanation: If location isn't highly relevant to requirements, consider using a categorical visual instead, as maps can occupy considerable space.

Question 43

In a wide but short space, which visual is easier to read?

A) 100% Stacked Column chart

B) 100% Stacked Bar chart

C) Both are equally readable

D) Neither works well

Answer: B) 100% Stacked Bar chart

Explanation: In a wide yet short area, the 100% Stacked Bar chart is easier to read because the lengths of the long bars are easier to interpret than the heights of short columns.

Question 44

What conditional formatting options can enhance grid visuals?

A) Only font colors

B) Background colors, font colors, and icons

C) Only data bars

D) Size adjustments only

Answer: B) Background colors, font colors, and icons

Explanation: Conditional formatting options including background colors, font colors, and icons can enhance values with visual indicators to support simple report consumption.

Question 45

Which other core visuals can be used for time series besides line and column charts?

A) Pie and doughnut charts

B) Card and gauge

C) Stacked column, area chart, line and stacked column, ribbon chart

D) Map and filled map

Answer: C) Stacked column, area chart, line and stacked column, ribbon chart

Explanation: Other time series visuals include stacked column chart, area chart, line and stacked column chart, and ribbon chart (which shows rank changes over time).

Section 5: Filters and Slicers (15 Questions)

Question 46

At how many different levels can filtering occur in a Power BI report?

A) Three

B) Four

C) Five

D) Six

Answer: C) Five

Explanation: Filtering can occur at five levels: (1) Semantic model with RLS, (2) Report, (3) Page, (4) Visual, and (5) Measure.

Question 47

What is Row-Level Security (RLS)?

A) Security at the report level

B) Security that restricts access to rows in a table based on user identity

C) Security for visual-level filters

D) Password protection for reports

Answer: B) Security that restricts access to rows in a table based on user identity

Explanation: RLS restricts access to rows in tables based on the user's identity, enforced at the semantic model level.

Question 48

Can a report designer override RLS settings from the semantic model?

A) Yes, always

B) Yes, but only in Power BI Desktop

C) No, reports must follow RLS rules

D) Only with admin permissions

Answer: C) No, reports must follow RLS rules

Explanation: If RLS is set up in the semantic model, the report must follow it. The report designer cannot remove or bypass RLS.

Question 49

What can happen when combining RLS with report filters?

A) Better performance

B) Users may see blank results if there's no overlap between permissions

C) RLS is automatically disabled

D) Filters don't apply

Answer: B) Users may see blank results if there's no overlap between permissions

Explanation: When RLS restricts users to certain rows and report filters demand different rows with no overlap, users see blank results.

Question 50

Which type of filter applies to all report pages and visuals?

A) Page-level filters

B) Visual-level filters

C) Report-level filters (Filters on all pages)

D) Measure filters

Answer: C) Report-level filters (Filters on all pages)

Explanation: Report-level filters ("Filters on all pages") are global filters that apply to all report pages and visuals.

Question 51

What unique capability do visual-level filters have compared to report and page-level filters?

A) They load faster

B) They can filter using a measure to eliminate groups

C) They can use multiple fields

D) They can be synced across pages

Answer: B) They can filter using a measure to eliminate groups

Explanation: Unlike report and page-level filters, visual-level filters can filter by using a measure to eliminate groups (e.g., stores with sales less than a certain amount).

Question 52

What filter types are available in Power BI?

A) Basic only

B) Basic and Advanced

C) Basic, Advanced, Top N, Relative date and Relative time

D) Custom only

Answer: C) Basic, Advanced, Top N, Relative date and Relative time

Explanation: Available filter types include Basic, Advanced (for complex conditions), Top N, and Relative date and Relative time.

Question 53

Why might you lock a filter?

A) To improve performance

B) To ensure report consumers can't remove or modify critical filters

C) To reduce file size

D) To enable sharing

Answer: B) To ensure report consumers can't remove or modify critical filters

Explanation: You can lock filters to ensure that report consumers can't remove or modify them, especially for filters critical to the report design.

Question 54

When should you hide a filter?

A) Never

B) Always

C) When the report consumer doesn't need to know about it (e.g., data cleanup filters)

D) Only for visual-level filters

Answer: C) When the report consumer doesn't need to know about it (e.g., data cleanup filters)

Explanation: Consider hiding filters when the report consumer doesn't need to know about them, such as filters cleaning up data by removing BLANKs.

Question 55

What is the primary purpose of a slicer?

A) To create visuals

B) To filter other visuals

C) To store data

D) To generate reports

Answer: B) To filter other visuals

Explanation: The Slicer is a core visual with one purpose: to filter other visuals. It presents an intuitive way for report consumers to filter data.

Question 56

By default, do slicers apply page-level filters?

A) Yes, always

B) No, they are visuals that propagate filters to other visuals by default

C) Only when synced

D) Only in Power BI Service

Answer: B) No, they are visuals that propagate filters to other visuals by default

Explanation: While slicers filter all visuals on a page by default, they are not page-level filters. They are visuals that propagate filters to other visuals.

Question 57

What benefit does a dropdown slicer layout provide?

A) Better colors

B) Uses less space and only queries when expanded

C) Faster filtering

D) More filter options

Answer: B) Uses less space and only queries when expanded

Explanation: Dropdown slicers use less page space and only query the semantic model when expanded, helping expedite report page rendering.

Question 58

When should you enable the "Single select" option for a slicer?

A) Always

B) Never

C) When only one item should be selected at a time (e.g., Actual, Budget, or Forecast)

D) Only for date slicers

Answer: C) When only one item should be selected at a time (e.g., Actual, Budget, or Forecast)

Explanation: Enable "Single select" when it only makes sense to filter by one item at a time, such as choosing between Actual, Budget, or Forecast scenarios.

Question 59

What type of slicer allows filtering by past, present, or future time periods based on current date?

A) Basic date slicer

B) Relative date or time slicer

C) Calendar slicer

D) Dynamic date slicer

Answer: B) Relative date or time slicer

Explanation: Relative date or time slicers allow report consumers to filter by past, present, or future time periods based on the current date and time.

Question 60

What can DAX measures do with filter context?

A) Nothing, they follow all filters

B) Add, remove, or modify filters and relationships using CALCULATE or CALCULATETABLE

C) Only add filters

D) Only remove filters

Answer: B) Add, remove, or modify filters and relationships using CALCULATE or CALCULATETABLE

Explanation: Measure formulas can modify filter context using CALCULATE or CALCULATETABLE functions, which can add, remove, or modify filters and relationships.

Scoring Guide

• 54-60 correct (90-100%): Excellent! You have a strong understanding of Power BI report design.
• 48-53 correct (80-89%): Very Good! You're well-prepared but review areas where you missed questions.
• 42-47 correct (70-79%): Good! You have a solid foundation but should review key concepts.
• 36-41 correct (60-69%): Fair! Review the chapter thoroughly and focus on weak areas.
• Below 36 (< 60%): Needs Improvement! Revisit the chapter content and practice more.

Answer Key Summary

Section 1 (Report Structure & Design): 1-B, 2-B, 3-C, 4-C, 5-B, 6-B, 7-B, 8-B, 9-B, 10-C

Section 2 (Visual Appeal): 11-B, 12-C, 13-B, 14-B, 15-B, 16-C, 17-B, 18-C, 19-B, 20-B

Section 3 (Report Objects): 21-C, 22-B, 23-B, 24-C, 25-A, 26-B, 27-A, 28-B, 29-B, 30-B

Section 4 (Visual Selection): 31-C, 32-C, 33-B, 34-B, 35-B, 36-B, 37-C, 38-B, 39-B, 40-B, 41-B, 42-B, 43-B, 44-B, 45-C

Section 5 (Filters & Slicers): 46-C, 47-B, 48-C, 49-B, 50-C, 51-B, 52-C, 53-B, 54-C, 55-B, 56-B, 57-B, 58-C, 59-B, 60-B

Good luck with your PL-300 preparation!