HTML describes the structure and meaning of web content, while CSS controls its presentation. A style sheet contains CSS rules. Keeping these roles clear helps you build pages that are readable, maintainable and appropriate for different users and screen sizes.
Use HTML for meaningful structure
Choose elements according to their role: headings organise sections, paragraphs hold prose and labels identify form controls. Do not choose a heading only because its default size looks attractive. A page can appear correct while having an unclear structure for someone navigating through headings or using assistive technology.
Use CSS for presentation
Apply fonts, spacing, colours and layout through suitable CSS rules. An external style sheet can support consistent presentation across several pages. Check which rule applies when styles conflict, rather than repeatedly adding overrides without understanding the cascade. Keep the requirements of the assignment separate from habits copied from an unrelated example.
Understand alignment and indentation
Left-aligned text has a consistent left edge in ordinary left-to-right writing. Indentation adds space before a line or block; its meaning differs between prose layout and source-code formatting. State which you mean. Do not use long strings of spaces to create a web layout, because they do not provide a reliable or accessible structure.
Check usability and accessibility
Use clear link text, readable contrast and labelled controls. Test whether content remains understandable when the screen narrows or text is enlarged. Avoid treating accessibility as a final decorative step. Explain the relevant choices in your coursework, including the difference between a visually obvious control and one whose purpose is available programmatically.
Submit a coherent implementation
Check links, file paths and the assets needed to run the page. Remove unused experiments from the submission where the brief permits, while preserving required files. Explain important design choices and known limitations. A screenshot can show appearance, but the source and a functioning page demonstrate whether structure and behaviour meet the specification.
Sources and further reading
Related study guides
- Database Management Systems: Meaning, Examples and Coursework
- What Is a Computer System? Hardware, Software, Data and Interaction
- Human–Computer Interaction: Meaning and Design Questions
For general study guidance, visit the knowledgebase. Follow your own course requirements when applying this article to assessed work.