In web design, which of the following terms refers to a set of instructions that detail how certain elements should look and behave?

The correct answer is the term that refers to a set of instructions for how elements in web design should appear and function. A stylesheet is a collection of rules that defines the visual presentation of a web page. Typically written in CSS (Cascading Style Sheets), stylesheets dictate properties such as colors, fonts, spacing, and layout for HTML elements.

By using stylesheets, web designers and developers can maintain a consistent look across multiple pages of a site and easily manage design changes by updating a single file rather than modifying each element individually. This separation of content (HTML) and presentation (CSS) enhances both the maintainability and scalability of web projects.

In contrast, the other terms do not serve the same purpose. A template refers to a predefined format—including elements like layout and structured content—but does not inherently include styling instructions itself. A prototype serves as an early model or simulation of a final product, often focused on layout and user experience, rather than detailed styling. A framework typically provides a structured environment for developing applications and may include ready-to-use components and libraries, but it is broader than just styling and involves functionality as well.