Web pages are written using which language that defines the formatting of a document?

The correct answer is Hypertext Markup Language, commonly known as HTML. HTML is a standard markup language used to create and format documents on the web. It provides the structure for web pages by utilizing tags to define elements such as headings, paragraphs, links, images, and various other components that make up a webpage. These tags dictate how content is displayed by web browsers, allowing users to view and interact with websites effectively.

HTML essentially lays the groundwork for web design and development, enabling web developers to present information in a structured and visually appealing manner. Its role in defining the formatting of a document is critical, as it organizes the content in a way that browsers can interpret and render.

In contrast, other options mentioned serve different purposes. JavaScript is primarily a programming language used to create dynamic content and manipulate web page elements after the page has been rendered. Extensible Markup Language (XML) is used to store and transport data in a format that is both human-readable and machine-readable, but it does not inherently dictate how information should be presented visually. Structured Query Language (SQL) is a domain-specific language used for managing and querying databases, unrelated to the formatting of web pages.