CSS basics · Lesson 1 of 12 · 7 minutes

CSS basics: Element selectors

An element selector applies declarations to every matching element in its scope.

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Your objectives

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1
Build element selectors
Build this first target: p with color: #182b2a. Keep the selector relationships intact and inspect the preview.
Hint & worked example
An element selector applies declarations to every matching element in its scope.
The requested selectors and declarations exist outside comments.
```
p { color: #182b2a; }
```
Common mistake to avoid: If the page fits one desktop viewport, no narrower viewport needs checking.
2
Extend the element selectors example
Extend your file to include: p with color: #182b2a; p with line-height: 1.6. Keep the selector relationships intact and inspect the preview.
Hint & worked example
An element selector applies declarations to every matching element in its scope.
The requested selectors and declarations exist outside comments.
```
p { color: #182b2a; }
p { line-height: 1.6; }
```
Common mistake to avoid: Hiding all overflow always makes content accessible.
3
Verify the complete element selectors pattern
Finish the pattern with: p with color: #182b2a; p with line-height: 1.6; h1 with font-size: 2rem. Keep the selector relationships intact and inspect the preview.
Hint & worked example
An element selector applies declarations to every matching element in its scope.
The requested selectors and declarations exist outside comments.
```
p { color: #182b2a; }
p { line-height: 1.6; }
h1 { font-size: 2rem; }
```
Common mistake to avoid: If the page fits one desktop viewport, no narrower viewport needs checking.

Understand the pattern

An element selector applies declarations to every matching element in its scope.

Misconceptions to reject

If the page fits one desktop viewport, no narrower viewport needs checking.
Hiding all overflow always makes content accessible.

The preview is a sanitized subset, not a full browser compatibility test.

Worked example and expected result

p { color: #182b2a; }
p { line-height: 1.6; }
h1 { font-size: 2rem; }

An element selector applies declarations to every matching element in its scope.

Try a variation

Adapt the final example to a different project name while retaining its structure and relationships. A different context still needs a real browser and accessibility check.

Explain it

Which statement correctly explains element selectors?Hiding all overflow always makes content accessible.An element selector applies declarations to every matching element in its scope.If the page fits one desktop viewport, no narrower viewport needs checking.

Apply it elsewhere

You reuse element selectors in a different project. What must still be verified?The resulting layout, focus behavior, and readability at the target viewport sizes.Nothing; passing a single exercise guarantees every future use.Only whether the source code has the same number of lines.

Keep the momentum.

Complete the lab, then explain and apply the pattern.

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