Which definition correctly defines 'criteria'?

• A. The standards or rules on which something is judged or based
• B. The reasons something is done
• C. A type of measurement tool
• D. A set of laws governing an activity

Answer: (A)

Criteria are the standards or rules on which something is judged or based. They tell you what counts as acceptable or excellent and guide the evaluation process. For example, when reviewing a project, the criteria might include accuracy, completeness, and clarity, so those elements determine how the work is scored. When choosing a roommate, criteria could be reliability, quiet hours, and cleanliness, defining what qualities meet the standard.

This is different from reasons something is done, which expresses motive or purpose rather than how something is evaluated. It’s also not a measurement tool (an instrument you use to measure things) or a set of laws (rules that govern behavior). Criteria focus on the standards used to judge or base a decision.