Requirements are the things that must be done, provided, or achieved for something to work, be allowed, or be considered complete. When a teacher lists the requirements for a book report, she's telling you exactly what needs to be included: maybe a minimum number of pages, a summary of the plot, and your opinion about the characters.

Schools have requirements for graduation, like completing certain classes and passing specific tests. A recipe has requirements too: the ingredients and steps you must follow to bake edible cookies. If you want to join the basketball team, the coach might have requirements like attending every practice and maintaining good grades.

When something is required, it's not optional or suggested. It's necessary. Missing a requirement usually means you can't proceed: if you don't meet the age requirement for a driver's license, you can't get one yet, no matter how well you drive.

Pay attention to requirements because they tell you exactly what's expected. Meeting requirements shows you can follow directions and complete what you've committed to do. When you understand the requirements for any task or goal, you know precisely what you need to accomplish.