You are looking at the HTML representation of the XML format.
HTML is good for debugging, but is unsuitable for application use.
Specify the format parameter to change the output format.
To see the non HTML representation of the XML format, set format=xml.
See the complete documentation, or API help for more information. 
<?xml version="1.0"?>
<api>
  <query>
    <pages>
      <page ns="0" title="Formal training courses" missing="" />
      <page ns="0" title="On-the-job learning" missing="" />
      <page ns="0" title="Vocational qualifications" missing="" />
      <page ns="0" title="Working towards Professional Registration, SE Certification" missing="" />
      <page ns="0" title="Writing papers and articles for presentation/publication" missing="" />
    </pages>
  </query>
</api>