Which of the following rocks is an example of an intrusive igneous rock that solidified slowly beneath Earth surface?

Introduction / Context:
This question belongs to geology and the classification of rocks. Igneous rocks form from molten magma or lava. When magma cools slowly beneath the surface, intrusive igneous rocks form, often with large visible crystals. The question asks you to pick one example of such an intrusive rock from the choices given.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Intrusive igneous rocks form below the surface from slowly cooled magma.
• Sedimentary rocks form from deposition and compaction of sediments.
• Granite is widely known as an igneous rock.
• Conglomerate, shale, and sandstone are standard examples of sedimentary rocks.

Concept / Approach:
Intrusive igneous rocks like granite have coarse grained textures because slow cooling allows large crystals to grow. Conglomerate, shale, and sandstone are all clastic sedimentary rocks formed from fragments of other rocks. Therefore, the only intrusive igneous rock among the options is granite.

Step-by-Step Solution:

Verification / Alternative check:
Rock classification tables in school textbooks list granite under intrusive igneous rocks and show its interlocking crystals. They also list conglomerate, shale, and sandstone under sedimentary rocks. This repeated classification confirms that granite is the correct example of an intrusive igneous rock among the given options.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

• Conglomerate is wrong because it is a sedimentary rock formed from rounded fragments, not from cooled magma.
• Shale is wrong because it is a fine grained sedimentary rock made from compacted clay.
• Sandstone is wrong because it is a sedimentary rock made of cemented sand grains.

Common Pitfalls:
Candidates sometimes confuse rock types if they memorize lists without understanding how they form. A simple way to remember is that intrusive igneous rocks generally have large crystals and names like granite and diorite, while rocks like sandstone, shale, and conglomerate are clastic sedimentary types formed from particles or fragments. Knowing the formation process helps you avoid misclassifying them.

Final Answer:
Granite