Technical Drawing — Freehand sketches are generally not made to an exact scale; they aim for proportional accuracy and clarity, while scaled precision is reserved for finished drawings.

Introduction / Context:
Sketches communicate ideas rapidly and need not be to an exact scale. While they should be proportionally faithful, precise scaling is typical for finalized orthographic drawings or CAD plots, not quick freehand ideation.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Sketches support early design communication and problem solving.
• Exact scale is not necessary unless explicitly required.
• Precision is achieved later in detailed drawings or models.

Concept / Approach:
Use sketches to explore form and layout. When dimensionally exact output is needed (fabrication or construction), produce scaled drawings with standards-compliant notation and tolerances.

Step-by-Step Solution:
1) Establish rough proportions and key relationships.2) Indicate critical sizes with dimensions if necessary.3) Transition to scaled drawings for detailed fit/function.4) Verify scale on plotted drawings via title-block information.

Verification / Alternative check:
Industry workflows show sketches preceding detailed CAD or board drawings. The latter, not the former, are scaled to exact ratios for fabrication.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Always to a strict scale” and “Only architectural sketches are to scale” mischaracterize sketching. “Scale is irrelevant to any drawing” is false because scale matters on finished drawings.

Common Pitfalls:
Treating sketches as scaled can cause errors in downstream decisions. Always confirm when exact scale is required.

Final Answer:
Incorrect