Traditional drafting materials: When using a technical pencil to create a drawing, the drafter would usually select a soft lead to produce a very light, thin construction line. Evaluate this statement for correctness.

Introduction / Context:
This item checks basic knowledge of traditional drafting technique, specifically the relationship between pencil lead hardness and the appearance of lines on technical drawings. Understanding which lead grades produce light construction lines versus bold object lines is essential for clean, readable drawings.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Technical pencils (or lead holders) accept different graphite grades (e.g., 2H, H, HB, B, 2B).
• Drafting standards distinguish between light construction/guideline work and darker visible/object lines.
• The statement claims that soft lead is usually selected to create very light lines.

Concept / Approach:
Lead hardness controls line darkness and thickness. Hard leads (H, 2H, 4H, etc.) cut the paper surface slightly and deposit less graphite, yielding thin, light, crisp lines. Soft leads (B, 2B, etc.) deposit more graphite and smear more readily, producing darker and thicker lines. Drafters choose the lead grade to match the intended line weight per line-convention standards.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Identify the goal: “very light line.”Recall mapping: harder lead → lighter, thinner; softer lead → darker, thicker.Therefore, to obtain a very light line, a drafter selects a hard lead such as H or 2H, not a soft B-grade lead.Hence the statement that “soft lead is usually selected to create a very light line” is not correct.

Verification / Alternative check:
Compare trial strokes on drafting paper: 2H yields pale, narrow strokes ideal for guidelines; B yields bold, dark strokes appropriate for emphasis or freehand sketch shading.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
“Correct” contradicts the hardness–darkness relationship. “Only when using HB lead grades” and “Depends solely on paper texture” misstate that paper is the main factor; while paper matters, lead hardness is primary. “Valid only for ink on mylar” is irrelevant; ink use bypasses graphite behavior.

Common Pitfalls:
Confusing art shading practice (where soft leads are popular) with technical drafting, where consistent thin, light construction lines typically require harder leads for precision.

Final Answer:
Incorrect