What possible benefit and loss occur if all strokes are made invisible in shading?

Correct answer: Values may become smooth but material character may decrease

The governing concept is that visible mark-making can describe both value and surface. Blending away every stroke may produce smooth, gradual transitions that are useful for rounded forms or soft surfaces. However, it can also remove directional and textural cues that distinguish wood, cloth, metal, or paper. Thus option A correctly states both the benefit and the possible loss; the other choices confuse shading with contour, shadow length, or highlights.