What problem may occur if the pencil is pressed too hard while shading?

Correct answer: Deep marks may form on the paper

The governing technique is pressure control in graphite shading. Excessive pressure deposits a heavy layer of graphite and can indent, scratch, or burnish the paper surface. Such deep marks are difficult to lighten or erase, so option A is correct. Hard pressure does not make paper whiter, does not automatically create a lighter value, and cannot remove the need for corrections. Building tone with light layers gives better control.