Which pencil generally produces the lightest and hardest line?

Correct answer: 2H

Pencil grading is governed by graphite hardness: H grades contain harder graphite and normally create lighter, finer marks, whereas B grades are softer and produce darker, broader marks. Among the choices, 2H is the hard graphite grade, so option C is correct. The 4B, 6B, and 8B pencils are progressively softer and darker, with 8B generally giving the deepest mark. Pressure and paper texture can alter appearance, but not the basic grade relationship.