Which pencil type would produce a lighter line when sketching?

The 4H pencil is the correct choice for producing a lighter line when sketching. Pencil grading systems use a combination of letters and numbers to indicate the hardness or softness of the pencil lead. The 'H' series represents harder pencils, which produce lighter marks on paper due to their fine, less pigmented lead. The higher the number in front of 'H', the harder the pencil, hence a 4H pencil is harder than 2H, making it a great choice for achieving lighter, more delicate lines.

In contrast, the other pencil types listed, such as the 2B and 6B pencils, fall under the 'B' category, which indicates that they are softer and contain more graphite. These pencils create darker, bolder lines, suitable for shading or expressive sketches. An HB pencil has a medium hardness level that results in lines that are neither particularly light nor dark, making it less ideal for creating lighter lines than the 4H pencil.