A pencil is a writing instrument commonly used for drawing or writing. It consists of a thin rod of graphite encased in wood or plastic. The graphite core allows for smooth marking on paper, and the wood casing provides a comfortable grip. Pencils can be sharpened to create a fine point for detailed work. Pencils come in various types, including graphite pencils, colored pencils, and mechanical pencils. Graphite pencils are graded by hardness, ranging from soft (B) to hard (H). Colored pencils contain pigments and are used for artistic purposes, while mechanical pencils use a refillable lead mechanism for consistent line width.