Which of the following is a softwood?

• A. Oak
• B. Pine
• C. Beech
• D. Ash

Answer: (B)

Timber is grouped into softwoods and hardwoods. Softwoods come from conifer trees, like pine, and are typically lighter, softer and easier to work with, making them common for general carpentry and construction. Pine fits this group, so it is a softwood. The other options—oak, beech, and ash—are hardwoods from broad-leaved trees, which are generally harder, denser and heavier, and used for different applications like furniture or flooring.