What is the typical difference between hardwood and softwood?

• A. Hardwoods are from deciduous trees, softwoods are from coniferous trees
• B. Hardwoods are from evergreen trees, softwoods are from deciduous trees
• C. Hardwoods are synthetic materials
• D. Hardwoods are lighter than softwoods

Answer: (A)

The difference being tested is what kind of tree the wood comes from. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees, while softwoods come from coniferous trees. This classification is a common way people talk about wood materials, even though actual hardness isn’t guaranteed by the category. So, the typical distinction is that hardwoods come from deciduous trees and softwoods come from coniferous trees.