Which of the following is NOT considered a prohibited material during the examination?

Pencils are permitted during the examination as they are commonly used for marking answers on answer sheets or making notes. They do not fall under the category of prohibited materials because they do not give an unfair advantage or disrupt the integrity of the examination process. In fact, most standardized tests and examinations typically allow basic writing tools like pencils for the convenience of the test-taker.

In contrast, technical reference books, smartphones, and recording devices could provide access to information or assistance that is not allowed during the exam, potentially compromising the fairness and security of the testing environment. These items have the potential to influence the outcomes of the examination by offering external resources or communication means that are strictly forbidden. Hence, the inclusion of pencils as permitted items ensures that students have the essential means to express their knowledge and skills without introducing any unfair advantage.