Which additive is used to strengthen the body of clay and add texture?

• A. Kneading/Wedging
• B. Score & Slip
• C. Grog
• D. Kiln

Answer: (C)

In ceramics, adding materials to a clay body to change its strength and surface feel is being tested here. Grog is crushed fired clay that is ground into particles and mixed into the clay. This additive strengthens the body by reducing shrinkage during drying and firing, helps prevent cracks and warping, and creates porosity that gives texture and allows the glaze to grip more evenly. The texture can be adjusted by choosing different grog particle sizes, from fine to coarse, to achieve the desired surface feel.

Kneading or wedging is a preparation technique to homogenize clay and remove air pockets, not an additive. Score and slip is a method for joining pieces using a clay slurry, not something added to the body. Kiln is the furnace used to fire clay, not an additive.