What material is parchment made from?

Parchment is a writing material that is made from the skin of animals, typically sheep or goats. This process involves treating the skin to preserve it and make it suitable for writing, which often results in a durable and smooth surface for the application of ink. Parchment has been used since antiquity for manuscripts and important documents due to its longevity and resilience compared to paper made from wood pulp or other materials.

The other options represent materials that are not used in the production of parchment. Wood pulp is used to make paper, plastic is a synthetic material not historically associated with writing surfaces, and metal sheets may be used for engraving or as decorative elements, but they do not function as parchment. Thus, the correct answer reflects the traditional and historical context of parchment as a writing medium.