Which of the following is a soft service example?

• A. Tutoring
• B. Counseling
• C. Food Distribution
• D. Shelter

Answer: (B)

Soft services focus on interpersonal, psychosocial supports that help students with emotional well-being, coping, and social functioning, rather than providing tangible goods or housing. Counseling involves direct, personal interaction aimed at understanding issues, building coping skills, and guiding decision-making, which is the core of soft service work in schools.

Tutoring is primarily instructional support—helping with academics—so it’s about educational skill-building rather than addressing emotional or psychosocial needs. Food distribution and shelter provide material resources and housing, which are considered hard or tangible services. Therefore, counseling best exemplifies a soft service.