Question

adapted from The American Crisis
by Thomas Paine

These are the times that try men's souls. The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman. Tyranny is not easily conquered; yet we have this consolation with us, that the harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph. What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly. It is dearness only that gives everything its value. Heaven knows how to put a proper price upon its goods. It would be strange indeed if so celestial an article as FREEDOM should not be highly rated. Britain, with an army to enforce her tyranny, has declared that she has a right (not only to TAX) but "to BIND in ALL CASES WHATSOEVER," and if being bound in that manner, is not slavery, then is there not such a thing as slavery upon earth. Even the expression is impious; for so unlimited a power can belong only to God.
Whether the independence of the continent was declared too soon, or delayed too long, I will not now enter into as an argument. My own simple opinion is, that had it been eight months earlier, it would have been much better. We did not make a proper use of last winter, neither could we, while we were in a dependent state. However, the fault, if it were one, was all our own. We have none to blame but ourselves. But no great deal is lost yet. All that Howe* has been doing for this month past, is rather a ravage than a conquest, which the spirit of the Jerseys, a year ago, would have quickly repulsed, and which time and a little resolution will soon recover.
I have as little superstition in me as any man living, but my secret opinion has ever been, and still is, that God Almighty will not give up a people to military destruction, or leave them unsupportedly to perish, who have so earnestly and so repeatedly sought to avoid the calamities of war, by every decent method which wisdom could invent.

* William Howe, Commander in Chief of the British forces, led the campaign for the British to capture New York and New Jersey. The British won control of New York, but the Americans kept control of New Jersey.
2
What is a central idea in the passage?
A.
The American colonies faced great difficulties in trying to obtain independence from tyranny.
B.
Someone more aggressive should have been making strategic decisions about defending the colonies.
C.
There was no way that the American colonists were going to lose the war because they were united.
D.
People could not put an accurate price on what it meant to be free from Britain's oppression.

Answer 1

A. The American colonies faced great difficulties in trying to obtain independence from tyranny.

Explanation: Paine emphasizes the struggle against British "tyranny," warns that "tyranny is not easily conquered," and urges perseverance despite setbacks (Howe's ravages), arguing that effort and resolve will lead to a glorious triumph.