Read the excerpt from “George Washington.” He pursued two intertwined interests: military arts and western expansion. At 16 he helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax. Commissioned a lieutenant colonel in 1754, he fought the first skirmishes of what grew into the French and Indian War. The next year, as an aide to Gen. Edward Braddock, he escaped injury although four bullets ripped his coat and two horses were shot from under him. Which is the central idea in this excerpt?
Answer
A
Washington was part of skirmishes that eventually became the French and Indian War.
B
Washington escaped injury even though four bullets tore his coat and two horses were shot from under him.
C
At the age of sixteen, Washington helped survey Shenandoah lands for Thomas, Lord Fairfax.
D
As a young man, Washington participated in land surveying and fought in the military.
Explanation
The excerpt focuses on Washington’s two early interests and activities: surveying western lands and serving in the military. Choice D captures both parts of that central idea. Choices A, B, and C each focus on only one specific event or detail.
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