Hello. You did not present the excerpt to which this question refers, and you did not present the answer options. This makes your question impossible to answer. However, I will try to help you in the best possible way.
The central idea of a text is the main subject to which the text is addressing. It is the theme to which the author wishes to pass on reflection and reasoning. You will only be able to identify this idea with a complete reading of the passage to which your question refers, but you will be able to identify these ideas by the subject that the characters are addressing in their actions and speeches.
I think if I’m wrong sorry but I’m pretty sure it’s correct
“Thomas Paine, in response to the argument that the colonies have done well under the control of Britain, says that they could do far better without Britain, since Britain takes a great deal of the profits from trade for themselves.”
Sentence 1 supports sentence 2
