29. Which of the following sentences could be removed with the least impact on the structure and coherence of the paragraph?
Answer: A
Among other projects as a private citizen, he planned to improve his estate and to find a use for his outlying lands.
This sentence could be removed with the least impact because it provides additional detail about Washington's intentions post-retirement but does not directly contribute to the main narrative of his eventual return to public life due to Shays' Rebellion.
A) Among other projects as a private citizen, he planned to improve his estate and to find a use for his outlying lands.
This option contains information that, while interesting, does not significantly affect the overall understanding of Washington's actions and motivations during this period. The key points of his resignation and the subsequent events leading to his return to public service are preserved without this detail.
B) At that time, Washington's letters reveal, the retirement was intended to be a permanent one.
This sentence is crucial as it highlights Washington's initial intention regarding his retirement, setting up the contrast with the necessity that arose later for him to return to public life. Removing it would disrupt the understanding of his mindset at the time.
C) Within a few years, however, Shays' Rebellion made clear to many the need for a national constitution.
This sentence is essential to the narrative, as it directly ties the context of Washington's retirement to the events that prompted his re-engagement in politics. Its removal would weaken the explanation of why Washington's initial retirement was short-lived.
D) After the victory of the revolutionary forces in 1783, General George Washington resigned his military commission and retired from public life.
This sentence is fundamental to the paragraph as it establishes the time and context of Washington's retirement, which is critical for understanding the subsequent developments. Removing it would leave a gap in the timeline.
Conclusion
The removal of option A has the least impact on the paragraph's structure and coherence, as it provides supplementary information that does not alter the essential narrative concerning Washington's retirement and subsequent return to public life. In contrast, the other options contain key details that are integral to the understanding of Washington's motivations and the historical context surrounding his actions.