The following text is adapted from a historical account of the Roman Empire during the first century CE. Marcus was a centurion serving under various commanders.
Throughout his military career, Marcus demonstrated unwavering loyalty to General Agricola. When serving under other commanders, he fulfilled his duties competently but without enthusiasm, maintaining the professional courtesy expected of his rank. Fellow soldiers often invited him to join their informal gatherings and social circles, yet Marcus remained aloof from such camaraderie. His devotion was singular: he sought assignments that would place him under Agricola's command and declined opportunities for advancement that would separate him from his preferred general.

Question

The following text is adapted from a historical account of the Roman Empire during the first century CE. Marcus was a centurion serving under various commanders.

Throughout his military career, Marcus demonstrated unwavering loyalty to General Agricola. When serving under other commanders, he fulfilled his duties competently but without enthusiasm, maintaining the professional courtesy expected of his rank. Fellow soldiers often invited him to join their informal gatherings and social circles, yet Marcus remained aloof from such camaraderie. His devotion was singular: he sought assignments that would place him under Agricola's command and declined opportunities for advancement that would separate him from his preferred general.

Accepted Answer

Marcus valued his service under Agricola above all other military assignments.

Answer

Marcus was uncomfortable in social situations with his fellow soldiers.

Answer

Marcus was more skilled as a soldier when serving under certain commanders.

Answer

Marcus avoided career advancement to remain close to familiar colleagues.

Text from Passage	Analysis
'Throughout his military career, Marcus demonstrated unwavering loyalty to General Agricola.'	What it says: Marcus = totally loyal to Gen. Agricola What it does: Introduces Marcus's defining characteristic What it is: Opening claim
'When serving under other commanders, he fulfilled his duties competently but without enthusiasm, maintaining the professional courtesy expected of his rank.'	What it says: Other commanders → competent but no enthusiasm, basic courtesy What it does: Contrasts with his loyalty to Agricola by showing different behavior What it is: Supporting evidence
'Fellow soldiers often invited him to join their informal gatherings and social circles, yet Marcus remained aloof from such camaraderie.'	What it says: Soldiers invited him → Marcus stayed distant What it does: Provides additional evidence of his selective engagement What it is: Supporting detail
'His devotion was singular: he sought assignments that would place him under Agricola's command and declined opportunities for advancement that would separate him from his preferred general.'	What it says: Devotion = only to Agricola, sought Agricola assignments, refused promotions if = separation What it does: Reinforces and amplifies the main point with specific examples What it is: Concluding evidence

The following text is adapted from a historical account of the Roman Empire during the first century CE. Marcus was...

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