Final answer:
Thomas Paine's 'Common Sense' influenced colonial thoughts on rebellion by making a compelling case for independence from Britain, using simple language and arguments that appealed to a broad audience. It convinced many neutralists that rebellion was justified.
Step-by-step explanation:
Thomas Paine's Common Sense was a pivotal work that influenced colonial thoughts on rebellion by providing strong arguments for independence from Great Britain. The pamphlet used simple language to convey the concepts of natural rights and governmental duty to the people, resonating with a wide audience that included the practical merchant and the principled philosopher. Paine's writings suggested that the British monarchy and government had failed in their duty to protect the interests of the American colonies, thereby justifying a rebellion.
In particular, Paine's work convinced many neutralists and those previously undecided about rebellion to embrace the idea of declaring independence. It set forth the idea that the colonies did not benefit from an inherited monarchy or the British Empire, highlighting the economic and philosophical reasons for establishing a free and independent nation. Therefore, the most accurate answer to the student's question is:
a) Thomas Paine’s argument convinced many neutralists to agree with declaring independence.