When writing a short what is the first place you should look to find plot ideas?

just took the test;

argument: "it's time to wage a war against britain to secure american freedom."

claims: "america has tried every peaceful method available for seperating from england" & "the americans' petitions to the king have been turned away by him."

answer: common sense was the pamphlet that thomas paine used to convince reluctant americans to abandon the goal of reconciling with britain and to accept that independence was the only option to preserve their liberty.