Question

why were soldiers shocked when edmonds applied for a veteran’s pension?
they discovered that private frank thompson was really a spy.
they discovered that private frank thompson was really a soldier.
they discovered that private frank thompson was really a woman.
they discovered that private frank thompson was really a veteran.

Explanation:

The context here relates to the story of Sarah Edmonds who disguised herself as Private Frank Thompson to serve in the Civil War. When she applied for a veteran’s pension, the soldiers were shocked to discover that "Private Frank Thompson" was actually a woman (Sarah Edmonds). The other options don't fit: being a spy isn't the reason, "Frank Thompson" was known as a soldier already, and the shock wasn't about being a veteran (but about the gender identity behind the alias).

Answer:

C. They discovered that Private Frank Thompson was really a woman.