How would you explain what the 13 colonies were to someone who has never studied American History?

You could tell them the following:

Explanation:

You could explain to then that the 13 colonies we're just like the states, But not all the states we're there. They were called the 13 colonies because there was only 13 states at the time. You would also explain to them the three different sections of the 13 colonies. The New England Colonies (The top Colonies), The Middle Colonies (The middle Colonies), and The Southern Colonies. (The bottom few colonies).

Explanation:

It is A. Modern forms of transportation are more convenient.