Question

read the paragraph from liams narrative.

\\(^1\\)i had never been more frightened in my entire life. \\(^2\\)as i stepped onto the diving platform, i waited for instructions from my diving coach. \\(^3\\)only because his directions were so clear, and because he was so nice, was i able to do it. \\(^4\\)it had all been worth it, i thought, as i changed from my bathing suit back into clothes. \\(^5\\)i had achieved what i had set out to do.

which sentence could replace sentence 5 to make the paragraph more precise?

• i was able to accomplish the goal i had set for myself.
• i had finally managed to dive from the highest platform.
• i had surprised myself by being able to do what i didnt think i could.
• i truly owed a lot to coach wilkerson for all the help he had given me.

Explanation:

Analyze the original sentence and context

Sentence 5 reads: "I had achieved what I had set out to do." This sentence is vague because "what I had set out to do" does not specify the actual action or goal described in the narrative (diving from the platform).

Evaluate the replacement options for precision

• Option 1: "I was able to accomplish the goal I had set for myself." This remains vague by using the general word "goal" instead of naming the specific action.
• Option 2: "I had finally managed to dive from the highest platform." This is highly precise because it replaces the vague phrase with the specific action ("dive") and location ("highest platform") central to the narrative.
• Option 3: "I had surprised myself by being able to do what I didn't think I could." This focuses on feelings and retains the vague phrasing "do what I didn't think I could."
• Option 4: "I truly owed a lot to Coach Wilkerson for all the help he had given me." This shifts the focus to the coach rather than clarifying the specific achievement of the narrator.

Select the best option

Option 2 provides the most specific, concrete details to replace the vague original sentence, making the narrative paragraph much more precise.

Answer:

• I was able to accomplish the goal I had set for myself.
• I had finally managed to dive from the highest platform. (Correct answer)
• I had surprised myself by being able to do what I didn't think I could.
• I truly owed a lot to Coach Wilkerson for all the help he had given me.