English ACT Aspire Practice Test

Which is the most effective way to express anticipation in the sentence: "Filled with eagerness, ___ when I would be the one to control the potter's wheel?"

1. NO CHANGE

2. anticipating my future lessons,

3. I anticipated the next lesson,

4. future lessons anticipated,

The correct answer is: I anticipated the next lesson,

The most effective way to express anticipation in the given sentence is to use "I anticipated the next lesson." This choice clearly articulates the subject (I) and directly conveys the action of anticipating. It establishes a personal connection to the feelings of eagerness and anticipation regarding the upcoming lesson. The phrase also maintains a clear and active voice, which enhances the clarity and engagement of the writing. In contrast to the other options, this choice provides a straightforward expression that fits seamlessly into the overall structure of the sentence. The other choices might add unnecessary complexity or shift the focus away from the speaker's eager anticipation. For instance, the NO CHANGE option lacks clarity by not explicitly stating who is filled with eagerness, which can confuse the reader. Meanwhile, "anticipating my future lessons" feels somewhat vague and could imply that the focus is on the lessons rather than the individual's personal feelings. Lastly, "future lessons anticipated" changes the sentence into a passive construction that removes the subject entirely, consequently weakening the emotional impact of the anticipation being expressed.