In context, which of the following revisions is necessary in sentence 8 (reproduced below)? Sure, I am apt to make mistakes, I can only imagine how many times waves have knocked my raft over while learning, I can only imagine how many rocks my raft has crashed into when I did not receive a top mark: I can only imagine how many dreadful times my usually sturdy raft has almost been pulled into the whirlpool of depression.
Direction for questions 1 to 6: The following passage is an early draft of an essay. Some parts of the passage need to be rewritten. Read the passage and select the best answers for the questions that follow. Some questions are about particular sentences or parts of sentences and ask you to improve sentence structure or word choice. Other questions ask you to consider organization and development. In choosing answers, follow the requirements of standard written English.
Passage – I
(1) Life is a white water river. (2) At first I paddle slowly along the uncharacteristically-calm waters to school. (3) I have got to steel myself to keep up with the tiresome work that lies ahead of me.
(4) The heavy waves of work pound me tirelessly as I attempt to manoeuvre around the feared whirlpool of depression. (5) It, with time, pulls me under and swallow me alive.
(6) The river, I may call life, would be in control at all times; I must quickly steer and paddle away from the massive rocks and devouring waves. (7) When travelling along a rough river, it is essential that the rafter be a quick thinker, and only the experienced rafter can outwit the many perils that lie ahead.
(8) Sure, I am apt to make mistakes, I can only imagine how many times waves have knocked my raft over while learning, I can only imagine how many rocks my raft has crashed into when I did not receive a top mark: I can only imagine how many dreadful times my usually sturdy raft has almost been pulled into the whirlpool of depression.
(9) On the other hand, there are many positive aspects to this white water river with its exhilarating highs and its anticipated lows. (10) There are many interested people whom I may accidentally bump my raft along the way. (11) Of course, the river giving me the ultimate thrill of knowing that I have managed to succeed the dastardly rough-waters. (12) Then, as the water begins to flow smoothly again, I can relax and cherish the experience, and anticipate the dangers and hard work that lie ahead.