Part 5 — Five sentences have been removed from the article. Choose from sentences A–H the one that fits each gap. There are three extra sentences you do not need.
Learning to Sail
When my friend suggested we take a sailing course together last spring, I laughed. I had always thought of sailing as something for wealthy people with a lot of free time. [1]
The course ran over five weekends at a sailing centre near the coast. On the first morning, the instructor — a calm, patient woman called Diane — explained the basics of how a sail catches the wind. [2] By the end of the morning, I was surprised by how much I had understood.
The first time I actually steered the boat myself, I was terrified. The wind changed direction suddenly, and I nearly capsized. [3] She reminded me to breathe, checked that I was safe, and calmly told me what to do next.
By the third weekend, something shifted. I began to feel the rhythm of the water and understand how small adjustments to the sail made a big difference to speed. [4]
Now, several months later, I go sailing most weekends. I have even bought my own small boat. [5] If my friend hadn't pushed me to try it, I might never have discovered something I love so much.
SENTENCES
AThe theory was straightforward, but putting it into practice on the water was another matter entirely.
BWhat I didn't expect was how much confidence it would give me in other areas of my life too.
CHowever, she persuaded me to give it a try, pointing out that it was cheaper than I imagined.
DDiane reacted immediately and jumped into the boat to help me regain control.
ESuddenly, sailing felt less like a skill and more like a conversation with the sea.
FThe other students on the course were just as nervous as me, which was reassuring.
GI had also decided to enter a local race before the end of the year.
HI had never even been on a boat before, and the sea made me nervous.