Last month I joined a weekend pottery course at a small studio near my home. I had never worked with clay before, so I was slightly nervous when the teacher asked us to (21)______ a simple bowl. She showed us each stage slowly and gave us plenty of time to practise. By lunchtime, everyone had produced something, although some bowls looked more (22)______ than others. In the afternoon, we learned how to add colour. The teacher encouraged us to (23)______ different ideas instead of copying her example exactly. On Sunday, we used a special machine to make taller pots. It was difficult to keep the clay in the (24)______ position while it was turning. I collected my pot a week later and was (25)______ to see that it had survived. I would definitely (26)______ the course to anyone who enjoys making things. The experience has also made me notice small practical details that I did not think about before. I now plan a little more carefully and enjoy the activity more because I understand what to expect.