Final answer:
The author's word choice in the paragraph helps readers understand how Ernesto was feeling on his first day in Miss Ryan's class.
Step-by-step explanation:
The author's word choice in the paragraph that begins, "Miss Ryan took me to a seat at the front of the room," helps readers understand how Ernesto was feeling on his first day in Miss Ryan's class in several ways.
The use of the word "nervous" to describe Ernesto's feeling immediately conveys his apprehension and anxiety.\
The phrase "feeling like I'd swallowed a bucket of butterflies," provides a vivid and relatable image that enhances the reader's understanding of Ernesto's nervousness.
The mention of Ernesto avoiding eye contact and fidgeting with his fingers further reinforces his discomfort and nervous state.
These examples of word choice effectively portray Ernesto's emotions and help readers understand how he was feeling on his first day in Miss Ryan's class.