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Benton's Venture
Benton's Venture

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of Benton's Venture is here in full — 120 sentences across 24 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/24 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.
In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!
Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.
Here is Moswansicut pond and Pochasset river, and Pockanosset branch, and many others.
And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.
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AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

Benton's Venture

Chapter IV

Chapter 4 of Benton's Venture is here in full — 120 sentences across 24 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/24 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.
Line 2
In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!
Line 3
Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.
Line 4
Here is Moswansicut pond and Pochasset river, and Pockanosset branch, and many others.
Line 5
And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

Learner Dictionary

These definitions explain words found in the current reading and keep every example grounded in its original sentence.

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, and audio.

counties noun US /ˈkaʊntiz/

plural of “county” — (United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading “JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.”

plums noun US /plʌmz/

plural of “plum” — any of several trees producing edible oval fruit having a smooth skin and a single hard stone

From this reading “Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.”

ponds noun US /pɑːndz/

plural of “pond” — a small lake

From this reading “And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.”

rectangles noun US /ˈrektæŋɡəlz/

plural of “rectangle” — a parallelogram with four right angles

From this reading “In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!”

southeast noun US /ˌsaʊˈθiːst/

the compass point midway between south and east; at 135 degrees

From this reading “In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!”

surprisingly adverb US /sərˈpraɪzɪŋli/

in a surprising manner

From this reading “JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.”

symmetrical adjective US /səˈmetrɪkəl/

having similarity in size, shape, and relative position of corresponding parts

From this reading “In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!”

wedged adjective US /wedʒd/

wedged or packed in together

From this reading “In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!”

Word partnerships in these lines

English keeps certain words together, and knowing the pair is worth more than knowing each word alone. Every partnership below was counted across our whole published library, and earns its place by appearing far more often than two unrelated words of the same frequency would.

Shown as this reading writes them, with the form the library counts, what kind of pairing it is, and how often it occurs.

due north adjective + noun

the cardinal compass point that is at 0 or 360 degrees

In this reading “Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.”

few miles adjective + noun counted as “few mile”

In this reading “In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!”

look at verb + particle

take into consideration for exemplifying purposes

In this reading “JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.”

consists of verb + particle counted as “consist of”

In this reading “JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.”

too true adverb + adjective

In this reading “In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!”

into the state preposition + article + noun counted as “into … state”

In this reading “In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!”

map of verb + particle

In this reading “JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.”

look very verb + adjective

In this reading “And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.”

All words in this reading · 119

Every word in these five lines is listed here, and every one of them can be played on its own.

Dictionary details are shown only when verified; these are not licensed Oxford entries.

adeterminerUS /ə/

used before a singular noun to mean one of a group, when it is not a particular one

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

acrossprepositionUS /əˈkrɔːs/

from one side of something to the other

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

asconjunctionUS /æz/

at the same time that; because; in the way that

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

basenounUS /beɪs/

installation from which a military force initiates operations

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

beautifullyadverbUS /ˈbjuːtəfli/

in a beautiful manner

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

bodiesnounUS /ˈbɑːdiz/

plural of “body” — the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

boundarynounUS /ˈbaʊn.də.ri/

A line that marks the limits of an area.

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

branchnounUS /bræntʃ/

a division of some larger or more complex organization

From this reading Here is Moswansicut pond and Pochasset river, and Pockanosset branch, and many others.

BRENNAN

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

citynounUS /ˈsɪti/

a large and densely populated urban area; may include several independent administrative districts

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

closelyadverbUS /ˈkloʊsli/

in a close relation or position in time or space

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

consistsverbUS /kənˈsɪsts/

third-person singular of “consist” — originate

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

contraries

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

cornernounUS /ˈkɔːrnər/

a place off to the side of an area

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

countiesnounUS /ˈkaʊntiz/

plural of “county” — (United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

countynounUS /ˈkaʊnti/

(United Kingdom) a region created by territorial division for the purpose of local government

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

discoververbUS /dɪˈskʌvər/

discover or determine the existence, presence, or fact of

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

dueadjectiveUS /duː/

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

EnglandnounUS /ˈɪŋɡlənd/

a division of the United Kingdom

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

equalverbUS /ˈiːkwəl/

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

eyenounUS /aɪ/

the organ of sight

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “a”; a small but indefinite number

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

findverbUS /faɪnd/

come upon, as if by accident; meet with

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

formnounUS /fɔːrm/

the phonological or orthographic sound or appearance of a word that can be used to describe or identify something

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

FountainnounUS /ˈfaʊntən/

a structure from which an artificially produced jet of water arises

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

fulladjectiveUS /fʊl/

containing as much or as many as is possible or normal

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

goingnounUS /ˈɡoʊɪŋ/

the act of departing

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

half-way

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

the form of “have” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

haven't

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

HereadverbUS /hiːr/

in or at this place; where the speaker or writer is

From this reading Here is Moswansicut pond and Pochasset river, and Pockanosset branch, and many others.

IfconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

importantadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɔːrtənt/

of great significance or value

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

inside something, or within a place, period, or state

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

IndianadjectiveUS /ˈɪndiən/

of or relating to or characteristic of India or the East Indies or their peoples or languages or cultures

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

IslandnounUS /ˈaɪlənd/

a land mass (smaller than a continent) that is surrounded by water

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

itsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

JIMMYverbUS /ˈdʒɪmi/

to move or force, especially in an effort to get something open

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

lakenounUS /leɪk/

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

lakesnounUS /leɪks/

plural of “lake” — a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

lawnounUS /lɔː/

the collection of rules imposed by authority

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

lookverbUS /lʊk/

perceive with attention; direct one's gaze towards

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

manyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading Here is Moswansicut pond and Pochasset river, and Pockanosset branch, and many others.

mapverbUS /mæp/

make a map of; show or establish the features of details of

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

MassachusettsnounUS /ˌmæsəˈtʃuːsəts/

a state in New England; one of the original 13 colonies

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

milesnounUS /maɪlz/

plural of “mile” — a unit of length equal to 1,760 yards or 5,280 feet; exactly 1609.344 meters

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

Moswansicut

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Here is Moswansicut pond and Pochasset river, and Pockanosset branch, and many others.

namesnounUS /neɪmz/

verbal abuse; a crude substitute for argument

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

NewadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

northnounUS /nɔːrθ/

the region of the United States lying to the north of the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

northernadjectiveUS /ˈnɔːrðərn/

in or characteristic of a region of the United States north of (approximately) the Mason-Dixon line

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

others

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Here is Moswansicut pond and Pochasset river, and Pockanosset branch, and many others.

otherwiseadverbUS /ˈʌðərwaɪz/

in other respects or ways

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

Pawtucket

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

plumsnounUS /plʌmz/

plural of “plum” — any of several trees producing edible oval fruit having a smooth skin and a single hard stone

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

Pochasset

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Here is Moswansicut pond and Pochasset river, and Pockanosset branch, and many others.

Pockanosset

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Here is Moswansicut pond and Pochasset river, and Pockanosset branch, and many others.

pondnounUS /pɑːnd/

a small lake

From this reading Here is Moswansicut pond and Pochasset river, and Pockanosset branch, and many others.

pondsnounUS /pɑːndz/

plural of “pond” — a small lake

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

portionnounUS /ˈpɔːrʃən/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

ProvidencenounUS /ˈprɑː.və.dəns/

The protective care of God or nature as a spiritual power. (Sự quan phòng, thiên ý phù hộ.)

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

puddingnounUS /ˈpʊdɪŋ/

any of various soft thick unsweetened baked dishes

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

pushedverbUS /pʊʃt/

past form of “push” — move with force

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

queer-sounding

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

reachverbUS /riːtʃ/

reach a destination, either real or abstract

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

rectanglesnounUS /ˈrektæŋɡəlz/

plural of “rectangle” — a parallelogram with four right angles

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

regionnounUS /ˈriːdʒən/

the extended spatial location of something

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

REPORTSnounUS /rɪˈpɔːrts/

plural of “report” — a written document describing the findings of some individual or group

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

Rhode

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

rivernounUS /ˈrɪvər/

a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

riversnounUS /ˈrɪvərz/

plural of “river” — a large natural stream of water (larger than a creek)

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

seeminglyadverbUS /ˈsiːmɪŋli/

from appearances alone

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

sidesnounUS /saɪdz/

plural of “side” — a place within a region identified relative to a center or reference location

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

limited or below average in number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

smalleradjectiveUS /ˈsmɔːlər/

small or little relative to something else

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

southeastnounUS /ˌsaʊˈθiːst/

the compass point midway between south and east; at 135 degrees

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

squareverbUS /skwer/

make square

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

statenounUS /steɪt/

the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

streamsnounUS /striːmz/

plural of “stream” — a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

surprisinglyadverbUS /sərˈpraɪzɪŋli/

in a surprising manner

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

surroundingadjectiveUS /sərˈaʊndɪŋ/

closely encircling

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

symmetricaladjectiveUS /səˈmetrɪkəl/

having similarity in size, shape, and relative position of corresponding parts

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

TakingnounUS /ˈteɪkɪŋ/

the act of someone who picks up or takes something

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

termedverbUS /tɜːrmd/

past form of “term” — name formally or designate with a term

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

thingnounUS /θɪŋ/

a special situation

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

tooadverbUS /tuː/

to a degree exceeding normal or proper limits

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

trueadjectiveUS /truː/

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

unlikeadjectiveUS /ənˈlaɪk/

marked by dissimilarity

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

upperadjectiveUS /ˈʌpər/

the topmost one of two

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

waternounUS /ˈwɔːtər/

binary compound that occurs at room temperature as a clear colorless odorless tasteless liquid; freezes into ice below 0 degrees centigrade and boils above 100 degrees centigrade; widely used as a solvent

From this reading And, among them, if you’ll look very, very closely, you’ll find Fountain lake, which, being smaller than the surrounding bodies of water called ponds, is by the law of contraries termed a lake.

waynounUS /weɪ/

how something is done or how it happens

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

wedgedadjectiveUS /wedʒd/

wedged or packed in together

From this reading In the southeast corner the Providence river has wedged its way in, and seemingly pushed the boundary a few miles into the state of Massachusetts, but otherwise Providence county is beautifully symmetrical, a thing of rectangles and equal sides――if you haven’t too true an eye!

westwardadverbUS /ˈwestwərd/

toward the west

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

used to introduce a clause giving more about a thing just mentioned

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

you'll

Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

yourdeterminerUS /jɔːr/

belonging to the person or people being spoken to

From this reading JIMMY BRENNAN REPORTS If you will look at your map of Rhode Island you will discover that the northern portion of that small but important state consists of the county of Providence, which, unlike most New England counties, is surprisingly square in form.

yourselfpronounUS /jərˈself/

used when the person spoken to is also the object of the action

From this reading Taking the city of Pawtucket as a base――and you’ll find it due north of Providence, on the upper reach of the river――and, going westward, about half-way across the county and state, you’ll find yourself in a region of lakes and rivers and streams, a region as full of queer-sounding Indian names as a pudding is full of plums.

Chapter 4 of Benton's Venture by Ralph Henry Barbour holds 120 sentences, grouped into 24 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 4 of Benton's Venture contain?

Chapter 4 holds 120 sentences of Benton's Venture, unabridged, divided into 24 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 4 of Benton's Venture by Ralph Henry Barbour exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 120 sentences, grouped into 24 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 4 of Benton's Venture?

Work through the 24 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 24 sections in this chapter is short enough to read once, hear once, and then re-read with the vocabulary in view. Tapping a word plays it alone and opens its dictionary entry with IPA, part of speech and meaning, so the reader is never forced to guess a pronunciation from spelling. Working section by section keeps a long chapter from becoming an undifferentiated wall of text, which is the usual reason a reader abandons a work of this period.

Can chapter 4 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 4 can be played aloud in United States English.

Audio covers the whole chapter: any sentence can be played, and any single word within it can be played on its own. The voice uses United States English. For a work of this period that matters, because spelling is an unreliable guide to pronunciation for vocabulary that has fallen out of daily use, and a learner who guesses wrong tends to keep the error. Hearing the word in its own sentence, and then alone, settles it.

Questions about reading Benton's Venture

Common questions about reading Benton's Venture by Ralph Henry Barbour on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Benton's Venture?

Yes. All 5144 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #66533 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Benton's Venture is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #66533, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Benton's Venture take to read?

About 428 minutes of reading across 1029 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Benton's Venture section by section

How to work through Benton's Venture section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 29 chapters of Benton's Venture to begin.

  2. Read one section

    Each section holds 5 sentences; read it once through.

  3. Listen and tap

    Play the section aloud, then tap any unfamiliar word for its entry.

Vocabulary met early in Benton's Venture

Words and structures a reader meets early in Benton's Venture, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Automobile
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Benton's Venture; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Benton
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Benton's Venture; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Smiled
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Benton's Venture; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Shook
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Benton's Venture; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.