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How John Became a Man
How John Became a Man

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of How John Became a Man is here in full — 71 sentences across 15 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for How John Became a Man
Context Illustration Reading 1/14 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.
We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.
The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.
Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.
There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.
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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.

How John Became a Man

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of How John Became a Man is here in full — 71 sentences across 15 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/14 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.
/laɪf ˈstɔːri ʌv ə ˈmʌðərlɪs bɔɪ ɪn prɪˈzentɪŋ ðɪs ˈlɪtəl ˈvɑːljuːm ðə ˈɔːθər hoʊps ðæt ɪt meɪ biː ˈjuːsfəl ɪn səˈdʒestɪŋ tuː ðə maɪndz ʌv jʌŋ bɔɪz ðə ɡreɪt rɔːŋ ðer ɪz ɪn ˌɪnˈdʌldʒɪŋ ɪn ˈiːvəl ˈhæbəts/
Line 2
We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.
/wiː red maɪ ˈpiːpəl ɑːr dɪˈstrɔɪd fɔːr læk ʌv ˈnɑːlədʒ ənd ðɪs ɪz truː kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ moʊst bɔɪz huː fɔːrm ˈhæbəts ðæt ɑːr ˈhɑːrmfəl boʊθ tuː ˈbɑːdi ənd soʊl/
Line 3
The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.
/ðə ˈstɔːri ʌv dʒɑːnz laɪf ɪz ə truː wʌn ənd hɪz ˈɜːrnɪst prer ðæt ɪt meɪ biː ðə miːnz ʌv ˈhelpɪŋ sʌm bɔɪz frʌm ˈseɪtənz snerz ənd pruːv ə ˈblesɪŋ tuː ðem aɪ trʌst wɪl biː ˈænsərd/
Line 4
Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.
Line 5
There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.
/ðer wɑːz ˈnʌθɪŋ streɪndʒ ɪn ðɪs ɪkˈsept ðæt ðə haʊs wɑːz ˈdɪfərənt frʌm ðə ˈævərɪdʒ haʊs ʌv ðə pleɪnz fɔːr æt ðɪs pərˈtɪkjələr taɪm ðə ˈɡreɪtər pɑːrt ʌv ðə ˈdwelɪŋz wɜːr meɪd ʌv sɑːd mʌd ənd brʌʃ/

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.

bloomed verb US /bluːmd/

past form of “bloom” — produce or yield flowers

From this reading “Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.”

cacti noun US /ˈkæktaɪ/

plural of “cactus” — any succulent plant of the family Cactaceae native chiefly to arid regions of the New World and usually having spines

From this reading “Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.”

harmful adjective US /ˈhɑːrmfəl/

causing or capable of causing harm

From this reading “We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.”

Motherless adjective US /ˈmʌðərlɪs/

having no living or known mother

From this reading “Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.”

Satan's noun US /ˈseɪtənz/

possessive form of “satan” — (Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading “The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.”

snares noun US /snerz/

plural of “snare” — something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares

From this reading “The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.”

sod noun US /sɑːd/

surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots

From this reading “There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.”

thrived verb US /θraɪvd/

past form of “thrive” — grow vigorously

From this reading “Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.”

All words in this reading · 117

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.

1917

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

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

answeredverbUS /ˈænsərd/

past form of “answer” — react verbally

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

authornounUS /ˈɔːθər/

writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

averageadjectiveUS /ˈævərɪdʒ/

approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

blessingnounUS /ˈblesɪŋ/

the formal act of approving

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

bloomedverbUS /bluːmd/

past form of “bloom” — produce or yield flowers

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

bodynounUS /ˈbɑːdi/

the entire physical structure of an organism (an animal, plant, or human being)

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

bothdeterminerUS /boʊθ/

the two together, not just one

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

BoynounUS /bɔɪ/

a youthful male person

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

boysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

brushverbUS /brʌʃ/

rub with a brush, or as if with a brush

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

buffaloes

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

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

buildingnounUS /ˈbɪldɪŋ/

a structure that has a roof and walls and stands more or less permanently in one place

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

Byrum

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

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

CnounUS /siː/

a degree on the centigrade scale of temperature

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

cactinounUS /ˈkæktaɪ/

plural of “cactus” — any succulent plant of the family Cactaceae native chiefly to arid regions of the New World and usually having spines

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

concerningverbUS /kənˈsɜːrnɪŋ/

-ing form of “concern” — be relevant to

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

the past of “can”; used for possibility or polite requests

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

destroyedadjectiveUS /dɪˈstrɔɪd/

spoiled or ruined or demolished

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

dwellingsnounUS /ˈdwelɪŋz/

plural of “dwelling” — housing that someone is living in

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

earnestadjectiveUS /ˈɜːrnɪst/

characterized by a firm and humorless belief in the validity of your opinions

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

evilnounUS /ˈiːvəl/

morally objectionable behavior

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

exceptprepositionUS /ɪkˈsept/

apart from; not including

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

formnounUS /fɔːrm/

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

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

frameverbUS /freɪm/

enclose in or as if in a frame

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

greatadjectiveUS /ɡreɪt/

relatively large in size or number or extent; larger than others of its kind

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

greateradjectiveUS /ˈɡreɪtər/

greater in size or importance or degree

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

habitsnounUS /ˈhæbəts/

plural of “habit” — an established custom

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

harmfuladjectiveUS /ˈhɑːrmfəl/

causing or capable of causing harm

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

helpingnounUS /ˈhelpɪŋ/

an individual quantity of food or drink taken as part of a meal

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

belonging to a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

hopesnounUS /hoʊps/

plural of “hope” — a specific instance of feeling hopeful

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

horsesnounUS /ˈhɔːrsəz/

plural of “horse” — solid-hoofed herbivorous quadruped domesticated since prehistoric times

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

housenounUS /haʊs/

a dwelling that serves as living quarters for one or more families

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

InprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

indulgingnounUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒɪŋ/

the act of indulging or gratifying a desire

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

Isabel

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

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

John'snounUS /dʒɑːnz/

possessive form of “john” — a room or building equipped with one or more toilets

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

knowledgenounUS /ˈnɑːlədʒ/

the psychological result of perception and learning and reasoning

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

lacknounUS /læk/

the state of needing something that is absent or unavailable

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

LifenounUS /laɪf/

a characteristic state or mode of living

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

littleadjectiveUS /ˈlɪtəl/

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

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

meansnounUS /miːnz/

thing or person that acts to produce a particular effect or achieve an end

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

mindsnounUS /maɪndz/

plural of “mind” — that which is responsible for one's thoughts, feelings, and conscious brain functions; the seat of the faculty of reason

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

MotherlessadjectiveUS /ˈmʌðərlɪs/

having no living or known mother

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

mudnounUS /mʌd/

water soaked soil; soft wet earth

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

MydeterminerUS /maɪ/

belonging to the person speaking

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

nothingpronounUS /ˈnʌθɪŋ/

not one thing; not anything

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

onceadverbUS /wʌns/

on one occasion

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

OutadjectiveUS /aʊt/

not allowed to continue to bat or run

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

particularadjectiveUS /pərˈtɪkjələr/

unique or specific to a person or thing or category

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

plainsnounUS /pleɪnz/

plural of “plain” — extensive tract of level open land

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

pleasurenounUS /ˈpleʒər/

a fundamental feeling that is hard to define but that people desire to experience

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

prairienounUS /ˈpreri/

a treeless grassy plain

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

prayernounUS /prer/

the act of communicating with a deity (especially as a petition or in adoration or contrition or thanksgiving)

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

presentingverbUS /prɪˈzentɪŋ/

-ing form of “present” — give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

proveverbUS /pruːv/

be shown or be found to be

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

readverbUS /red/

interpret something that is written or printed

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

roamedverbUS /roʊmd/

past form of “roam” — move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

Satan'snounUS /ˈseɪtənz/

possessive form of “satan” — (Judeo-Christian and Islamic religions) chief spirit of evil and adversary of God; tempter of mankind; master of Hell

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

seenverbUS /siːn/

inflected form of “see” — perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

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

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

snaresnounUS /snerz/

plural of “snare” — something (often something deceptively attractive) that catches you unawares

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

sodnounUS /sɑːd/

surface layer of ground containing a mat of grass and grass roots

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

(quantifier) used with either mass nouns or plural count nouns to indicate an unspecified number or quantity

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

soulnounUS /soʊl/

the immaterial part of a person; the actuating cause of an individual life

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

statesnounUS /steɪts/

plural of “state” — the territory occupied by one of the constituent administrative districts of a nation

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

stilladjectiveUS /stɪl/

not in physical motion

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

StorynounUS /ˈstɔːri/

a message that tells the particulars of an act or occurrence or course of events; presented in writing or drama or cinema or as a radio or television program

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

strangeadjectiveUS /streɪndʒ/

being definitely out of the ordinary and unexpected; slightly odd or even a bit weird

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

suggestingverbUS /səˈdʒestɪŋ/

-ing form of “suggest” — make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

used for a person or thing that is near, or that has just been mentioned

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

thrivedverbUS /θraɪvd/

past form of “thrive” — grow vigorously

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

toparticleUS /tuː/

used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

trueadjectiveUS /truː/

consistent with fact or reality; not false

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

trustnounUS /trʌst/

something (as property) held by one party (the trustee) for the benefit of another (the beneficiary)

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

two-story

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

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

usefuladjectiveUS /ˈjuːsfəl/

being of use or service

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

volumenounUS /ˈvɑːljuːm/

the amount of 3-dimensional space occupied by an object

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

WepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

the past form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun

From this reading There was nothing strange in this except that the house was different from the average house of the plains; for at this particular time the greater part of the dwellings were made of sod, mud, and brush.

westernadjectiveUS /ˈwestərn/

relating to or characteristic of the western parts of the world or the West as opposed to the eastern or oriental parts

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

whereconjunctionUS /wer/

in or at the place that

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading We read, "My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge," and this is true concerning most boys who form habits that are harmful both to body and soul.

wildadjectiveUS /waɪld/

marked by extreme lack of restraint or control

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading The story of John's life is a true one; and his earnest prayer that it may be the means of helping some boys from Satan's snares and prove a blessing to them, I trust, will be answered.

wrongadjectiveUS /rɔːŋ/

not correct; not in conformity with fact or truth

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

YearnounUS /jɪr/

a period of time containing 365 (or 366) days

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

youngadjectiveUS /jʌŋ/

(used of living things especially persons) in an early period of life or development or growth

From this reading Life Story of a Motherless Boy In presenting this little volume, the author hopes that it may be useful in suggesting to the minds of young boys the great wrong there is in indulging in evil habits.

yuccas

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

From this reading Isabel C. Byrum Year 1917 Out on the prairie in one of the western states where buffaloes and wild horses once had roamed at their pleasure and where cacti and yuccas still thrived and bloomed could be seen a small two-story frame building.

Chapter 1 of How John Became a Man by Isabel C. (Isabel Coston) Byrum holds 71 sentences, grouped into 15 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 1 of How John Became a Man contain?

Chapter 1 holds 71 sentences of How John Became a Man, unabridged, divided into 15 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of How John Became a Man by Isabel C. (Isabel Coston) Byrum exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 71 sentences, grouped into 15 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 1 of How John Became a Man?

Work through the 15 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 15 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 1 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 1 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 How John Became a Man

Common questions about reading How John Became a Man by Isabel C. (Isabel Coston) Byrum on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of How John Became a Man?

Yes. All 0 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #? are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of How John Became a Man is used?

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

How long does How John Became a Man take to read?

About 5 minutes of reading across 0 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read How John Became a Man section by section

How to work through How John Became a Man section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 0 chapters of How John Became a Man 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 How John Became a Man

Words and structures a reader meets early in How John Became a Man, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of How John Became a Man, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
One of the 0 chapters of How John Became a Man, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 3
One of the 0 chapters of How John Became a Man, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.