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John Bull, Junior
John Bull, Junior

Chapter V

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Context Illustration Reading 1/84 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
* * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.
From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.
* * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.
In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.
* * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.
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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.

John Bull, Junior

Chapter V

Reading 1/84 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
* * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.
Line 2
From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.
Line 3
* * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.
Line 4
In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.
Line 5
* * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

Learner Dictionary

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

Among preposition US /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.”

Another noun US /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “* * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.”

Asked noun US /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “* * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.”

Being auxiliary verb US /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading “* * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

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

From this reading “* * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.”

Imagine noun US /ˈimagine/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading “* * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.”

Little noun US /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “* * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.”

Make noun US /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “* * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.”

Once noun US /once/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “* * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.”

Part noun US /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “* * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.”

Same noun US /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “* * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.”

Soon noun US /soon/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “* * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.”

Whilst conjunction US /waɪlst/

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading “* * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.”

Would modal verb US /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading “* * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.”

All words in this reading · 107

Every word is available to listen to. 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 * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

according

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

allowed

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

also

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

anothernounUS /ˈanother/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

answer

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

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

applying

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

ask

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

askednounUS /asked/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

beat

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

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

beingauxiliary verbUS /ˈbiːɪŋ/

the -ing form of “be”

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

boy

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

boys

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

building

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

called

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

candidates

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

child

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

City

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

conducted

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

dear

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

deemed

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

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

difficult

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

discontented

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

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

distributing

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

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

easily

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

examinations

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

expedient

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

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

fail

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

fathers

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

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

finished

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

FromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

given

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

hepronounUS /hiː/

a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

head-master

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

herdeterminerUS /hɜːr/

belonging to a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

himpronounUS /hɪm/

the male already mentioned, as the object of a verb or preposition

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

honestly

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

hundred

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

imaginenounUS /ˈimagine/

a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

intention

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

intimate

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

littlenounUS /little/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

loving

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

makenounUS /make/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

man

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

merit

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

metropolis

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

mother

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

new

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

ninety-four

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

offer

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

once

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

ones

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

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

other

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

ourdeterminerUS /ˈaʊər/

belonging to the speaker and others

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

parents

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

partnounUS /part/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

persuade

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

placing

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

point-blank

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

public

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

rebuilt

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

received

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

retreat

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

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

room

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

samenounUS /same/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

say

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

scholarship

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

scholarships

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

school

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

see

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

shepronounUS /ʃiː/

a woman, girl, or female animal already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

six

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

soon

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

speedy

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

From this reading From the answer he received he deemed it expedient to beat a speedy retreat.

taught

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

there

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

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

ungrateful

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

From this reading In distributing six scholarships among a hundred candidates you make six ungrateful fathers and ninety-four discontented ones.

visit

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

WhenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

WhilstconjunctionUS /waɪlst/

an old and formal word for “while”

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

words

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

From this reading * * * * * The same head-master once received the visit of a man who asked him point-blank if the scholarship examinations were conducted honestly, or, in other words, if the scholarships were given according to merit.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading * * * * * Whilst our school was being rebuilt in another part of the metropolis, a loving mother called on the head-master in the City to intimate her intention of placing her little boy in the school as soon as the new building would be finished, and also to ask if she would be allowed to see the room in which her dear child would be taught.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading * * * * * When a school has to offer, say, six scholarships to the public, and there are a hundred candidates applying for them, you may easily imagine that it is difficult to persuade the parents of the ninety-four boys who fail that the scholarships are given according to merit.