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New Ideas for American Boys
New Ideas for American Boys

Chapter XXIII

Chapter 23 of New Ideas for American Boys is here in full — 40 sentences across 8 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

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Context Illustration Reading 1/8 · 5 lines
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A BOYS STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.
But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.
When sending Invitations to a Boys Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.
You must have some blow-guns and a target ready for them to use when they arrive.
Make the Target of a large sheet of Manila paper.
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LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

New Ideas for American Boys

Chapter XXIII

Chapter 23 of New Ideas for American Boys is here in full — 40 sentences across 8 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/8 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
A BOYSSTAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.
Line 2
But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.
Line 3
When sending Invitations to a BoysStag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.
Line 4
You must have some blow-guns and a target ready for them to use when they arrive.
Line 5
Make the Target of a large sheet of Manila paper.
/meɪk ðə ˈtɑːrɡət ʌv ə lɑːrdʒ ʃiːt ʌv məˈnɪlə ˈpeɪpər/

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.

conceals verb US /kənˈsiːlz/

third-person singular of “conceal” — prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading “A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.”

frowns noun US /fraʊnz/

plural of “frown” — a facial expression of dislike or displeasure

From this reading “But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.”

Invitations noun US /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃənz/

plural of “invitation” — a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading “When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.”

knickerbockers noun US /ˈnɪkərbɑːkərz/

(used in the plural) trousers ending above the knee

From this reading “A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.”

Manila noun US /məˈnɪlə/

a strong paper or thin cardboard with a smooth light brown finish made from e.g. Manila hemp

From this reading “Make the Target of a large sheet of Manila paper.”

overcoats noun US /ˈoʊvərkoʊts/

plural of “overcoat” — a heavy coat worn over clothes in winter

From this reading “But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.”

owns verb US /oʊnz/

third-person singular of “own” — have ownership or possession of

From this reading “A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.”

target noun US /ˈtɑːrɡət/

a reference point to shoot at

From this reading “When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.”

Word partnerships in these lines

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

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

younger brother adjective + noun

In this reading “A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.”

conceals the fact verb + article + noun counted as “conceal … fact”

In this reading “A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.”

large sheet adjective + noun

In this reading “Make the Target of a large sheet of Manila paper.”

old clothes adjective + noun

In this reading “When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.”

in the hall preposition + article + noun counted as “in … hall”

In this reading “But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.”

Old Boys adjective + noun counted as “old boy”

a familiar term of address for a man

In this reading “But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.”

All words in this reading · 77

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

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

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

arriveverbUS /ərˈaɪv/

reach a destination; arrive by movement or progress

From this reading You must have some blow-guns and a target ready for them to use when they arrive.

attendverbUS /əˈtend/

be present at (meetings, church services, university), etc.

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

bald-headedadjective

lacking hair on all or most of the scalp

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.

beardedadjectiveUS /ˈbɪrdəd/

having hair on the cheeks and chin

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

behindprepositionUS /bɪˈhaɪnd/

at or toward the back of something

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

betweenprepositionUS /bɪˈtwiːn/

in the space, time, or range separating two things

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

blow-guns

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

From this reading You must have some blow-guns and a target ready for them to use when they arrive.

boynounUS /bɔɪ/

a youthful male person

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

BOYSnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

brothernounUS /ˈbrʌðər/

a male with the same parents as someone else

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

ButconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

clothesnounUS /kloʊðz/

clothing in general

From this reading When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.

comeverbUS /kʌm/

move toward, travel toward something or somebody or approach something or somebody

From this reading When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.

concealsverbUS /kənˈsiːlz/

third-person singular of “conceal” — prevent from being seen or discovered

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

countenancenounUS /ˈkaʊntənəns/

the appearance conveyed by a person's face

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

differencenounUS /ˈdɪfərəns/

the quality of being unlike or dissimilar

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

dignifiedadjectiveUS /ˈdɪɡnəfaɪd/

having or expressing dignity; especially formality or stateliness in bearing or appearance

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

facesnounUS /ˈfeɪsəz/

plural of “face” — the front of the human head from the forehead to the chin and ear to ear

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

factnounUS /fækt/

a piece of information about circumstances that exist or events that have occurred

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

fondadjectiveUS /fɑːnd/

having or displaying warmth or affection

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.

formeradjectiveUS /ˈfɔːrmər/

referring to the first of two things or persons mentioned (or the earlier one or ones of several)

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

frownverbUS /fraʊn/

look angry or sullen, wrinkle one's forehead, as if to signal disapproval

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

frownsnounUS /fraʊnz/

plural of “frown” — a facial expression of dislike or displeasure

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

funnounUS /fʌn/

activities that are enjoyable or amusing

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

guestsnounUS /ɡests/

plural of “guest” — a visitor to whom hospitality is extended

From this reading When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.

hallnounUS /hɔːl/

an interior passage or corridor onto which rooms open

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading You must have some blow-guns and a target ready for them to use when they arrive.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

InvitationsnounUS /ˌɪnvɪˈteɪʃənz/

plural of “invitation” — a request (spoken or written) to participate or be present or take part in something

From this reading When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

knickerbockersnounUS /ˈnɪkərbɑːkərz/

(used in the plural) trousers ending above the knee

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

above average in size or number or quantity or magnitude or extent

From this reading Make the Target of a large sheet of Manila paper.

lateadjectiveUS /leɪt/

being or occurring at an advanced period of time or after a usual or expected time

From this reading When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.

latteradjectiveUS /ˈlætər/

referring to the second of two things or persons mentioned (or the last one or ones of several)

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

leaveverbUS /liːv/

go away from a place

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

MakeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading Make the Target of a large sheet of Manila paper.

ManilanounUS /məˈnɪlə/

a strong paper or thin cardboard with a smooth light brown finish made from e.g. Manila hemp

From this reading Make the Target of a large sheet of Manila paper.

mustmodal verbUS /mʌst/

used to say something is necessary, or almost certainly true

From this reading You must have some blow-guns and a target ready for them to use when they arrive.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

OldadjectiveUS /oʊld/

(used especially of persons) having lived for a relatively long time or attained a specific age

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

onlyadverbUS /ˈoʊnli/

and nothing more

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

overcoatsnounUS /ˈoʊvərkoʊts/

plural of “overcoat” — a heavy coat worn over clothes in winter

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

ownsverbUS /oʊnz/

third-person singular of “own” — have ownership or possession of

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

papernounUS /ˈpeɪpər/

a material made of cellulose pulp derived mainly from wood or rags or certain grasses

From this reading Make the Target of a large sheet of Manila paper.

readyadjectiveUS /ˈredi/

completely prepared or in condition for immediate action or use or progress

From this reading You must have some blow-guns and a target ready for them to use when they arrive.

sendingnounUS /ˈsendɪŋ/

the act of causing something to go (especially messages)

From this reading When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.

severeadjectiveUS /səˈvɪr/

intensely or extremely bad or unpleasant in degree or quality

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

sheetnounUS /ʃiːt/

any broad thin expanse or surface

From this reading Make the Target of a large sheet of Manila paper.

shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/

used to say what is right, expected, or advisable

From this reading When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.

solemnadjectiveUS /ˈsɑːləm/

dignified and somber in manner or character and committed to keeping promises

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading You must have some blow-guns and a target ready for them to use when they arrive.

STAG-PARTY

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

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

suggestedverbUS /səˈdʒestɪd/

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

From this reading When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.

targetnounUS /ˈtɑːrɡət/

a reference point to shoot at

From this reading You must have some blow-guns and a target ready for them to use when they arrive.

target-shooting

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

From this reading When sending Invitations to a Boys’ Stag-Party, it should be suggested that the guests come in their old clothes, and not be late for the target-shooting.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

upadjectiveUS /ʌp/

being or moving higher in position or greater in some value; being above a former position or level

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading You must have some blow-guns and a target ready for them to use when they arrive.

whenconjunctionUS /wen/

at the time that

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading But when the Old Boys attend a stag-party the solemn faces and frowns are not there; they leave them with their overcoats in the hall.

YoupronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading You must have some blow-guns and a target ready for them to use when they arrive.

youngeradjectiveUS /ˈjʌŋɡər/

used of the younger of two persons of the same name especially used to distinguish a son from his father

From this reading A BOYS’ STAG-PARTY The only difference between the bald-headed, bearded boy and his younger brother in knickerbockers is that the latter is fond of fun and owns up to it, while the former is fond of fun and conceals the fact behind a solemn countenance and a severe and dignified frown.

Chapter 23 of New Ideas for American Boys by Daniel Carter Beard holds 40 sentences, grouped into 8 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 23 of New Ideas for American Boys contain?

Chapter 23 holds 40 sentences of New Ideas for American Boys, unabridged, divided into 8 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 23 of New Ideas for American Boys by Daniel Carter Beard exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 40 sentences, grouped into 8 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 23 of New Ideas for American Boys?

Work through the 8 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 8 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 23 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 23 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 New Ideas for American Boys

Common questions about reading New Ideas for American Boys by Daniel Carter Beard on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of New Ideas for American Boys?

Yes. All 2002 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #49936 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of New Ideas for American Boys is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #49936, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does New Ideas for American Boys take to read?

About 166 minutes of reading across 401 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read New Ideas for American Boys section by section

How to work through New Ideas for American Boys section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 25 chapters of New Ideas for American Boys 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 New Ideas for American Boys

Words and structures a reader meets early in New Ideas for American Boys, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Enclosed
A word that appears in the opening chapter of New Ideas for American Boys; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Underscores
A word that appears in the opening chapter of New Ideas for American Boys; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Italics
A word that appears in the opening chapter of New Ideas for American Boys; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Equal
A word that appears in the opening chapter of New Ideas for American Boys; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.