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Shorter Novels, Vol. 3
Shorter Novels, Vol. 3

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3 is here in full — 116 sentences across 24 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for Shorter Novels, Vol. 3
Context Illustration Reading 1/23 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).
You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.
Otherwise, use the Latin-1 version.
Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.
For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.
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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.

Shorter Novels, Vol. 3

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3 is here in full — 116 sentences across 24 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/23 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).
Line 2
You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.
/juː meɪ niːd tuː juːs ə ˈdɪfərənt fɑːnt ɪn ˈɔːrdər fɔːr ðem tuː dɪˈspleɪ ˈprɑːpərli/
Line 3
Otherwise, use the Latin-1 version.
Line 4
Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.
Line 5
For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.
/fɔːr dɪˈteɪld ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən əˈbaʊt ðə kərˈekʃənz ənd ˈtʃeɪndʒəz meɪd siː ðə end ʌv ðə tekst/

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.

accents noun US /ˈæksents/

plural of “accent” — distinctive manner of oral expression

From this reading “This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).”

corrections noun US /kərˈekʃənz/

the department of local government that is responsible for managing the treatment of convicted offenders

From this reading “For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.”

detailed adjective US /dɪˈteɪld/

developed or executed with care and in minute detail

From this reading “For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.”

emphasis noun US /ˈemfəsəs/

special importance or significance

From this reading “Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.”

font noun US /fɑːnt/

a specific size and style of type within a type family

From this reading “You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.”

Hebrew noun US /ˈhiːbruː/

the ancient Canaanitic language of the Hebrews that has been revived as the official language of Israel

From this reading “This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).”

version noun US /ˈvɜːrʒən/

an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint

From this reading “Otherwise, use the Latin-1 version.”

vertical adjective US /ˈvɜːrtɪkəl/

at right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line

From this reading “Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.”

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.

contains several verb + adjective counted as “contain several”

In this reading “This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).”

in order preposition + noun

in a state of proper readiness or preparation or arrangement

In this reading “You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.”

All words in this reading · 56

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.

1

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

From this reading Otherwise, use the Latin-1 version.

adeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.

accentsnounUS /ˈæksents/

plural of “accent” — distinctive manner of oral expression

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

barsnounUS /bɑːrz/

gymnastic apparatus consisting of two parallel wooden rods supported on uprights

From this reading Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.

booknounUS /bʊk/

a written work or composition that has been published (printed on pages bound together)

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

changesnounUS /ˈtʃeɪndʒəz/

plural of “change” — an event that occurs when something passes from one state or phase to another

From this reading For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.

charactersnounUS /ˈkærəktərz/

plural of “character” — an imaginary person represented in a work of fiction (play or film or story)

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

containsverbUS /kənˈteɪnz/

third-person singular of “contain” — include or contain; have as a component

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

correctionsnounUS /kərˈekʃənz/

the department of local government that is responsible for managing the treatment of convicted offenders

From this reading For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.

detailedadjectiveUS /dɪˈteɪld/

developed or executed with care and in minute detail

From this reading For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.

differentadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfərənt/

unlike in nature or quality or form or degree

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

displaynounUS /dɪˈspleɪ/

something intended to communicate a particular impression

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

enounUS /iː/

a fat-soluble vitamin that is essential for normal reproduction; an important antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals in the body

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

emphasisnounUS /ˈemfəsəs/

special importance or significance

From this reading Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.

endnounUS /end/

either extremity of something that has length

From this reading For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.

fontnounUS /fɑːnt/

a specific size and style of type within a type family

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

gnounUS /dʒiː/

a metric unit of weight equal to one thousandth of a kilogram

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

GreeknounUS /ɡriːk/

the Hellenic branch of the Indo-European family of languages

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

HebrewnounUS /ˈhiːbruː/

the ancient Canaanitic language of the Hebrews that has been revived as the official language of Israel

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

indicatedverbUS /ˈɪndəkeɪtəd/

past form of “indicate” — be a signal for or a symptom of

From this reading Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.

informationnounUS /ˌɪnfərˈmeɪʃən/

a message received and understood

From this reading For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.

italicized

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

From this reading Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.

LatinadjectiveUS /ˈlætən/

of or relating to the ancient Latins or the Latin language

From this reading Otherwise, use the Latin-1 version.

madeadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

neednounUS /niːd/

a condition requiring relief

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.

ordernounUS /ˈɔːrdər/

(often plural) a command given by a superior (e.g., a military or law enforcement officer) that must be obeyed

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

OtherwiseadverbUS /ˈʌðərwaɪz/

in other respects or ways

From this reading Otherwise, use the Latin-1 version.

passagesnounUS /ˈpæsədʒəz/

plural of “passage” — the act of passing from one state or place to the next

From this reading Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.

properlyadverbUS /ˈprɑːpərli/

in the right manner; correctly; suitably

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

seeverbUS /siː/

perceive by sight or have the power to perceive by sight

From this reading For detailed information about the corrections and changes made, see the end of the text.

severaladjectiveUS /ˈsevrəl/

(used with count nouns) of an indefinite number more than 2 or 3 but not many

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

textnounUS /tekst/

the words of something written

From this reading Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading Otherwise, use the Latin-1 version.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

ThisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

Unicode

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

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

UprightadjectiveUS /əˈpraɪt/

in a vertical position; not sloping

From this reading Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.

usenounUS /juːs/

the act of using

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

usedadjectiveUS /juːzd/

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.

versionnounUS /ˈvɜːrʒən/

an interpretation of a matter from a particular viewpoint

From this reading Otherwise, use the Latin-1 version.

verticaladjectiveUS /ˈvɜːrtɪkəl/

at right angles to the plane of the horizon or a base line

From this reading Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

withinprepositionUS /wɪˈðɪn/

inside; before a period of time has passed

From this reading Upright text used for emphasis within italicized passages is indicated with |vertical bars|.

YoupronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading You may need to use a different font in order for them to display properly.

γάω

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

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

הבל

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

From this reading This book contains several Unicode characters, such as Greek with accents (e.g. γάω) and Hebrew (e.g. הבל).

Chapter 1 of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3 by Samuel Johnson holds 116 sentences, grouped into 24 reading sections of at most 5 sentences. The text is the source edition, unabridged, and the chapter records which sentences cover which part of the work so that nothing is dropped. Every word can be tapped for its pronunciation and dictionary entry.

What does chapter 1 of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3 contain?

Chapter 1 holds 116 sentences of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3, unabridged, divided into 24 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3 by Samuel Johnson exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 116 sentences, grouped into 24 sections of at most 5 sentences so that a reader can take the chapter in steady, finishable pieces. The chapter also stores a coverage record mapping every one of its sentences to a part of the work, which is how the edition demonstrates that no line was dropped.

How do I study chapter 1 of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3?

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

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

Can chapter 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 Shorter Novels, Vol. 3

Common questions about reading Shorter Novels, Vol. 3 by Samuel Johnson on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3?

Yes. All 5116 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #34766 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3 is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #34766, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does Shorter Novels, Vol. 3 take to read?

About 426 minutes of reading across 1024 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read Shorter Novels, Vol. 3 section by section

How to work through Shorter Novels, Vol. 3 section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 40 chapters of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3 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 Shorter Novels, Vol. 3

Words and structures a reader meets early in Shorter Novels, Vol. 3, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Contains
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Several
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Unicode
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Characters
A word that appears in the opening chapter of Shorter Novels, Vol. 3; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.