Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Boy Craftsman
The Boy Craftsman

Chapter XVII

Chapter 17 of The Boy Craftsman is here in full — 137 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Boy Craftsman
Context Illustration Reading 1/27 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.
Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.
For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.
The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.
In building a canvas canoe there are two important things to consider,--its weight and strength.
0:00 / 0:00
Speed 0.75x
AI-generated narration by OpenAI · Slow US English
LEARNER DICTIONARY
Archivist
/ˈɑːrkɪvɪst/
Editorial verification pending

A keeper or guardian of historical records and memories.

The Boy Craftsman

Chapter XVII

Chapter 17 of The Boy Craftsman is here in full — 137 sentences across 28 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/27 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.
Line 2
Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.
/ɪts ˌpɑːpjəˈlerəti kæn ˈpleɪnli biː siːn baɪ ˈvɪzɪtɪŋ ˈeni leɪk ɔːr striːm ənd ˈnoʊtɪŋ wʌt ə lɑːrdʒ pərˈsentədʒ ʌv ðə smɔːl kræft ˈdɑːtɪŋ ɪts ˈsɜːrfəs ɑːr kəˈnuːz ʌv ˈveriəs ʃeɪps ənd ˈsaɪzəz ˈpædəld baɪ bɔɪz ʌv ɔːl ˈeɪdʒəz/
Line 3
For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.
Line 4
The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.
/ðə ˈkænvəs kəˈnuː ɪz mɔːr ˈwaɪdli juːzd æt ðə ˈprezənt taɪm ðæn ˈeni ˈʌðər fɔːrm wɪtʃ ɪz noʊ daʊt duː tuː ðə fækt ðæt ɪt ɪz ˈveri ˈsɪmpəl tuː meɪk ənd kiːp ɪn rɪˈper ənd ðə kɑːst ʌv ɪts məˈtɪriəl ɪz smɔːl/
Line 5
In building a canvas canoe there are two important things to consider,--its weight and strength.

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.

Canoeing verb US /kəˈnuːɪŋ/

-ing form of “canoe” — travel by canoe

From this reading “HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.”

dotting verb US /ˈdɑːtɪŋ/

inflected form of “dot” — scatter or intersperse like dots or studs

From this reading “Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.”

healthiest adjective US /ˈhelθiɪst/

superlative of “healthy” — having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease

From this reading “HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.”

noting verb US /ˈnoʊtɪŋ/

-ing form of “note” — make mention of

From this reading “Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.”

outdoor adjective US /ˈaʊtdɔːr/

located, suited for, or taking place in the open air

From this reading “HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.”

paddled verb US /ˈpædəld/

past form of “paddle” — propel with a paddle

From this reading “Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.”

percentage noun US /pərˈsentədʒ/

a proportion in relation to a whole (which is usually the amount per hundred)

From this reading “Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.”

sizes noun US /ˈsaɪzəz/

plural of “size” — the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading “Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.”

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.

outdoor sport adjective + noun

a sport that is played outdoors

In this reading “HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.”

large percentage adjective + noun

In this reading “Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.”

most delightful adverb + adjective

In this reading “HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.”

small craft adjective + noun

In this reading “Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.”

various shapes adjective + noun counted as “various shape”

In this reading “Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.”

important things adjective + noun

In this reading “In building a canvas canoe there are two important things to consider,--its weight and strength.”

present time verb + noun

In this reading “The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.”

ease with verb + particle

In this reading “For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.”

All words in this reading · 108

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 HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

agesnounUS /ˈeɪdʒəz/

plural of “age” — how long something has existed

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

alladjectiveUS /ɔːl/

(quantifier) used with either mass or count nouns to indicate the whole number or amount of or every one of a class

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

anyadjectiveUS /ˈeni/

one or some or every or all without specification

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

birch-bark

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

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

boynounUS /bɔɪ/

a youthful male person

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

boysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

BUILDverbUS /bɪld/

make by combining materials and parts

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

buildingnounUS /ˈbɪldɪŋ/

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

From this reading In building a canvas canoe there are two important things to consider,--its weight and strength.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

CANOEnounUS /kəˈnuː/

small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

CanoeingverbUS /kəˈnuːɪŋ/

-ing form of “canoe” — travel by canoe

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

canoesnounUS /kəˈnuːz/

plural of “canoe” — small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

CANVASnounUS /ˈkænvəs/

a heavy, closely woven fabric (used for clothing or chairs or sails or tents)

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

carriedverbUS /ˈkærid/

inflected form of “carry” — move while supporting, either in a vehicle or in one's hands or on one's body

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

considerverbUS /kənˈsɪdər/

deem to be

From this reading In building a canvas canoe there are two important things to consider,--its weight and strength.

constructionnounUS /kənˈstrʌkʃən/

the act of constructing something

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

costnounUS /kɑːst/

the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

craftnounUS /kræft/

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

daysnounUS /deɪz/

the time during which someone's life continues

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

delightfuladjectiveUS /dɪˈlaɪtfəl/

greatly pleasing or entertaining

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

difficultadjectiveUS /ˈdɪfəkəlt/

not easy; requiring great physical or mental effort to accomplish or comprehend or endure

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

dottingverbUS /ˈdɑːtɪŋ/

inflected form of “dot” — scatter or intersperse like dots or studs

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

doubtnounUS /daʊt/

the state of being unsure of something

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

dueadjectiveUS /duː/

owed and payable immediately or on demand

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

duringprepositionUS /ˈdʊrɪŋ/

all through a period, or at some point within it

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

easeverbUS /iːz/

move gently or carefully

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

equalverbUS /ˈiːkwəl/

be identical or equivalent to

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

expensiveadjectiveUS /ɪkˈspensɪv/

high in price or charging high prices

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

factnounUS /fækt/

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

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

fewadjectiveUS /fjuː/

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

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

ForprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

formnounUS /fɔːrm/

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

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

fullyadverbUS /ˈfʊli/

to the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (“full” in this sense is used as a combining form)

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

healthiestadjectiveUS /ˈhelθiɪst/

superlative of “healthy” — having or indicating good health in body or mind; free from infirmity or disease

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

HOW

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

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

importantadjectiveUS /ˌɪmˈpɔːrtənt/

of great significance or value

From this reading In building a canvas canoe there are two important things to consider,--its weight and strength.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

indulgeverbUS /ˌɪnˈdʌldʒ/

give free rein to

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

ItsdeterminerUS /ɪts/

belonging to the thing or animal already mentioned

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

keepverbUS /kiːp/

cause to continue in a certain state, position, or activity; e.g., “keep clean”

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

lakenounUS /leɪk/

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

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

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

materialadjectiveUS /məˈtɪriəl/

concerned with worldly rather than spiritual interests

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

(comparative of “much” used with mass nouns) a quantifier meaning greater in size or amount or extent or degree

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

mostadverbUS /moʊst/

used to form the superlative

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

notingverbUS /ˈnoʊtɪŋ/

-ing form of “note” — make mention of

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

outdooradjectiveUS /ˈaʊtdɔːr/

located, suited for, or taking place in the open air

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

ownverbUS /oʊn/

have ownership or possession of

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

paddledverbUS /ˈpædəld/

past form of “paddle” — propel with a paddle

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

percentagenounUS /pərˈsentədʒ/

a proportion in relation to a whole (which is usually the amount per hundred)

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

plainlyadverbUS /ˈpleɪnli/

unmistakably (“plain” is often used informally for “plainly”)

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

popularitynounUS /ˌpɑːpjəˈlerəti/

the quality of being widely admired or accepted or sought after

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

presentverbUS /ˈprezənt/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

repairnounUS /rɪˈper/

the act of putting something in working order again

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

satisfyverbUS /ˈsætəsfaɪ/

meet the requirements or expectations of

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

seenverbUS /siːn/

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

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

shapesnounUS /ʃeɪps/

plural of “shape” — any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

simpleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪmpəl/

having few parts; not complex or complicated or involved

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

sizesnounUS /ˈsaɪzəz/

plural of “size” — the physical magnitude of something (how big it is)

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

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

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

speedverbUS /spiːd/

move hurridly

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

sportnounUS /spɔːrt/

an active diversion requiring physical exertion and competition

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

streamnounUS /striːm/

a natural body of running water flowing on or under the earth

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

strengthnounUS /streŋkθ/

the property of being physically or mentally strong

From this reading In building a canvas canoe there are two important things to consider,--its weight and strength.

surfacenounUS /ˈsɜːrfəs/

the outer boundary of an artifact or a material layer constituting or resembling such a boundary

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

thanconjunctionUS /ðæn/

used to introduce the second part of a comparison

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading In building a canvas canoe there are two important things to consider,--its weight and strength.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

thingsnounUS /θɪŋz/

any movable possession (especially articles of clothing)

From this reading In building a canvas canoe there are two important things to consider,--its weight and strength.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

the plural of “that”: the people or things further away, or already known

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

twonounUS /tuː/

the cardinal number that is the sum of one and one or a numeral representing this number

From this reading In building a canvas canoe there are two important things to consider,--its weight and strength.

usedadjectiveUS /juːzd/

employed in accomplishing something

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

vacationnounUS /veɪˈkeɪʃən/

leisure time away from work devoted to rest or pleasure

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

variousadjectiveUS /ˈveriəs/

of many different kinds purposefully arranged but lacking any uniformity

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

visitingnounUS /ˈvɪzɪtɪŋ/

the activity of making visits

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

weightnounUS /weɪt/

the vertical force exerted by a mass as a result of gravity

From this reading In building a canvas canoe there are two important things to consider,--its weight and strength.

welladverbUS /wel/

(often used as a combining form) in a good or proper or satisfactory manner or to a high standard (“good” is a nonstandard dialectal variant for “well”)

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

whatpronounUS /wʌt/

used to ask for information about something

From this reading Its popularity can plainly be seen by visiting any lake or stream, and noting what a large percentage of the small craft dotting its surface are canoes of various shapes and sizes, paddled by boys of all ages.

whichpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading HOW TO BUILD A CANVAS CANOE Canoeing is a most delightful outdoor sport, and one of the healthiest in which a boy can indulge during his vacation days.

widelyadverbUS /ˈwaɪdli/

to a great degree

From this reading The canvas canoe is more widely used at the present time than any other form, which is no doubt due to the fact that it is very simple to make and keep in repair, and the cost of its material is small.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading For speed and the ease with which it can be carried about, the birch-bark canoe has no equal, but very few boys own them, as they are expensive, and their construction is more difficult than those of other material which will satisfy a boy fully as well.

Chapter 17 of The Boy Craftsman by A. Neely (Albert Neely) Hall holds 137 sentences, grouped into 28 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 17 of The Boy Craftsman contain?

Chapter 17 holds 137 sentences of The Boy Craftsman, unabridged, divided into 28 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 17 of The Boy Craftsman by A. Neely (Albert Neely) Hall exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 137 sentences, grouped into 28 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 17 of The Boy Craftsman?

Work through the 28 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 28 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 17 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 17 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 The Boy Craftsman

Common questions about reading The Boy Craftsman by A. Neely (Albert Neely) Hall on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Boy Craftsman?

Yes. All 2982 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #42650 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Boy Craftsman is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #42650, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Boy Craftsman take to read?

About 248 minutes of reading across 597 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Boy Craftsman section by section

How to work through The Boy Craftsman section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 34 chapters of The Boy Craftsman 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 The Boy Craftsman

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Boy Craftsman, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Cloth
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy Craftsman; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Illustrated
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy Craftsman; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Hundreds
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy Craftsman; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Photographs
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boy Craftsman; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.