Complete classic literature • Five-line readings • Clear US narration
VELMORA ACADEMY
Academy of Archival Languages & Memory Studies
Menu Close
The Boys' Book of Submarines
The Boys' Book of Submarines

Chapter III

Chapter 3 of The Boys' Book of Submarines is here in full — 143 sentences across 29 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Boys' Book of Submarines
Context Illustration Reading 1/28 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.
These are (1) the Holland, or _submarine_ type, and (2) the Lake, or _submersible_ type.
Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.
As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.
This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.
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 Boys' Book of Submarines

Chapter III

Chapter 3 of The Boys' Book of Submarines is here in full — 143 sentences across 29 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/28 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.
Line 2
These are (1) the Holland, or _submarine_ type, and (2) the Lake, or _submersible_ type.
Line 3
Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.
Line 4
As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.
/æz ðə ɑːrt ʌv ˌʌndərˈsiː boʊt ˈbɪldɪŋ muːvd ɑːn əˈpeɪs ðə tuː kaɪndz ʌv kræft bɪˈɡæn tuː luːz ðer ərˈɪdʒənəl dɪˈstɪŋktɪv ˈfiːtʃərz ənd wɜːr mɜːrdʒd ˈɪntuː ə ˈsɪŋɡəl taɪp/
Line 5
This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.
/ðɪs wɑːz dʌn tuː ɡet ə boʊt ðæt wɑːz æz strɔːŋ ənd æz ˈspiːdiː æz ənd kʊd daɪv laɪk ðə ˈhɑːlənd ənd tuː hæv æt ðə seɪm taɪm ə boʊt ðæt wɑːz æz fæst ənd æz ˈsiːwɔːrði ɑːn ðə ˈsɜːrfəs æz ðə leɪk/

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.

apace adverb US /əˈpeɪs/

(poetic, literary) quickly

From this reading “As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.”

distinctive adjective US /dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/

of a feature that helps to distinguish a person or thing

From this reading “As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.”

merged adjective US /mɜːrdʒd/

formed or united into a whole

From this reading “As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.”

seaworthy adjective US /ˈsiːwɔːrði/

fit for a sea voyage

From this reading “This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.”

submerge verb US /səbˈmɜːrdʒ/

sink below the surface; go under or as if under water

submersible noun US /səbˈmɜːrsɪbəl/

an apparatus intended for use under water

superstructure noun US /ˈsuːpərstrʌktʃər/

structure consisting of the part of a ship above the main deck

undersea adjective US /ˌʌndərˈsiː/

beneath the surface of the sea

From this reading “HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.”

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.

distinctive features adjective + noun counted as “distinctive feature”

an odd or unusual characteristic

In this reading “As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.”

even keel adjective + noun

In this reading “Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.”

same time adjective + noun

In this reading “This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.”

on apace preposition + adverb

In this reading “As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.”

first chapter adjective + noun

In this reading “HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.”

on the surface preposition + article + noun counted as “on … surface”

In this reading “This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.”

All words in this reading · 98

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 These are (1) the Holland, or _submarine_ type, and (2) the Lake, or _submersible_ type.

16

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

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

2

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

From this reading These are (1) the Holland, or _submarine_ type, and (2) the Lake, or _submersible_ type.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

aboveprepositionUS /əˈbʌv/

higher than, or over, something

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

andeterminerUS /æn/

the form of “a” used before a word that begins with a vowel sound

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

apaceadverbUS /əˈpeɪs/

(poetic, literary) quickly

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

artauxiliary verbUS /ɑːrt/

an old form of “are”, used with “thou”

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

ASconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

beganverbUS /bɪˈɡæn/

inflected form of “begin” — take the first step or steps in carrying out an action

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

bluntadjectiveUS /blʌnt/

having a broad or rounded end

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

boatnounUS /boʊt/

a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

boatsnounUS /boʊts/

plural of “boat” — a small vessel for travel on water

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

buildingnounUS /ˈbɪldɪŋ/

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

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

calledverbUS /kɔːld/

past form of “call” — assign a specified (usually proper) proper name to

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

canmodal verbUS /kæn/

to be able to, or to be allowed to

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

cat-fish

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

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

chapternounUS /ˈtʃæptər/

a subdivision of a written work; usually numbered and titled

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

couldmodal verbUS /kʊd/

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

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

craftnounUS /kræft/

the skilled practice of a practical occupation

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

distinctiveadjectiveUS /dɪˈstɪŋktɪv/

of a feature that helps to distinguish a person or thing

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

divenounUS /daɪv/

a cheap disreputable nightclub or dance hall

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

doneadjectiveUS /dʌn/

having finished or arrived at completion

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

easieradjectiveUS /ˈiːziər/

comparative of “easy” — posing no difficulty; requiring little effort

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

easilyadverbUS /ˈiːzəli/

with ease (“easy” is sometimes used informally for “easily”)

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

evenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

fastadverbUS /fæst/

quickly or rapidly (often used as a combining form)

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

featuresnounUS /ˈfiːtʃərz/

plural of “feature” — a prominent attribute or aspect of something

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

firstadjectiveUS /fɜːrst/

preceding all others in time or space or degree

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

forprepositionUS /fɔːr/

intended to be given to, or used by, somebody

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

getverbUS /ɡet/

come into the possession of something concrete or abstract

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

headnounUS /hed/

the upper part of the human body or the front part of the body in animals; contains the face and brains

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

henceadverbUS /hens/

for this reason

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

HollandnounUS /ˈhɑːlənd/

a constitutional monarchy in western Europe on the North Sea; half the country lies below sea level

From this reading These are (1) the Holland, or _submarine_ type, and (2) the Lake, or _submersible_ type.

HOW

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

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

hullnounUS /hʌl/

dry outer covering of a fruit or seed or nut

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

ISauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

keelnounUS /kiːl/

a projection or ridge that suggests a keel

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

kindsnounUS /kaɪndz/

plural of “kind” — a category of things distinguished by some common characteristic or quality

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

LakenounUS /leɪk/

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading These are (1) the Holland, or _submarine_ type, and (2) the Lake, or _submersible_ type.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

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

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

likeverbUS /laɪk/

prefer or wish to do something

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

loseverbUS /luːz/

fail to keep or to maintain; cease to have, either physically or in an abstract sense

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

MADEadjectiveUS /meɪd/

produced by a manufacturing process

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

makesnounUS /meɪks/

plural of “make” — a recognizable kind

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

mergedadjectiveUS /mɜːrdʒd/

formed or united into a whole

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

moreadjectiveUS /mɔːr/

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

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

movedadjectiveUS /muːvd/

being excited or provoked to the expression of an emotion

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

NowadverbUS /naʊ/

in the historical present; at this point in the narration of a series of past events

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading These are (1) the Holland, or _submarine_ type, and (2) the Lake, or _submersible_ type.

ordinarynounUS /ˈɔːrdəneri/

a judge of a probate court

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

originaladjectiveUS /ərˈɪdʒənəl/

preceding all others in time or being as first made or performed

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

partnounUS /pɑːrt/

something determined in relation to something that includes it

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

REALadjectiveUS /riːl/

being or occurring in fact or actuality; having verified existence; not illusory

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

roundnounUS /raʊnd/

a charge of ammunition for a single shot

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

sameadjectiveUS /seɪm/

Identical; not different.

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

seaworthyadjectiveUS /ˈsiːwɔːrði/

fit for a sea voyage

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

shapenounUS /ʃeɪp/

any spatial attributes (especially as defined by outline)

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

shapedadjectiveUS /ʃeɪpt/

shaped to fit by or as if by altering the contours of a pliable mass (as by work or effort)

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

singleadjectiveUS /ˈsɪŋɡəl/

being or characteristic of a single thing or person

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

sinkverbUS /sɪŋk/

fall or descend to a lower place or level

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

speedyadjectiveUS /ˈspiːdiː/

characterized by speed; moving with or capable of moving with high speed

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

strongadjectiveUS /strɔːŋ/

having strength or power greater than average or expected

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

SUBMARINEnounUS /ˈsʌbməriːn/

a submersible warship usually armed with torpedoes

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

submergeverbUS /səbˈmɜːrdʒ/

sink below the surface; go under or as if under water

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

submersiblenounUS /səbˈmɜːrsɪbəl/

an apparatus intended for use under water

From this reading These are (1) the Holland, or _submarine_ type, and (2) the Lake, or _submersible_ type.

superstructurenounUS /ˈsuːpərstrʌktʃər/

structure consisting of the part of a ship above the main deck

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

surfacenounUS /ˈsɜːrfəs/

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

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

ThesedeterminerUS /ðiːz/

the plural of “this”: the people or things near, or just mentioned

From this reading These are (1) the Holland, or _submarine_ type, and (2) the Lake, or _submersible_ type.

thisdeterminerUS /ðɪs/

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

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

timenounUS /taɪm/

an instance or single occasion for some event

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

toldverbUS /toʊld/

inflected form of “tell” — express in words

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

twonounUS /tuː/

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

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

typenounUS /taɪp/

a subdivision of a particular kind of thing

From this reading These are (1) the Holland, or _submarine_ type, and (2) the Lake, or _submersible_ type.

underseaadjectiveUS /ˌʌndərˈsiː/

beneath the surface of the sea

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

veryadjectiveUS /ˈveri/

precisely as stated

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading This was done to get a boat that was as strong and as speedy as and could dive like the Holland, and to have at the same time a boat that was as fast and as seaworthy on the surface as the Lake.

wepronounUS /wiː/

the speaker together with one or more other people

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading As the art of undersea boat building moved on apace, the two kinds of craft began to lose their original distinctive features and were merged into a single type.

whileconjunctionUS /waɪl/

during the time that

From this reading Now, the Holland boat has a shape very much like a cat-fish—that is, it has a blunt round head—and hence it can dive easily; while the Lake is shaped more like an ordinary boat and has a large _superstructure_, as that part above the _hull_[16] is called, and this makes it easier for the Lake to _submerge_—that is, sink on an even keel.

WORKSnounUS /wɜːrks/

buildings for carrying on industrial labor

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

youpronounUS /juː/

the person or people being spoken to

From this reading HOW A REAL SUBMARINE IS MADE AND WORKS AS we told you in the first chapter, there are two kinds of undersea boats.

Chapter 3 of The Boys' Book of Submarines by A. Frederick (Archie Frederick) Collins holds 143 sentences, grouped into 29 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 3 of The Boys' Book of Submarines contain?

Chapter 3 holds 143 sentences of The Boys' Book of Submarines, unabridged, divided into 29 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 3 of The Boys' Book of Submarines by A. Frederick (Archie Frederick) Collins exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 143 sentences, grouped into 29 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 3 of The Boys' Book of Submarines?

Work through the 29 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 29 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 3 be read aloud to me?

Yes — every sentence and every individual word in chapter 3 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 Boys' Book of Submarines

Common questions about reading The Boys' Book of Submarines by A. Frederick (Archie Frederick) Collins on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Boys' Book of Submarines?

Yes. All 1241 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #49873 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Boys' Book of Submarines is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #49873, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Boys' Book of Submarines take to read?

About 103 minutes of reading across 249 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Boys' Book of Submarines section by section

How to work through The Boys' Book of Submarines section by section, using the audio and the tap-to-define vocabulary.

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 12 chapters of The Boys' Book of Submarines 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 Boys' Book of Submarines

Words and structures a reader meets early in The Boys' Book of Submarines, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Frederick
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boys' Book of Submarines; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Collins
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boys' Book of Submarines; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Author
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boys' Book of Submarines; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Inventing
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Boys' Book of Submarines; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.