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The High School Boys' Canoe Club
The High School Boys' Canoe Club

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The High School Boys' Canoe Club is here in full — 387 sentences across 78 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The High School Boys' Canoe Club
Context Illustration Reading 1/77 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.
A group of small boys grinned, though they offered no audible comment.
"Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.
On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.
Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.
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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.

The High School Boys' Canoe Club

Chapter I · Chapter 1

Chapter 1 of The High School Boys' Canoe Club is here in full — 387 sentences across 78 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/77 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.
Line 2
A group of small boys grinned, though they offered no audible comment.
/ə ɡruːp ʌv smɔːl bɔɪz ɡrɪnd ðoʊ ðeɪ ˈɔːfərd noʊ ˈɑːdəbəl ˈkɑːment/
Line 3
"Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.
Line 4
On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.
Line 5
Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.
/nɪr ðə ˈentrəns tuː ðə tent ə ˈtempəreri ˈplætfɔːrm hæd bɪn bɪlt ʌv ðə bɔːrd siːts ˈteɪkən frʌm ðə ˌɪnˈtɪriər ʌv ðə tent/

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.

colonel's noun US /ˈkɜːrnəlz/

possessive form of “colonel” — a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading “"Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.”

defeats noun US /dɪˈfiːts/

plural of “defeat” — an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest

From this reading “"Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.”

educate verb US /ˈedʒəkeɪt/

give an education to

From this reading “"Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.”

enterprises noun US /ˈentərpraɪzɪz/

plural of “enterprise” — a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading “The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.”

frayed adjective US /freɪd/

worn away or tattered along the edges

From this reading “On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.”

grandest adjective US /ˈɡrændəst/

superlative of “grand” — of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading “The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.”

nearby adjective US /ˈnɪrˈbaɪ/

close at hand

From this reading “On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.”

summers noun US /ˈsʌmərz/

plural of “summer” — the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading “On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.”

All words in this reading · 107

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 The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

altogetheradverbUS /ˌɔːltəˈɡeðər/

to a complete degree or to the full or entire extent (“whole” is often used informally for “wholly”)

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

audibleadjectiveUS /ˈɑːdəbəl/

heard or perceptible by the ear

From this reading A group of small boys grinned, though they offered no audible comment.

awayadverbUS /əˈweɪ/

from a particular thing or place or position (“forth” is obsolete)

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

becameverbUS /bɪˈkeɪm/

inflected form of “become” — enter or assume a certain state or condition

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.

boardnounUS /bɔːrd/

a committee having supervisory powers

From this reading Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.

BoysnounUS /bɔɪz/

plural of “boy” — a youthful male person

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

brieflyadverbUS /ˈbriːfli/

for a short time

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

bringverbUS /brɪŋ/

take something or somebody with oneself somewhere

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

brokenadjectiveUS /ˈbroʊkən/

physically and forcibly separated into pieces or cracked or split

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

builtadjectiveUS /bɪlt/

(used of soaps or cleaning agents) having a substance (an abrasive or filler) added to increase effectiveness

From this reading Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

CanoenounUS /kəˈnuː/

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

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

ClubnounUS /klʌb/

a team of professional baseball players who play and travel together

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

ConounUS /koʊ/

an odorless very poisonous gas that is a product of incomplete combustion of carbon

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

ColonelnounUS /ˈkɜːrnəl/

a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

colonel'snounUS /ˈkɜːrnəlz/

possessive form of “colonel” — a commissioned military officer in the United States Army or Air Force or Marines who ranks above a lieutenant colonel and below a brigadier general

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

comeverbUS /kʌm/

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

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

commentnounUS /ˈkɑːment/

a statement that expresses a personal opinion or belief or adds information

From this reading A group of small boys grinned, though they offered no audible comment.

complainedverbUS /kəmˈpleɪnd/

past form of “complain” — express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

conceivedverbUS /kənˈsiːvd/

past form of “conceive” — have the idea for

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

declarationnounUS /ˌdeklərˈeɪʃən/

a statement that is emphatic and explicit (spoken or written)

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

defeatsnounUS /dɪˈfiːts/

plural of “defeat” — an unsuccessful ending to a struggle or contest

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

DicknounUS /dɪk/

someone who is a detective

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

dingyadjectiveUS /ˈdɪndʒi/

thickly covered with ingrained dirt or soot

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

educateverbUS /ˈedʒəkeɪt/

give an education to

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

emotionnounUS /ɪˈmoʊʃən/

any strong feeling

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

enterprisesnounUS /ˈentərpraɪzɪz/

plural of “enterprise” — a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

entrancenounUS /ˈentrəns/

something that provides access (to get in or get out)

From this reading Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.

ereconjunctionUS /er/

an old word for “before”

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

everadverbUS /ˈevər/

at any time

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

factnounUS /fækt/

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

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

frayedadjectiveUS /freɪd/

worn away or tattered along the edges

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.

grandestadjectiveUS /ˈɡrændəst/

superlative of “grand” — of behavior that is impressive and ambitious in scale or scope

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

grayed

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

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

grinnedverbUS /ɡrɪnd/

inflected form of “grin” — to draw back the lips and reveal the teeth, in a smile, grimace, or snarl

From this reading A group of small boys grinned, though they offered no audible comment.

groupnounUS /ɡruːp/

any number of entities (members) considered as a unit

From this reading A group of small boys grinned, though they offered no audible comment.

Grundy

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

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

hepronounUS /hiː/

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

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

HighadjectiveUS /haɪ/

greater than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

higheradjectiveUS /ˈhaɪər/

advanced in complexity or elaboration

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

humanadjectiveUS /ˈhjuːmən/

characteristic of humanity

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

imaginaryadjectiveUS /ˌɪˈmædʒəneri/

not based on fact; existing only in the imagination

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

inprepositionUS /ɪn/

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

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

intelligencenounUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒəns/

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

interioradjectiveUS /ˌɪnˈtɪriər/

situated within or suitable for inside a building

From this reading Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.

itpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

It's

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

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

LakenounUS /leɪk/

a body of (usually fresh) water surrounded by land

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

largeadjectiveUS /lɑːrdʒ/

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

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

levelnounUS /ˈlevəl/

a position on a scale of intensity or amount or quality

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

lotnounUS /lɑːt/

(often followed by “of”) a large number or amount or extent

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

massesnounUS /ˈmæsəz/

the common people generally

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

mindnounUS /maɪnd/

The element of a person that enables awareness and thought.

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

NearadverbUS /nɪr/

near in time or place or relationship

From this reading Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.

nearbyadjectiveUS /ˈnɪrˈbaɪ/

close at hand

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading A group of small boys grinned, though they offered no audible comment.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

offeredverbUS /ˈɔːfərd/

past form of “offer” — make available or accessible, provide or furnish

From this reading A group of small boys grinned, though they offered no audible comment.

oftenadverbUS /ˈɔːfən/

many times at short intervals

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

PnounUS /piː/

a multivalent nonmetallic element of the nitrogen family that occurs commonly in inorganic phosphate rocks and as organic phosphates in all living cells; is highly reactive and occurs in several allotropic forms

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

platformnounUS /ˈplætfɔːrm/

a raised horizontal surface

From this reading Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.

PleasantadjectiveUS /ˈplezənt/

affording pleasure; being in harmony with your taste or likings

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

popularadjectiveUS /ˈpɑːpjələr/

regarded with great favor, approval, or affection especially by the general public

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

propertynounUS /ˈprɑːpərti/

something owned; any tangible or intangible possession that is owned by someone

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

realadjectiveUS /riːl/

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

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

RivalsnounUS /ˈraɪvəlz/

plural of “rival” — the contestant you hope to defeat

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

snounUS /es/

1/60 of a minute; the basic unit of time adopted under the Systeme International d'Unites

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

SchoolnounUS /skuːl/

an educational institution

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

seatsnounUS /siːts/

an area that includes places where several people can sit

From this reading Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.

seenverbUS /siːn/

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

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

servicenounUS /ˈsɜːrvəs/

work done by one person or group that benefits another

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

showverbUS /ʃoʊ/

give an exhibition of to an interested audience

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

smalladjectiveUS /smɔːl/

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

From this reading A group of small boys grinned, though they offered no audible comment.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

someadjectiveUS /sʌm/

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

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

stoodverbUS /stʊd/

Maintained an upright posture.

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

SuchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

suggestverbUS /səˈdʒest/

make a proposal, declare a plan for something

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

summersnounUS /ˈsʌmərz/

plural of “summer” — the warmest season of the year; in the northern hemisphere it extends from the summer solstice to the autumnal equinox

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

takenadjectiveUS /ˈteɪkən/

understood in a certain way; made sense of

From this reading Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.

tearverbUS /ter/

separate or cause to separate abruptly

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

temporaryadjectiveUS /ˈtempəreri/

not permanent; not lasting

From this reading Near the entrance to the tent a temporary platform had been built of the board seats taken from the interior of the tent.

tentnounUS /tent/

a portable shelter (usually of canvas stretched over supporting poles and fastened to the ground with ropes and pegs)

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading On a nearby lot stood a large show tent, so grayed and frayed, so altogether dingy as to suggest that it had seen some summers of service ere it became briefly the property of Colonel Grundy.

ThedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

theypronounUS /ðeɪ/

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

From this reading A group of small boys grinned, though they offered no audible comment.

thosedeterminerUS /ðoʊz/

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

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

thoughconjunctionUS /ðoʊ/

in spite of the fact that

From this reading A group of small boys grinned, though they offered no audible comment.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

tryverbUS /traɪ/

make an effort or attempt

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

usuallyadverbUS /ˈjuːʒəwəli/

under normal conditions

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

voicenounUS /vɔɪs/

the distinctive quality or pitch or condition of a person's speech

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

WnounUS /ˈdʌbəljuː/

a heavy grey-white metallic element; the pure form is used mainly in electrical applications; it is found in several ores including wolframite and scheelite

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

wipedverbUS /waɪpt/

past form of “wipe” — rub with a circular motion

From this reading "Such defeats often---usually, in fact---come to those who try to educate the masses and bring popular intelligence to a higher level," was the colonel's declaration, as he wiped away a real or imaginary tear.

withprepositionUS /wɪð/

in the company of; together with

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

wrecknounUS /rek/

something or someone that has suffered ruin or dilapidation

From this reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club or Dick & Co.'s Rivals on Lake Pleasant "It's the wreck of one of the grandest enterprises ever conceived by the human mind!" complained Colonel W.P. Grundy, in a voice broken with emotion.

Chapter 1 of The High School Boys' Canoe Club by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock holds 387 sentences, grouped into 78 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 The High School Boys' Canoe Club contain?

Chapter 1 holds 387 sentences of The High School Boys' Canoe Club, unabridged, divided into 78 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The High School Boys' Canoe Club by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 387 sentences, grouped into 78 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 The High School Boys' Canoe Club?

Work through the 78 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 78 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 The High School Boys' Canoe Club

Common questions about reading The High School Boys' Canoe Club by H. Irving (Harrie Irving) Hancock on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The High School Boys' Canoe Club?

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Which edition of The High School Boys' Canoe Club is used?

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

How long does The High School Boys' Canoe Club take to read?

About 5 minutes of reading across 0 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

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Vocabulary met early in The High School Boys' Canoe Club

Words and structures a reader meets early in The High School Boys' Canoe Club, each tappable for pronunciation and meaning.

Chapter 1
One of the 0 chapters of The High School Boys' Canoe Club, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 2
One of the 0 chapters of The High School Boys' Canoe Club, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.
Chapter 3
One of the 0 chapters of The High School Boys' Canoe Club, divided into 5-sentence reading sections.