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The Martian
The Martian

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of The Martian is here in full — 165 sentences across 33 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Cover illustration for The Martian
Context Illustration Reading 1/33 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.
It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.
Unfortunately there is no assurance that such is the case.
Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.
And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.
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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 Martian

Chapter I

Chapter 1 of The Martian is here in full — 165 sentences across 33 reading sections, with audio for every sentence and word.

Reading 1/33 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.
Line 2
It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.
/ɪt ɪz əˈsuːmd ðæt ˈpiːpəl ɑːr ˈevriwer ˈedʒəkeɪtɪd ˈkjʊriəs əˈbaʊt ˈʌðər wɜːrldz ənd ˈʌðər ˈkʌltʃərz ənd ˈiːɡər tuː help ə ˈvɪzɪtər frʌm æn ˈeɪliən reɪs/
Line 3
Unfortunately there is no assurance that such is the case.
/ənˈfɔːrtʃənətli ðer ɪz noʊ əˈʃʊrəns ðæt sʌtʃ ɪz ðə keɪs/
Line 4
Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.
/ˈiːvɪn wɜːr ðə ˈmembərz ʌv əˈnʌðər reɪs ɑːn əˈnʌðər wɜːrld pəˈzest ʌv ˌedʒəˈkeɪʃən ðer wʊd biː baʊnd tuː biː əˈmʌŋ ðem loʊ ənd ˈbruːtɪʃ ˈeləmənts/
Line 5
And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.
/ənd ɪf ə ˈstreɪndʒər frʌm əˈnʌðər wɜːrld deɪzd baɪ nuː kənˈdɪʃənz ənd əˈneɪbəl tuː meɪk hɪz wɑːnts noʊn wɜːr tuː fɔːl ˈɪntuː ðer hændz hɪz feɪt maɪt nɑːt biː ˈhæpi/

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.

alien adjective US /ˈeɪliən/

not contained in or deriving from the essential nature of something

From this reading “It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.”

based adjective US /beɪst/

having a base

From this reading “based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.”

brutish adjective US /ˈbruːtɪʃ/

resembling a beast; showing lack of human sensibility

From this reading “Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.”

cordial adjective US /ˈkɔːrdʒəl/

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading “based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.”

cultures noun US /ˈkʌltʃərz/

plural of “culture” — a particular society at a particular time and place

From this reading “It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.”

dazed adjective US /deɪzd/

in a state of mental numbness especially as resulting from shock

From this reading “And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.”

Interplanetary adjective US /ˌɪntərˈplænəteri/

between or among planets

From this reading “based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.”

worlds noun US /wɜːrldz/

plural of “world” — everything that exists anywhere

From this reading “It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.”

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.

alien race adjective + noun

In this reading “It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.”

fall into verb + particle

be included in or classified as

In this reading “And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.”

new conditions adjective + noun

In this reading “And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.”

other worlds adjective + noun counted as “other world”

In this reading “It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.”

All words in this reading · 103

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.

15.00

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

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

1610

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

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

AdeterminerUS /ə/

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

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/

on the subject of; concerning

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

alienadjectiveUS /ˈeɪliən/

not contained in or deriving from the essential nature of something

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

AllennounUS /ˈælən/

United States comedienne remembered as the confused but imperturbable partner of her husband, George Burns (1906-1964)

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

andconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

anotherdeterminerUS /əˈnʌðər/

one more of the same kind, or a different one

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/

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

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

assumeverbUS /əˈsuːm/

take to be the case or to be true; accept without verification or proof

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

assumedadjectiveUS /əˈsuːmd/

adopted in order to deceive

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

assurancenounUS /əˈʃʊrəns/

freedom from doubt; belief in yourself and your abilities

From this reading Unfortunately there is no assurance that such is the case.

Ave

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

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

basedadjectiveUS /beɪst/

having a base

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.

boundadjectiveUS /baʊnd/

confined by bonds

From this reading Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.

brutishadjectiveUS /ˈbruːtɪʃ/

resembling a beast; showing lack of human sensibility

From this reading Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.

byprepositionUS /baɪ/

showing who or what does the action

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

casenounUS /keɪs/

an occurrence of something

From this reading Unfortunately there is no assurance that such is the case.

conditionsnounUS /kənˈdɪʃənz/

the prevailing context that influences the performance or the outcome of a process

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

ContestnounUS /ˈkɑːntest/

an occasion on which a winner is selected from among two or more contestants

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

cordialadjectiveUS /ˈkɔːrdʒəl/

diffusing warmth and friendliness

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

culturesnounUS /ˈkʌltʃərz/

plural of “culture” — a particular society at a particular time and place

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

curiousadjectiveUS /ˈkjʊriəs/

beyond or deviating from the usual or expected

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

dazedadjectiveUS /deɪzd/

in a state of mental numbness especially as resulting from shock

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

eageradjectiveUS /ˈiːɡər/

having or showing keen interest or intense desire or impatient expectancy

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

educatedadjectiveUS /ˈedʒəkeɪtɪd/

possessing an education (especially having more than average knowledge)

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

educationnounUS /ˌedʒəˈkeɪʃən/

the activities of educating or instructing; activities that impart knowledge or skill

From this reading Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.

elementsnounUS /ˈeləmənts/

violent or severe weather (viewed as caused by the action of the four elements)

From this reading Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.

EvenadjectiveUS /ˈiːvɪn/

divisible by two

From this reading Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.

everywhereadverbUS /ˈevriwer/

to or in any or all places

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

fallverbUS /fɔːl/

descend in free fall under the influence of gravity

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

fatenounUS /feɪt/

an event (or a course of events) that will inevitably happen in the future

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

fictionnounUS /ˈfɪkʃən/

a literary work based on the imagination and not necessarily on fact

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

fromprepositionUS /frʌm/

showing where something starts, or who sent it

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

givenadjectiveUS /ˈɡɪvən/

acknowledged as a supposition

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

Glasser

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

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

handsnounUS /hændz/

(with “in”) guardianship over; in divorce cases it is the right to house and care for and discipline a child

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

happyadjectiveUS /ˈhæpi/

enjoying or showing or marked by joy or pleasure

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

haveauxiliary verbUS /hæv/

used with a past participle to form the perfect tenses

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

helpverbUS /help/

give help or assistance; be of service

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

Hilliard

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

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/

on condition that; in the event that

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

intelligencenounUS /ˌɪnˈtelədʒəns/

the ability to comprehend; to understand and profit from experience

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

InterplanetaryadjectiveUS /ˌɪntərˈplænəteri/

between or among planets

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

intoprepositionUS /ˈɪntuː/

moving to the inside of something

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

knownadjectiveUS /noʊn/

apprehended with certainty

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

lowadjectiveUS /loʊ/

less than normal in degree or intensity or amount

From this reading Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.

makeverbUS /meɪk/

engage in

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

mannounUS /mæn/

an adult person who is male (as opposed to a woman)

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

ManyadjectiveUS /ˈmeni/

a quantifier that can be used with count nouns and is often preceded by “as” or “too” or “so” or “that”; amounting to a large but indefinite number

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

matternounUS /ˈmætər/

a vaguely specified concern

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

meetverbUS /miːt/

come together

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

membersnounUS /ˈmembərz/

plural of “member” — one of the persons who compose a social group (especially individuals who have joined and participate in a group organization)

From this reading Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.

mightmodal verbUS /maɪt/

used to say something is possible but not certain

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

muchadverbUS /mʌtʃ/

to a great degree or extent

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

NewadjectiveUS /nuː/

not of long duration; having just (or relatively recently) come into being or been made or acquired or discovered

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

nodeterminerUS /noʊ/

not any; not one

From this reading Unfortunately there is no assurance that such is the case.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

onepronounUS /wʌn/

used to mean any person in general, including the speaker

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

otheradjectiveUS /ˈʌðər/

not the same one or ones already mentioned or implied

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

peoplenounUS /ˈpiːpəl/

(plural) any group of human beings (men or women or children) collectively

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

planetnounUS /ˈplænət/

(astronomy) any of the nine large celestial bodies in the solar system that revolve around the sun and shine by reflected light

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

PlotnounUS /plɑːt/

a secret scheme to do something (especially something underhand or illegal)

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

possessedadjectiveUS /pəˈzest/

influenced or controlled by a powerful force such as a strong emotion

From this reading Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.

PrizenounUS /praɪz/

something given for victory or superiority in a contest or competition or for winning a lottery

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

RnounUS /ɑːr/

a unit of radiation exposure; the dose of ionizing radiation that will produce 1 electrostatic unit of electricity in 1 cc of dry air

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

racenounUS /reɪs/

any competition

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

sciencenounUS /ˈsaɪəns/

a particular branch of scientific knowledge

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

strangernounUS /ˈstreɪndʒər/

anyone who does not belong in the environment in which they are found

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

suchdeterminerUS /sʌtʃ/

of the kind already mentioned

From this reading Unfortunately there is no assurance that such is the case.

sympatheticadjectiveUS /ˌsɪmpəˈθetɪk/

of or relating to the sympathetic nervous system

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/

used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

thedeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

theirdeterminerUS /ðer/

belonging to the people or things already mentioned

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

thempronounUS /ðem/

the people or things already mentioned, as the object

From this reading Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.

thereadverbUS /ðer/

in or at that place or location

From this reading Unfortunately there is no assurance that such is the case.

ThirdnounUS /θɜːrd/

one of three equal parts of a divisible whole

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

thoughtnounUS /θɔːt/

the content of cognition; the main thing you are thinking about

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

toparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

unableadjectiveUS /əˈneɪbəl/

(usually followed by “to”) not having the necessary means or skill or know-how

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

UnfortunatelyadverbUS /ənˈfɔːrtʃənətli/

by bad luck

From this reading Unfortunately there is no assurance that such is the case.

UniversitynounUS /ˌjuːnəˈvɜːrsəti/

the body of faculty and students at a university

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/

a formal word for “on”

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

visitornounUS /ˈvɪzɪtər/

someone who visits

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

wantsnounUS /wɑːnts/

plural of “want” — a state of extreme poverty

From this reading And if a stranger from another world, dazed by new conditions and unable to make his wants known, were to fall into their hands his fate might not be happy.

welcomeverbUS /ˈwelkəm/

accept gladly

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

wereauxiliary verbUS /wɜːr/

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

From this reading Even were the members of another race, on another world possessed of education, there would be bound to be among them low and brutish elements.

whopronounUS /huː/

which person or people

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

WinningadjectiveUS /ˈwɪnɪŋ/

having won

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

wonnounUS /wʌn/

the basic unit of money in South Korea

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

worldnounUS /wɜːrld/

everything that exists anywhere

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

worldsnounUS /wɜːrldz/

plural of “world” — everything that exists anywhere

From this reading It is assumed that people are everywhere educated, curious about other worlds and other cultures, and eager to help a visitor from an alien race.

wouldmodal verbUS /wʊd/

used for something imagined, polite, or habitual in the past

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

writersnounUS /ˈraɪtərz/

plural of “writer” — writes (books or stories or articles or the like) professionally (for pay)

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

YorknounUS /jɔːrk/

the English royal house (a branch of the Plantagenet line) that reigned from 1461 to 1485; its emblem was a white rose

From this reading based upon the Third Prize ($15.00) Winning Plot of the Interplanetary Plot Contest won by Allen Glasser, 1610 University Ave., New York By A. R. Hilliard and Allen Glasser Many writers of science fiction, who have not given the matter much thought, assume that a man of intelligence from one planet would meet a cordial and sympathetic welcome on another world.

Chapter 1 of The Martian by A. R. (Alec Rowley) Hilliard holds 165 sentences, grouped into 33 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 Martian contain?

Chapter 1 holds 165 sentences of The Martian, unabridged, divided into 33 reading sections.

This page carries chapter 1 of The Martian by A. R. (Alec Rowley) Hilliard exactly as it stands in the source edition, without abridgement. It runs to 165 sentences, grouped into 33 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 Martian?

Work through the 33 sections in order, replaying any sentence and tapping unfamiliar words for their entries.

Each of the 33 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 Martian

Common questions about reading The Martian by A. R. (Alec Rowley) Hilliard on this page, its source edition and its audio.

Is this the complete text of The Martian?

Yes. All 902 sentences of Project Gutenberg eBook #40992 are kept, with a record of which sentences cover which part.

Which edition of The Martian is used?

Project Gutenberg eBook #40992, unabridged. The Project Gutenberg header, footer and licence are removed.

How long does The Martian take to read?

About 75 minutes of reading across 181 sections of 5 sentences each, at an unhurried pace.

How to read The Martian section by section

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

  1. Open a chapter

    Choose one of the 5 chapters of The Martian 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 Martian

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

Based
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Martian; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Third
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Martian; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Prize
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Martian; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.
Winning
A word that appears in the opening chapter of The Martian; the reader can tap it to hear it and see its dictionary entry.