Every word is available to listen to. 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 A JOB FOR THE BOY SCOUTS TO DO.
able
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
aboutprepositionUS /əˈbaʊt/
on the subject of; concerning
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
afterprepositionUS /ˈæftər/
later than; following
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
afterward
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
all
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
andconjunctionUS /ənd/
used to join words or parts of a sentence that go together
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
areauxiliary verbUS /ɑːr/
the form of “be” used with you, we, they, or a plural noun
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
asconjunctionUS /æz/
at the same time that; because; in the way that
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
askednounUS /asked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
atprepositionUS /æt/
in or near a particular place or position
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
beauxiliary verbUS /biː/
used with a past participle to form the passive, or with -ing for continuous tenses
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
begannounUS /began/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
beginner
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
BOY
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A JOB FOR THE BOY SCOUTS TO DO.
cap
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
Collins
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
description
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
detailsnounUS /ˈdetails/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
DOauxiliary verbUS /duː/
used to form questions and negatives, and to give emphasis
From this reading A JOB FOR THE BOY SCOUTS TO DO.
Elmer
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
evennounUS /even/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
everythingpronounUS /ˈevriθɪŋ/
all things; all of a situation
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
expressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
fellows
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
find
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
FORprepositionUS /fɔːr/
intended to be given to, or used by, somebody
From this reading A JOB FOR THE BOY SCOUTS TO DO.
give
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
given
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
goodnounUS /good/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/
the past form of “have”, used to form the past perfect
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
hepronounUS /hiː/
a man, boy, or male animal already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
ifconjunctionUS /ɪf/
on condition that; in the event that
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
impressed
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
inprepositionUS /ɪn/
inside something, or within a place, period, or state
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
isauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/
the form of “be” used with he, she, it, or a singular noun
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
itpronounUS /ɪt/
a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
JOB
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A JOB FOR THE BOY SCOUTS TO DO.
just
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
knownounUS /know/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
leader
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
list
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
Listen
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
littlenounUS /little/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
lookednounUS /looked/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
looking
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
makes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
Members
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
memorizing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
minutes
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
nature
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
new
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
notadverbUS /nɑːt/
used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
note
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
observationnounUS /ˈobservation/
a story-specific word describing an important person, object, action, or idea in this passage
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
ofprepositionUS /ʌv/
belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
older
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
onepronounUS /wʌn/
used to mean any person in general, including the speaker
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
organization
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
out
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
positively
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
power
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
pretty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
SCOUTS
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading A JOB FOR THE BOY SCOUTS TO DO.
second
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
see
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
shouldmodal verbUS /ʃʊd/
used to say what is right, expected, or advisable
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
soconjunctionUS /soʊ/
for that reason; with the result that
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
speak
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
store
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
surenounUS /sure/
an important story-specific word used in this passage
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
tell-tale
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
tests
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
thatconjunctionUS /ðæt/
used to introduce what somebody said, thought, or felt
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
THEdeterminerUS /ðə/
used before a noun that is already known, already mentioned, or the only one of its kind
From this reading A JOB FOR THE BOY SCOUTS TO DO.
theirdeterminerUS /ðer/
belonging to the people or things already mentioned
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
then
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
theypronounUS /ðeɪ/
the people, animals, or things already mentioned, as the subject
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
things
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
three
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
TOparticleUS /tuː/
used before the base form of a verb to make the infinitive
From this reading A JOB FOR THE BOY SCOUTS TO DO.
Ty
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
uponprepositionUS /əˈpɑːn/
a formal word for “on”
From this reading "Listen, fellows," began Elmer; "all of you older scouts know that one of the things impressed upon a new beginner is the power of observation.
way
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading In that way they find it second nature to note everything they see, so that if asked about it afterward they are able to give a pretty good description even of little details.
WHATpronounUS /wʌt/
used to ask for information about something
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
whenconjunctionUS /wen/
at the time that
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
window
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
wonder
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
writing
Dictionary entry pending editorial verification. Tap Listen to hear the word.
From this reading Members of the organization are given tests at memorizing things they see in a store window, after looking in for just three minutes, and then writing out a list afterward.
yetconjunctionUS /jet/
but in spite of that
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
youpronounUS /juː/
the person or people being spoken to
From this reading "WHAT makes you so sure about that, Elmer?" asked Ty Collins, after the scouts had expressed their wonder that the leader should be able to speak so positively when as yet he had not even looked at the tell-tale cap.
