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Toilers of the Sea
Toilers of the Sea

Chapter VIII

Cover illustration for Toilers of the Sea
Context Illustration Reading 1/201 · 5 lines
English subtitles · tap any word to listen 1 / 5
THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.
Gilliatt had chosen the channel along the coast among the rocks.
It was the most dangerous way, but it was the most direct.
To take the shortest route was his only thought.
Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.
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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.

Toilers of the Sea

Chapter VIII

Reading 1/201 · 5 reading units · Lines 1–5

Line 1
THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.
Line 2
Gilliatt had chosen the channel along the coast among the rocks.
Line 3
It was the most dangerous way, but it was the most direct.
Line 4
To take the shortest route was his only thought.
Line 5
Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

Learner Dictionary

Oxford-style entry order: headword, part of speech, US IPA, concise definition, contextual example, audio, and collocations from this reading.

Along preposition US /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading “Gilliatt had chosen the channel along the coast among the rocks.”

Among preposition US /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading “Gilliatt had chosen the channel along the coast among the rocks.”

Been auxiliary verb US /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading “THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.”

Has auxiliary verb US /hæz/

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

From this reading “THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.”

May modal verb US /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading “Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.”

Take noun US /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To take the shortest route was his only thought.”

Thought noun US /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading “To take the shortest route was his only thought.”

All words in this reading · 67

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 Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

alongprepositionUS /əˈlɔːŋ/

following the length of something from one end toward the other

From this reading Gilliatt had chosen the channel along the coast among the rocks.

amongprepositionUS /əˈmʌŋ/

surrounded by; in the middle of a group

From this reading Gilliatt had chosen the channel along the coast among the rocks.

andeterminerUS /æn/

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

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

ANDconjunctionUS /ənd/

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

asconjunctionUS /æz/

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

atprepositionUS /æt/

in or near a particular place or position

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

barge

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

bark

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

beauxiliary verbUS /biː/

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

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

beenauxiliary verbUS /bɪn/

the past participle of “be”

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

butconjunctionUS /bʌt/

used to introduce something that contrasts with what came before

From this reading It was the most dangerous way, but it was the most direct.

channel

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

From this reading Gilliatt had chosen the channel along the coast among the rocks.

chosen

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

From this reading Gilliatt had chosen the channel along the coast among the rocks.

coast

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

creditor

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

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

dangerous

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

From this reading It was the most dangerous way, but it was the most direct.

delay

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

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

DIFFICULT

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

direct

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

From this reading It was the most dangerous way, but it was the most direct.

Dutch

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

evening

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

Gilliatt

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

From this reading Gilliatt had chosen the channel along the coast among the rocks.

Guernsey

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

guessed

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

hadauxiliary verbUS /hæd/

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

hasauxiliary verbUS /hæz/

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

hisdeterminerUS /hɪz/

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

From this reading To take the shortest route was his only thought.

hour's

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

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

IpronounUS /aɪ/

the person speaking or writing, as the subject of the verb

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

irreparable

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

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

ISauxiliary verbUS /ɪz/

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

ItpronounUS /ɪt/

a thing, animal, or idea already mentioned

From this reading It was the most dangerous way, but it was the most direct.

LEAVE

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

many

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

maymodal verbUS /meɪ/

used to say something is possible, or to give permission

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

most

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

From this reading It was the most dangerous way, but it was the most direct.

notadverbUS /nɑːt/

used to make a word, phrase, or sentence negative

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

observed

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

ofprepositionUS /ʌv/

belonging to, or connected with, somebody or something

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

old

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

onprepositionUS /ɑːn/

touching and supported by a surface

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

only

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

From this reading To take the shortest route was his only thought.

orconjunctionUS /ɔːr/

used to join alternatives or possibilities

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

PLACE

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

points

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

pressing

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

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

previous

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

REACH

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

reader

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

ROCK

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

rocks

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

From this reading Gilliatt had chosen the channel along the coast among the rocks.

route

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

From this reading To take the shortest route was his only thought.

sea

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

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

Shipwrecks

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

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

shortest

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

From this reading To take the shortest route was his only thought.

sloop

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

soconjunctionUS /soʊ/

for that reason; with the result that

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

takenounUS /take/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To take the shortest route was his only thought.

THEdeterminerUS /ðə/

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

thoughtnounUS /thought/

an important story-specific word used in this passage

From this reading To take the shortest route was his only thought.

TOparticleUS /tuː/

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

wait

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

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.

wasauxiliary verbUS /wɑːz/

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

way

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

From this reading It was the most dangerous way, but it was the most direct.

WHICHpronounUS /wɪtʃ/

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

From this reading THE ROCK I THE PLACE WHICH IS DIFFICULT TO REACH, AND DIFFICULT TO LEAVE The bark which had been observed at so many points on the coast of Guernsey on the previous evening was, as the reader has guessed, the old Dutch barge or sloop.

willmodal verbUS /wɪl/

used to talk about the future, or about willingness

From this reading Shipwrecks will not wait; the sea is a pressing creditor; an hour's delay may be irreparable.