Dr. Frank Crane is an American writer whose little
essays you often see in newspapers and magazines.
This description of the right sort of boy is put in
the form of a "Want ad" in a newspaper. While you
read it, consider whether the boy you are best
acquainted with could apply for the job.
(Used by special permission of the author.)
A boy who stands straight, sits straight, acts straight,
and talks straight.
A boy who listens carefully when spoken to, who asks
questions when he does not understand, and does not ask
questions about things that are none of his business. 5
A boy whose finger nails are not in mourning, whose
ears are clean, whose shoes are polished, whose clothes
are brushed, whose hair is combed, and whose teeth are
well cared for.
A boy who moves quickly and makes as little noise about 10
it as possible.
A boy who whistles in the street but not where he
ought to keep still.
A boy who looks cheerful, has a ready smile for everybody,
and never sulks. 15
A boy who is polite to every man and respectful to every
woman and girl.
A boy who does not smoke cigarettes and has no desire to
learn how.
A boy who never bullies other boys or allows other boys 20
to bully him.
A boy who, when he does not know a thing, says, "I do
not know"; and when he has made a mistake says, "I'm
sorry"; and when requested to do a thing immediately
says, "I'll try."
A boy who looks you right in the eye and tells the truth 5
every time.
A boy who would rather lose his job or be expelled from
school than tell a lie or be a cad.
A boy who is more eager to know how to speak good
English than to talk slang. 10
A boy who does not want to be "smart" nor in any wise
attract attention.
A boy who is eager to read good, wholesome books.
A boy whom other boys like.
A boy who is perfectly at ease in the company of respectable 15
girls.
A boy who is not a goody-goody, a prig, or a little
Pharisee, but just healthy, happy, and full of life.
A boy who is not sorry for himself and not forever
thinking and talking about himself. 20
A boy who is friendly with his mother and more intimate
with her than with anyone else.
A boy who makes you feel good when he is around.
This boy is wanted everywhere. The family wants him,
the school wants him, the office wants him, the boys and 25
girls want him, and all creation wants him.
1. What is the difference in use between the first
two and the last two "straight's" in the first
paragraph?
2. Which of the requirements are matters of good
manners? Of health? Of courage? Of ambition? Of
unselfishness? Of honesty?
3. Which of these items would you cut out, if any?
What others would you put in the list?