Minis
Mini Copy Book

Each post in this section is a short précis (summary) of a passage in The Copy Book. All of them are in modern English. They are intended for students of English as a Foreign Language at Elementary Level.

Extracts from Literature

Redeeming Time

Pip Pirrip never misses a moment of visiting time with Abel Magwitch, the convict who made him into a gentleman, in the prison hospital.

Length: 118 words

Cynewulf

The Six Leaps of Faith

The eighth-century English bishop and poet Cynewulf explores a prophecy from the Song of Solomon.

Length: 52 words

International Relations

Guardian of Peace

J. S. Mill argues that free trade has done more to put an end to war than any political union or military alliance.

Length: 54 words

Greek and Roman Myths

Heracles and the Cretan Bull

Heracles seems to be the only one who can keep Poseidon’s rampaging white bull under control.

Length: 59 words

Christian Customs

Mothering Sunday

Mothering Sunday is a peculiarly British celebration of Christian faith, close family and responsible freedom.

Length: 59 words

Discovery and Invention

A Monument to Liberty

Samuel Smiles explains why the London and Birmingham Railway was an achievement superior to the Great Pyramid of Giza.

Length: 57 words