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.

Liberty and Prosperity

Straightforward English

If freedom and democracy are to have any meaning, the public must be able to talk back to their governors.

Length: 59 words

Liberty and Prosperity

Violet van der Elst

An eccentric, self-made businesswoman, who ‘made three fortunes and spent five’ in the campaign against the death penalty.

Length: 58 words

Liberty and Prosperity

The Unselfishess of Free Trade

Victorian MP Richard Cobden pleaded for Britain to set the world an example as a nation open for business.

Length: 59 words

Extracts from Literature

The White Queen’s Riddle

Alice was set a poetical test of wits by the kindly (but like all the other characters, utterly maddening) White Queen.

Length: 59 words

Bible Stories Retold

The Story of Esther

A young Jewish girl is chosen as the Queen of Persia, but quickly finds she has enemies.

Length: 174 words

Extracts from Literature

Swept off her Feet

Marianne Dashwood sprains an ankle, but help is at hand.

Length: 51 words