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.

Discovery and Invention

The Bully and the Brakesman

A young George Stephenson takes responsibility for the team spirit at Black Callerton mine.

Length: 52 words

The Second World War

Britain’s Destiny

In a Christmas broadcast in 1940, actor Leslie Howard explained why British sovereignty was worth fighting for.

Length: 57 words

The Second World War

Leslie Howard

Howard gave his life to saving the ‘great gifts and strange inconsistencies’ of Britain’s unique democracy.

Length: 58 words

Greek and Roman Myths

Apple of Discord

Thetis snubs Eris, goddess of Discord, and sets off a series of events leading to the Trojan War.

Length: 59 words

Lives of the Saints

Stick and Carrot

The Virgin Mary and her son team up to get the best out of some careless monks.

Length: 59 words

Modern History

Florence Nightingale

Florence used her logical mind and society connections to save thousands of lives in the Crimean War.

Length: 108 words