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.

The First World War

The Battle of the Somme

A British victory at tragic cost, in which both sides had to learn a new way of fighting.

Length: 56 words

Roman Empire

The Fall of Constantinople

Hospitality and sympathy, but no help - the Byzantine Emperor learns a bitter lesson about western diplomacy.

Length: 116 words

British Myths and Legends

Cap o’ Rushes

A girl’s choice of words sees her turned out of hearth and home.

Length: 177 words

Poets and Poetry

‘My Shadow’

An enduringly popular poem by the author of ‘Treasure Island’.

Length: 45 words

The Second World War

The Normandy Landings

‘D-Day’ on 6th June, 1944, kicked off the Allied invasion of Europe and raised hopes of an end to the Second World War.

Length: 58 words

The Second World War

The Bishop’s Gambit

The mayor and bishop of Zakynthos went to extraordinary lengths to protect the most vulnerable people of their island.

Length: 60 words