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

Underqualified

Amy Johnson of Hull had clocked only ninety hours of flying experience before taking off alone for Australia.

Length: 57 words

American Revolutionary War

Lady Harriet’s Errand

On the evening of October 7th, 1777, as fighting on Bemis Heights subsided, Harriet Acland came to General Burgoyne with a startling request.

Length: 113 words

Mediaeval History

At the Baron’s Board

However grim and severe the thirteenth century baron might be in his public duties, at dinner-time it was all wine, laughter and song.

Length: 116 words

The British Constitution

Keeping the Colonies

Peoples of another culture or region will not long tolerate a Government that uses guns and soldiers to secure their obedience.

Length: 60 words

Irish History

The Politics of Language

John Lynch, exiled to France by Cromwell’s men, lamented the way the Irish was being labelled as a language of sedition.

Length: 120 words

Irish History

Beyond the Pale

Lionel of Clarence, Edward III’s younger son, went to Ireland as his Lieutenant in order to stop English expats becoming like the Irish.

Length: 118 words