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.

Bible and Saints

The Ox and the Ass

The chill of the night is relieved by the warmth of the beasts in their stalls, prompting Mary and Joseph reflect on the promises of Scripture.

Length: 115 words

British Myths and Legends

The Last Voyage of Scyld of the Sheaf

The Old English epic ‘Beowulf’ tells how Scyld, beloved King of the Danes, was committed to the ocean at his death — just as he had been at his birth.

Length: 115 words

Extracts from Literature

The Trouble With Men

The exasperated women of Athens challenge the men of the City to decide whether women are a blessing or a curse.

Length: 109 words

Extracts from Literature

Mrs Nickleby’s Cold Cure

Charmed by their attentions to her daughter Kate, Mrs Nickleby rewards Mr Pyke and Mr Pluck with a reminiscence about her favourite home remedy for colds.

Length: 114 words

Lives of the Saints

‘Your Child Shall Be Healed’

When the plague once again visited Northumbria, Bishop Cuthbert of Lindisfarne left his island retreat and brought comfort and healing to the suffering.

Length: 116 words

Lives of the Saints

A Quick Study

After the monastery of St Paul in Jarrow was devasted by an epidemic, the Abbot had only a boy in his early teens to rely on.

Length: 0 words