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.

Patriotism

A Patriot, Sir!

Sir Robert Walpole wasn’t impressed with kind of politician who pursues his own ambitions in the name of serving the country.

Length: 59 words

Liberty and Prosperity

The Most Liberal State in Europe

French essayist Voltaire provoked the wrath of his government by explaining how England was superior to every European state including the Roman Empire.

Length: 111 words

Stuart Era

Time Itself Will Ruin Us

Sir John Eliot told the Commons that what worried him wasn’t the sabre-rattling of foreign leaders, it was incompetence and corruption at home.

Length: 58 words

William Shakespeare

If England to Itself Do Rest but True

With King John dead and the threat of invasion fading, Philip Faulconbridge reflects that the danger within is always greater than the danger without.

Length: 57 words

Education

The Facts Factory

Mr Gradgrind and a Government expert on education make sure that the children of Coketown have the right opinions about everything.

Length: 175 words

Aesop of Samos

The Country Mouse and the Town Mouse

A sophisticated City Mouse went to see his Country cousin, and pitied his simple fare.

Length: 119 words