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.

Indian History

Unrivalled Grace

Sir Henry Craik had heard such glowing reports of Agra’s Taj Mahal, that he was afraid it might prove to be an anticlimax.

Length: 109 words

The British Constitution

Imperfect Government

Politicians who demand that everyone in the country unite behind their vision of society are standing in the way of real progress.

Length: 117 words

Discovery and Invention

Land of Opportunity

Edward III enticed over-regulated Dutch textile workers across the Channel with the promise of English beef and English beauties.

Length: 115 words

Extracts from Fiction

The Woman in White

Walter Hartright tried to help a distressed woman find her way into London, but the incident has left him with nagging doubts.

Length: 114 words

British Myths and Legends

Grendel’s Mother

After driving the man-eating ogre Grendel from Hrothgar’s hall, Beowulf must now deal with Grendel’s anguished and vengeful mother.

Length: 174 words

British Myths and Legends

Death Grip

The terrible monster Grendel, secure in the knowledge that no blade can bite him, bursts into Hrothgar’s hall expecting another meal of man-flesh.

Length: 114 words