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.

Education

The Dogmatist

Schools inspector Edmond Holmes expressed frustration with those who think that society at large owes them unthinking obedience.

Length: 56 words

Rudyard Kipling

Kipling’s Proof

If officials in the Raj ever forgot who their boss was, they would bring the whole government down about their ears.

Length: 60 words

Aesopica

Heracles and the Flea

A man begs the mighty Heracles to save him the effort of despatching a flea.

Length: 60 words

Aesopica

Heracles and the Waggoner

Heracles refuses to come to the aid of man who is perfectly able to help himself.

Length: 58 words

Aesop of Samos

Dog Collar

A scrawny wolf listens enviously as a well-fed dog describes the comforts of home, but a flat patch of fur on the dog’s neck worries him.

Length: 58 words

Liberty and Prosperity

Democracy in Europe

Events in Italy and Austria seemed to be bringing the day ever closer when a European democracy would vote herself into oblivion.

Length: 113 words