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.

Extracts from Literature

New Purpose

Two British spies look out over war-torn Belgrade, and find the inspiration they need to go on with their dangerous mission.

Length: 59 words

Lives of the Saints

A Light to Lighten the English

Even before he was born, St Dunstan was marked out to lead the English Church and nation to more peaceful times.

Length: 59 words

William Shakespeare

I’ll Tell You Who Time Gallops Withal

Rosalind explains to Orlando that Time moves at different paces depending on who you are.

Length: 115 words

Stuart Era

The Doctor Will Fleece You Now

Richard Steele goes to Bath for his health, and is cured of more ailments than he had ever had in his life.

Length: 57 words

Stuart Era

Much Cry but Little Wool

Joseph Addison complains that the famous Cries of London are a lot of fuss about nothing.

Length: 109 words

The British Constitution

The Best and Worst of Britain

A Portuguese merchant assesses Great Britain’s market under the Hanoverians.

Length: 104 words