Bring French history and culture into your classroom with an Eiffel Tower PowerPoint and reading designed for comprehensible input. Students learn why many people initially disliked the tower and described it as ugly. Appropriate for second-semester French and later, this low-prep lesson includes 29 visual slides, printable text, comprehension questions, grammar practice with on, oral and written retelling, video and website links, and a complete answer key.

This French Eiffel Tower lesson uses repeated target structures and visual support to help students understand an engaging nonfiction topic through French. The historical controversy gives students a memorable reason to read, respond, and discuss their opinions.

TARGET STRUCTURES

• n’aimaient pas — didn’t like
• laid / laide — ugly
• on peut — one can

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• A 29-slide Eiffel Tower PowerPoint with repeated target vocabulary
• A printable text version of the complete PowerPoint reading
• Reading-comprehension questions
• A grammar explanation and practice exercises for the pronoun on
• A written story-retell page with photographs
• An oral story-retell page with photographs
• A list of related videos and websites
• A complete answer key

WHY TEACHERS WILL FIND IT USEFUL

• Designed for second-semester French and later
• Introduces an iconic Paris landmark through accessible French
• Uses a surprising historical reaction to capture student interest
• Repeats target structures in meaningful context
• Includes visual support for stronger comprehension
• Provides projected and printable materials
• Connects the reading to grammar practice
• Supports oral and written retelling
• Requires minimal teacher preparation
• Includes answers for easy implementation

SUGGESTED TEACHING SEQUENCE

Present the 29-slide PowerPoint and pause to circle the target structures, ask questions, and check comprehension. Give students the printable text for a second reading, followed by the comprehension questions and practice with on. Use the photographs for a supported oral retell or assign the written retell for individual practice. Finish with one of the related videos or websites to extend the cultural connection.

This Eiffel Tower reading works well during a Paris, French monuments, architecture, travel, French culture, or landmarks unit. Students learn real historical content while receiving the repetition and scaffolding they need to understand and respond successfully in French.