Explore the history of French Africa through the story of les tirailleurs sénégalais, West African soldiers recruited into French colonial military units. This intermediate French reading comprehension activity includes a two-page nonfiction article in French, vocabulary support, 13 comprehension questions in English, 13 questions in French, an answer key, and printable and Google Slides formats.

Students will learn who the tirailleurs sénégalais were, where they came from, how they served France during both World Wars, and what happened to many of them after their military service. Although the units were called “Senegalese,” soldiers were recruited from several French-controlled African territories.

This French Black History reading provides an opportunity to discuss military service, colonialism, recognition, inequality, and historical memory. The article is written using the passé composé and imparfait, making it useful for combining cultural content with past-tense reading practice.

PROFICIENCY GUIDANCE

Novice High and Intermediate Low students can complete the reading with vocabulary support, scaffolding, and teacher guidance. More proficient intermediate students can work independently.

AP French students can use the article for supplemental nonfiction interpretive-reading practice and as a starting point for discussion or presentational writing about public identity, global challenges, history, and remembrance.

USE THIS RESOURCE FOR

• Intermediate French reading comprehension
• French Black History Month
• Year-round Black History instruction
• French colonial history
• Francophone Africa
• World War I or World War II connections
• Passé composé and imparfait reading practice
• AP French interpretive communication
• Class discussion
• Speaking or writing extensions
• Homework or sub plans

THE PRINTABLE RESOURCE INCLUDES

• Two-page article in French about the tirailleurs sénégalais
• Vocabulary support
• 13 comprehension questions in English
• 13 comprehension questions in French
• Answer key
• Resource page with links to related videos and websites

THE GOOGLE SLIDES RESOURCE INCLUDES

• Complete French reading about the tirailleurs sénégalais
• 13 comprehension questions in English
• 13 comprehension questions in French
• Answer key
• Resource pages with related video and website links

Use the English questions when you want students to focus primarily on understanding the article. Use the French questions when you want to add target-language writing practice.

Extend the historical connection with the 2023 film Tirailleurs, also released in English as Father & Soldier, directed by Mathieu Vadepied and starring Omar Sy.

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