Introduce students to Jeanne de Clisson, the medieval Breton noblewoman remembered as the Lioness of Brittany. This intermediate French reading comprehension activity explores how her husband’s execution led her to seek revenge against the French crown and become one of history’s most famous female pirates. It includes a two-page article in French, vocabulary support, questions in English and French, an answer key, and printable and Google Slides formats.

Students will learn about Jeanne’s life, the political conflict surrounding her husband’s execution, and the campaign of revenge that transformed her historical reputation.

This high-interest French nonfiction reading provides natural connections to women’s history, medieval France, Brittany, piracy, justice, and revenge.

PROFICIENCY GUIDANCE

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

The article can also provide supplemental AP French interpretive-reading practice and serve as a starting point for discussion, comparison, or presentational writing.

USE THIS RESOURCE FOR

• Intermediate French reading comprehension
• French women’s history
• Women’s History Month
• Medieval French history
• High-interest nonfiction
• Guided or independent reading
• French culture and history
• Class discussion
• Speaking or writing extensions
• Homework
• Sub plans

THE PRINTABLE RESOURCE INCLUDES

• Two-page article in French about Jeanne de Clisson
• 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 Jeanne de Clisson
• 13 comprehension questions in English
• 13 comprehension questions in French
• Answer key
• Resource pages with links to related videos and websites

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

Help students strengthen their French reading comprehension while discovering the dramatic story of Jeanne de Clisson and the history behind the Lioness of Brittany.

Click HERE to join my mailing list and get a free article about adapting a textbook to CI!