Explore the rise and fall of the Knights Templar with this intermediate French reading comprehension activity. Students read a nonfiction article in French with a glossary, then respond to nine comprehension questions in English or nine questions in French. Printable and Google Slides formats, an answer key, and additional resources are included.

Originally founded to protect Christian pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land, the Knights Templar eventually became one of the medieval world’s wealthiest and most powerful organizations. Students will learn about the order’s beginnings, growing influence, and violent end.

This French history reading is suitable for novice-high and intermediate-low learners with scaffolding and teacher support. Intermediate-mid and more proficient students can read it independently. It can also provide AP French students with nonfiction interpretive reading practice.

Use this resource for:

• Guided or independent French reading
• Interpretive communication practice
• French history or medieval-history connections
• Whole-class discussion
• Speaking and writing extensions
• Homework
• A ready-to-use French sub plan

The printable resource includes:

• An article in French about the Knights Templar
• A glossary of less-frequent vocabulary
• 9 comprehension questions in English
• 9 comprehension questions in French
• Answer key
• Resource page with links to related videos and websites

The Google Slides resource includes:

• The complete Knights Templar reading in French
• 9 short-answer questions in English
• 9 short-answer questions in French
• Answer key
• Links to related resources

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

Help students strengthen their French reading comprehension while discovering the dramatic history of one of the Middle Ages’ most famous organizations.

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