Can someone really sell the Eiffel Tower? Introduce students to Victor Lustig—the man who sold the Eiffel Tower—with this engaging French reading comprehension activity. The resource includes a three-page article in French, seven comprehension questions in English, seven questions in French, an answer key, and both printable and Google Slides formats.

Victor Lustig was a skilled con artist who convinced an unsuspecting buyer that the Eiffel Tower was being sold for scrap. He escaped with the money and later attempted the remarkable scam again. Students will learn about Lustig’s earlier schemes, how he carried out his most famous con, and what eventually happened to him.

This intermediate French reading is suitable for novice-high and intermediate-low learners with scaffolding and teacher support. More proficient students can complete it independently. It can also provide AP French students with engaging nonfiction interpretive reading practice.

Use this resource for:

• Guided or independent French reading
• Interpretive communication practice
• French culture or Paris-related study
• Whole-class discussion
• Speaking and writing extensions
• Homework
• A ready-to-use French sub plan

The printable resource includes:

• A three-page article in French about Victor Lustig
• A glossary of less-frequent vocabulary
• 7 comprehension questions in English
• 7 comprehension questions in French
• Answer key
• Resource page with links to related videos and websites

The Google Slides resource includes:

• The complete Victor Lustig reading in French
• 7 short-answer comprehension questions in English
• 7 short-answer 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 understanding the French article. Use the French questions when you want to add target-language writing practice.

Capture students’ attention with an unbelievable true story while building French reading comprehension and interpretive communication skills.

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