This Intermediate French La Bise reading comprehension activity will allow you to read a short story, entirely in French.  It tells the story of a man who doesn’t understand the importance of knowing when to use la bise.

Bryan is an American who is visiting France. He doesn’t want to be rude, so he’s prepared himself for the French custom of greeting others with a kiss on the cheek. But unfortunately, he didn’t listen to the entire explanation in French class! Bryan’s trip starts out fine but his cultural misunderstandings get him into more and more trouble.

This activity packet includes two versions of a 4 page story – appropriate for 2nd semester and later French students, with comprehension questions and other activities. One version is in the present tense and the other is in the past tense (passé composé and imparfait). Also includes a map about La Bise with questions and an infographic about French prisons (a topic that comes up in the reading) with comprehension questions. This activity could also be used as a sub activity.

The La Bise print version includes:

• 4-page short story in French – present tense
• 4-page short story in French – past tense
• 18 comprehension questions in English
• 18 comprehension questions in French
• Illustrate the story activity
• Main idea and summary activity
• Rewrite activity
• Retell activity
• Infographics about la bise and prison in France
• Answer key
• Resources page with links to videos and website

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