Learning A–Z level K Multi-level K S Z
Grade 2 Word Count 323
Lexile 570L
Refer to the Focus Question on page 2 of this title to guide
discussion and support additional learning connected to the text.
Nonfiction • Informational
France
France is home to the Eiffel Tower, but many other things
make this country special. From famous food to rich
history, France will open student’s eyes to the wonders
of this European country.
Photo Credits:
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© nobleIMAGES/Alamy; page 11: © Masterpics/Alamy; page 12: © Seine River/Alamy; page 13 (top left): © Nikolay Dimitrov/Alamy; page 13
(right): © Jan Walczewski/iStock/Thinkstock; page 13 (bottom left): © liv friis-larsen/Alamy; page 14: © nagelestock.com/Alamy; page 15
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For more great books visit Written by Madeline McCall
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© Learning A–Z, all rights reserved.
France
Glossary
course (n.) page 13
one of the parts of a meal
democracy (n.) page 11
a form of government that is run by
the people
plains (n.) page 8
large stretches of flat land, usually
with few trees
ranges (n.) page 9
rows of mountains that are
connected
revolution (n.) page 11
the removal of a government from Above: Some farmers in France grow grapes in vineyards.
power by force and its replacement Cover: The Eiffel (EYE-ful) Tower in Paris was named for the man who
with another designed it, Gustave Eiffel.
Page 3: People walk down a village street in a part of France called Alsace
tourists (n.) page 5 (al-SASS).
people who travel to a place for
enjoyment or to learn more about it Written by Madeline McCall
16
France
Focus Question
What things about France make it an
interesting place to visit and live?
Words to Know Population: 66,259,012
course ranges
democracy revolution Land: 620,427 sq km (239,548 sq� mi�)
plains tourists
Capital City: Paris
Primary Language: French
Currency: Euro (YUR-oh)
Connections
Evaluate
Why do you think millions of people visit Paris
every year?
Analyze Source: Central Intelligence Agency (July 2014), World Bank
Why do you think more than half of France’s land
is used for farming? France • Level K 15
Table of Contents
Where Is It? � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 4
People � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 6
Land � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 8
Lavender, a type of flower, is grown in parts of France.
History � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 10
Conclusion
Celebrations � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 12
France is a beautiful country with
a long history� It has rolling hills, Food � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 13
forests, and mountains� Its food is
Conclusion � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 14
known around the world� What do
you like most about France? Glossary � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � � 16
14 France • Level K 3
France baguettes
cheese
United Kingdom
Belgium
nn e l Germany
n g lish Cha
E Luxembourg
Paris
ATLANTIC
OCEAN France Dijon
Switzerland
Limoges
Bay of Italy crêpes
Bordeaux
Biscay
Bayonne Toulouse Marseille
Monaco
Gulf of
EUROPE
Lion
Spain Corsica
ASIA
AFRICA
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
People in France enjoy many different kinds of cheese. They also eat
Where Is It? crêpes (KRAYPS), or thin pancakes. The long thin loaf of bread is called
a baguette (ba-GET).
France is a country in Europe� Other Food
countries are to the east� To the
France is known for its food� One
south is Spain� The Atlantic Ocean
type of food is a long, thin loaf of
is to the north and to the west�
bread� Many meals have more than
The United Kingdom is to the north� one part� A meal may have soup,
It is across a part of the Atlantic salad, a main course, and fruit
Ocean called the English Channel� for dessert�
4 France • Level K 13
People watch the fireworks over the Seine (SEN) River in Paris on July 14.
Celebrations The Eiffel (EYE-ful) Tower is a famous tower in Paris.
People in France celebrate the Paris is the capital city of France�
beginning of the revolution It is a very famous city� Millions of
on July 14� They celebrate with tourists visit Paris every year� More
fireworks and parades� than ten million people live there�
12 France • Level K 5
This painting shows Louis (LEW-ee) XIV, a powerful French king.
The cities in France have many restaurants where people can eat outside.
For a long time, France was ruled
People
by powerful kings� Then the French
More than sixty-six million people people fought against one king�
live in France� Most people live This was called the French
and work in cities� Some have jobs Revolution (1789–1799)� Today,
helping tourists who visit France� France is a democracy�
6 France • Level K 11
Old stone castles can be found across France.
History
Some farmers in France grow flowers like these sunflowers.
Long ago, France was called Gaul�
Some people live in the countryside
Other countries took over Gaul
and grow food on farms� More than
many times� The Romans took it
half of the land in France is used
over first, and then the Franks took
for farming�
it from the Romans� France got its
name from the Franks� Most people in France speak French�
10 France • Level K 7
France’s Landforms
er
D ov
f
h to
aig
Str
nn e l
n g lish Cha
E S ei
ne
Ri v
er
Paris
Brittany y
Valle
Peninsula Loire Paris Basin
ive r
Lo ire R
ins
nta
France
ou
aM
Bay of J ur
Biscay Mont Blanc
Massif
Central French
Alps
LIGURIAN
r
P y ren
ees M zu SEA
ounta d’A
ins Gulf of te
Lion Co
Corsica
MEDITERRANEAN SEA
Land Mont Blanc is the tallest mountain in western Europe. It is in the French Alps.
France has many different kinds France also has five mountain
of land� It has hills, forests, rivers, ranges� They sit between France
lakes, and beaches� Most of France and other countries� The highest
is covered with low plains and hills� mountains are in the Alps�
8 France • Level K 9
