• Reading Level 3
Art & Design | Citizenship | Form Time | Politics

Louvre heist ‘dagger to France’s heart’

Precious gems: France's crown jewels were made up of what could be saved after the 1789 revolution dethroned the monarchy.

Is it a national embarrassment? Opposition politicians claim that the daylight robbery of eight priceless jewels proves that France is a country in decline.

Comprehension quiz

  1. The word “heist” most nearly means:

    A: A political argument

    B: A public holiday

    C: An organised robbery

    D: A security system

  2. Which word is the closest synonym for “criticise”?

    A: To find fault with

    B: To praise

    C: To ignore

    D: To steal

  3. respected author elaine sciolino called the heist a dagger into the heart of france and french history

    How many capital letters should this sentence have? Where should they go?

  4. What items were stolen from the Louvre?

    A: The Mona Lisa

    B: A tiara, a bracelet and cufflinks

    C: A tiara, a necklace and earrings

    D: Money from the ticket office

  5. How did the thieves enter the museum?

    A: Through the main entrance

    B: By climbing to a balcony and smashing a window

    C: By hiding inside overnight

    D: Through the roof

  6. According to the article, why do experts think the stolen items will be broken up?

Answers

Tap to reveal
1. C 2. A The sentence needs five capital letters: Respected (start of the sentence) Elaine (part of a name) Sciolino (part of a name) France (name of a country) French (derived from a country name). 4. C 5. B 6. So that the stones (sapphires, emeralds, and diamonds) can be sold.