Is it a national embarrassment? Opposition politicians claim that the daylight robbery of eight priceless jewels proves that France is a country in decline.
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. Comprehension quiz
-
The word “turmoil” in this context means:
A: A state of great disturbance, confusion, or uncertainty.
B: A disagreement between two politicians.
C: A type of security system.
D: The act of stealing valuable art.
-
According to the article, how did the thieves enter the Louvre?
A: They queued with the public and hid inside.
B: They used a ladder to reach a second-floor window.
C: They tunnelled into the Apollo Gallery.
D: They arrived on motorbikes and broke the main entrance.
-
What is the effect of the journalist’s quote: “The Louvre is not merely a museum, it is France’s face. And that face has just been slapped.”?
A: To suggest the thieves physically assaulted a member of staff.
B: To explain that the museum is shaped like a human face.
C: To emphasise that the heist is a national embarrassment and a direct insult to the country.
D: To argue that the government does not care about the museum.
-
In your own words, summarise the two opposing viewpoints in the article about who is to blame for the heist.
-
Which word is the closest synonym for “decay” as used in the quote: “How far will the decay of the state go?”
A: Failure
B: Deterioration
C: Weakness
D: Corruption
-
Which word is the closest antonym for “decline” as used in the sentence: “For some people, this is evidence of France’s decline.”?
A: Strength
B: Government
C: Improvement
D: Culture
Answers
Tap to reveal
1. A 2. B 3. C 4. One viewpoint blames the French government, suggesting the heist is proof of the "decay of the state" and that the Culture Ministry failed to provide security funding. The other viewpoint argues the government isn't necessarily to blame, as the museum is huge and has always been a target, suggesting opposition politicians are just using the event to attack them. 5. B 6. C
1. A 2. B 3. C 4. One viewpoint blames the French government, suggesting the heist is proof of the "decay of the state" and that the Culture Ministry failed to provide security funding. The other viewpoint argues the government isn't necessarily to blame, as the museum is huge and has always been a target, suggesting opposition politicians are just using the event to attack them. 5. B 6. C
Glossary
Senate - The upper chamber of the Congress that - along with the US House of Representatives (lower chamber) - comprises the legislative branch of the US government. Each of the 50 US states is equally represented by two senators, regardless of its population size.
National Rally - Formerly known as the National Front, the National Rally is a major right-wing political party in France. It is accused of being racist and Islamophobic.
Mona Lisa - Also known as the Giaconda, a portrait by the Italian artist Leonardo da Vinci. It became one of the world’s most famous paintings after a successful robbery in 1911.