Practice FrenchA2Full sample
Le jardin sur le toit
The Garden on the Roof — Nora convinces her neighbors to turn an empty rooftop into a garden that improves the whole building.
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Dans l’immeuble de Nora, le toit était vide et gris. On y voyait seulement des cheminées, des antennes et quelques vieux pots cassés. Un samedi, Nora a proposé aux voisins de créer un petit jardin.
Au début, tout le monde avait une excuse. Monsieur Karim disait qu’il n’avait pas le temps. Madame Silva pensait que le vent allait tout casser. Mais Nora a apporté de la terre, des graines et un vieux arrosoir vert. Peu à peu, les voisins sont montés pour aider.
Deux mois plus tard, le toit était différent. Des tomates rouges poussaient près des fleurs jaunes. Les abeilles venaient le matin. Même Monsieur Karim montait chaque soir pour arroser le basilic. Il disait que le jardin ne changeait pas seulement le toit : il changeait aussi l’humeur de l’immeuble.
Vocabulary
- immeubleapartment building
- toitroof
- grainesseeds
- arrosoirwatering can
- humeurmood
Show English translation
In Nora’s apartment building, the roof was empty and gray. You could only see chimneys, antennas, and a few old broken pots there. One Saturday, Nora suggested that the neighbors create a small garden.
At first, everyone had an excuse. Monsieur Karim said he did not have time. Madame Silva thought the wind would break everything. But Nora brought soil, seeds, and an old green watering can. Little by little, the neighbors came upstairs to help.
Two months later, the roof was different. Red tomatoes grew near yellow flowers. Bees came in the morning. Even Monsieur Karim came up every evening to water the basil. He said the garden did not only change the roof: it also changed the mood of the building.
Comprehension questions
1. What does Nora want to create on the roof?
- A small garden
- A new apartment
- A parking space
- A playground
Show answer
A small garden
2. What does Nora bring to start the project?
- Paint, chairs, and lamps
- Soil, seeds, and a watering can
- Books, pencils, and paper
- Bread, cheese, and fruit
Show answer
Soil, seeds, and a watering can
3. Monsieur Karim eventually helps water the basil.
Show answer
true
4. Complete with the visitors attracted by the rooftop flowers: Chaque matin, les fleurs du toit attirent les ___.
Show answer
abeilles
5. What does “toit” mean?
- roof
- garden
- neighbor
- flower
Show answer
roof
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