La Défense

High school (ages 12+)
Geography

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/la-dfense

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. Where is La Défense?Western Paris metropolitan area, Hauts-de-Seine department, France
2. How big is La Défense?560 hectares (1,400 acres)
3. How many people live in La Défense?180,000 daily workers, 50,000 residents, 75,000 students
4. What is the capital of La Défense?Not applicable; it is a district within the Paris metropolitan area
5. What language do people speak in La Défense?French (official), with significant international business communication in English
6. When was La Défense built?Significant development began in the mid-20th century

Purpose-built district: An area intentionally designed and constructed for a specific commercial or residential function.
Axe historique: A grand, linear urban planning concept in Paris connecting historical and modern landmarks.
Urban planning: The process of designing and managing the development of cities and towns.
Skyscraper: An extremely tall building with many stories, typically used for offices or residences.