‘I’m now delivering 320 parcels a day’: The pressure of Amazon delivery targets

This is a list of key vocabulary and expressions from the article in order of how useful they are. The student must choose 6 items from the list to study in the lesson.

To work (something) out

To be supposed to (do something)

To get harder and harder

To suppose

To fit

To reduce 

To catch up (with something/ someone)

To speed up/ To slow down

Anxious

Brief

Packed

An aspect (of something)

Let’s say

Overdue

A no-brainer

To be close to tears

One way or another

To be big on something

To lay (someone) off

To adhere to the rules

Gruelling

To allege 

Turnover

To grapple (with something)

Ubiquitous

15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.

1. What did ‘John’ say about how the pandemic has changed his job?

2. What type of messages do Amazon send their employees?

3. What did ‘Gemma’ say about toilet breaks?

4. What did the Amazon spokesperson say?

5. ‘You don’t really believe the peeing in bottles thing, do you? If that were true, nobody would work for us.’ Is this tweet from Amazon reasonable and true?

6. ‘If Amazon workers were happier, Amazon would be a more profitable company.’ Do you agree?

7. ‘After watching this video, I doubt I’ll ever buy from Amazon again.’ Is this true for you?

8. ‘Being an Amazon driver is much easier than my job.’ Is this true for you?

9. ‘The first few days in a new job are always the best.’ Do you agree?

10. ‘It’s impossible to hate your job if you have a good relationship with your boss.’ Do you agree?

11. ‘People shouldn’t be given targets at work, they cause too much stress.’ Do you agree?

12. ‘Generally speaking, I’d happily pay more for ethical products and services.’ Is this true for you?

13. ‘In my job I never have to hurry.’ Is this true for you?

14. ‘If employees are paid well enough, they’ll be happy.’ Do you agree?

15. ‘I’m addicted to online shopping.’ Is this true for you?