The seven-day-a-week life of a maid for Qatar's royal and rich
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 apologise (to someone/ for something)
To look after (someone/ something)
Treatment/ To treat someone well/ badly
To stare (at something/ someone)
Can’t afford (to do) something
A lack of something/ To lack something
She hasn’t had a day off since she started 18 months ago.
15 conversation-provoking questions related to the article.
1. What do you know about Gladys?
2. What do you know about Althea?
3. What new laws have been created in Qatar to improve the conditions for workers?
4. What has been said by some of the organisations that defend workers’ rights?
5. ‘I wouldn’t mind doing Althea’s job, it sounds quite fun.’ Is this true for you?
6. ‘The World Cup should never have been in Qatar.’ Do you agree?
7. ‘I would never move to Qatar for work. The women in the article made a big mistake when they went there.’ Do you agree?
8. ‘Hiring people on the basis of their looks should be illegal.’ Do you agree?
9. ‘When it comes to working for the super-rich, the pros outweigh the cons.’ Do you agree?
10. ‘If I were very rich, I would have a lot of maids.’ Is this true for you?
11. ‘I’ve never had a tough job or a job I didn’t like.’ Is this true for you?
12. ‘I feel like I work too many hours and it’s not healthy.’ Is this true for you?
13. ‘I often feel homesick, just like Althea.’ Is this true for you?
14. ‘I think the BBC could write a similarly shocking article about workers’ rights in my native country.’ Is this true for you?
15. ‘Some of the situations described in the article are just as bad as the slavery of the past.’ Do you agree?