Vocab
What does the phrase “take a cut” mean in paragraph 2?
To receive or keep a percentage of the money from a transaction.
The sharing economy was originally promoted as a way to share unused resources, build trust, and benefit society.
1
According to paragraph 3, name one expense Jackie must pay as a ride-sharing driver.
Gas, insurance, or car maintenance.
In paragraph 5, find the word that introduces a contrast between Sundararajan's optimism and the researchers' findings.
However
What is the name of the hypothetical coffee-shop worker who considers becoming a ride-sharing driver?
Jackie
Find the word in paragraph 3 that means a period of time spent working.
Shift
Many sharing-economy companies are actually profit-making businesses that take money from transactions.
2
According to paragraph 3, why do ride-sharing prices fall when many people become drivers?
The supply of drivers exceeds the demand for rides.
In paragraph 4, find the four-word phrase introducing Reich's contrasting view of people's free time.
On the other hand
Which former U.S. Secretary of Labor calls the gig economy the “share-the-scraps” economy?
Robert Reich
In paragraph 4, what does “monetize” mean?
To make money from something, such as your free time.
Gig workers may appear independent, but competition, expenses, and algorithms can limit their earnings and freedom.
3
According to paragraph 6, what percentage of Canadian on-demand workers are under 40?
71%
In paragraph 2, find the word that contrasts genuine sharing websites with platforms selling products.
While.
Which economist describes the possibility of earning money from free time and looks forward to a world of “micro-entrepreneurs”?
Arun Sundararajan
In paragraph 7, what does the phrase “freelancers by force” mean?
People who do freelance work because they have little or no other choice, rather than because they want to.
The freedom of freelance work can come at the cost of stability and security, especially for people who have no choice but to freelance.
7
According to paragraph 5, what did researchers find about people who depend on gig work as their primary income?
They are less likely to be satisfied than people who still have a regular job.
In paragraph 7, find the word introducing the criticism that gig workers may depend on technology companies despite having more freedom.
However
Which former Canadian member of parliament distinguishes between “freelancers by choice” and “freelancers by force”?
Andrew Cash
In paragraph 8, what does “social credit” refer to in the context of gig-work platforms? Explain
The reputation, ratings, and reviews a worker has accumulated on a particular platform.
Workers can become trapped by platform-controlled reputations and ratings, which give technology companies power over their earning opportunities.
8
According to paragraph 9, how does a cooperative differ from a typical gig-economy platform?
A cooperative is owned by its members, who share the work and profits, whereas typical platforms are owned by companies that control the platform and earn its profits.
In paragraph 8, find the word that contrasts the original promise of the gig economy with the new form of ownership it has created.
Instead
Who co-founded OuiShare, the network promoting shared ownership?
Antonin Léonard