How Amazon Took Over

1. Set Focus 
Pose this essential question: In what ways would our lives change without access to the internet?

2. Read and Discuss 
Have students read the article, marking key ideas and questions. Then ask them to answer the following questions, citing text evidence: 

• What features did Amazon develop that have influenced how consumers shop online? (Amazon not only made online shopping more popular but also added customer-friendly features that other online retailers have copied, such as the ability to leave reviews. Amazon also developed Amazon Prime, which allows customers to pay a flat fee to get unlimited fast deliveries.)

• What criticisms has Amazon faced? (Critics have said that Amazon has grown too big and powerful. The U.S. government has accused the company of stifling fair competition and behaving like a monopoly. Amazon has also faced criticisms about its labor practices and for being anti-union. And environmentalists worry about the impact that e-commerce has on the planet.)

• According to the article, why does Alexandra Lange believe in-person shopping might be better than online shopping for young people? Do you agree with her? Why or why not? (Lange believes in-person shopping offers teens and tweens a way to “explore their identities” because it allows them to “try on different things with friends in a nonjudgmental way.” Opinions may vary, but students should support their opinions with reason and evidence.)

3. Core Skill Practice
Print or project the activity The History of Amazon. Have students use it to sequence events described in the article.

4. Writing Prompt
Do you and your family prefer to shop in-person or online? Write a brief opinion essay explaining why.

5. Classroom Debate
Has Amazon grown too big?

6. Quiz & Skills
Use the quiz to assess comprehension and the Be the Editor skill sheet to review grammar skills.