Question

read the passage, then answer the question that follows.
as ever, sugar work was brutally hard. the workers woke early, and for the first few months they were \seasoned\—learning the numbers with canes. after they were broken in, they might take on other tasks, if they were lucky, getting a place at the factory. the indians contracts called for seven hours work for about twenty-four cents a day. during the first few months, though, eight days a week was added on for food rations, and no matter what the work was, a piece of paper, sugar workers felt, was just as much a chain as the one that had bound them in the brilling heat. and though they might not be shackled or whipped like slaves, their lives were completely controlled by the terrifying overseers.
—sugar changed the world,
which statement best explains how the evidence supports the central idea that working conditions were similar to slavery?
○ the evidence explains that indian laborers worked in both fields and factories.
○ the evidence indicates that indian laborers had contracts and were paid for their work.
○ the evidence shows that indian laborers found the work very challenging and often quit.
○ the evidence details hard work and the indian laborers lack of control over their lives.

Explanation:

To determine the best explanation, analyze each option:

• Option 1: Working in fields/factories doesn't directly relate to slavery - like conditions. Eliminate.
• Option 2: Having contracts and pay doesn't support slavery - like conditions (slavery involves lack of control, not payment). Eliminate.
• Option 3: Finding work challenging and quitting doesn't align with slavery - like conditions (slavery is forced labor). Eliminate.
• Option 4: The passage details long hours, harsh work, and lack of control (e.g., "completely controlled by the terrifying overseers"), which mirrors slavery's lack of personal freedom and harsh labor. This supports the central idea.

Answer:

The evidence details hard work and the Indian laborers’ lack of control over their lives.