Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Nineteenth-century indentured labour has been described as a 'new system of slavery' for the following reasons:

• Workers were recruited under false pretences — agents provided misleading information about destinations, nature of work, and living conditions; some migrants were even forcibly abducted.
• On arrival at plantations, living and working conditions were extremely harsh.
• Workers had very few legal rights.
• They were bound by a contract (indenture) and had no freedom to leave for five years.

Thus, though technically not enslaved, indentured workers were trapped in conditions of coercion and misery similar to slavery.

Source: Chapter 3, Section 2.4 — Indentured Labour Migration from India

---

Examiners expect three clear, distinct points for 3 marks. The key points are: deceptive/forced recruitment, harsh living and working conditions, and absence of legal rights / bonded contract. Mentioning all three earns full marks. Avoid writing a long essay — bullet points or short sentences are ideal here.