Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

After the 1840s, the construction of railways, tunnels, and urban drainage systems created massive demand for labour that was neither factory-based nor steam-powered in the traditional sense. This shows that industrialisation was far broader than factory production alone.

The textbook notes that even at the end of the 19th century, less than 20% of the workforce was employed in technologically advanced sectors. Traditional industries like building, food processing, and pottery also grew through small innovations. The typical mid-19th century worker was a craftsperson or labourer, not a machine operator. Thus, industrialisation encompassed construction, hand labour, and non-mechanised sectors alongside factories.

Source: Chapter 4, Section 1.2 – The Pace of Industrial Change

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• The examiner expects you to directly challenge the factory-only view using evidence from the passage.
• Key points to hit: (1) railway/construction work as a major employment sector, (2) less than 20% in advanced industrial sectors, (3) the "typical worker" was a craftsperson/labourer — this quote is examiner-favourite.
• Do not write a general essay on industrialisation; stay close to the passage evidence.
• 3 marks = one focused argument + 2 supporting points from the source. That's all you need.