Social Science (087) — AI-generated practice question

Jute-growing peasant (worsened): The peasant's situation deteriorated sharply. As global gunny exports collapsed, raw jute prices crashed by over 60%. The colonial government refused to reduce revenue demands despite falling incomes, forcing peasants deeper into debt. They mortgaged lands and sold jewellery to survive.

Salaried government clerk (improved): The clerk's situation improved. As a fixed-income earner, falling prices during the Depression meant his salary could buy more. Everything cost less, so his real purchasing power effectively increased despite no rise in nominal income.

Source: Chapter 3, Section 3.5 – India and the Great Depression

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• The key contrast the examiner wants is fixed income vs. market-dependent income during deflation.
• Always use the textbook figures (jute prices fell >60%, wheat prices fell 50%) to justify the peasant's distress — this shows you've read the source.
• The clerk is explicitly cited in the textbook as being "better off" due to falling prices — quote or paraphrase this directly.
• Avoid padding; one clear point per person is enough for 3 marks.