Samle Answer

Source A is useful in showing some information about the life of a coolie. From Source A, the coolie was sold as a ‘little pig’ and he did not know where he was taken (evidence). This implies that he might have been a contract labourer and he was uncertain about his destination (conclusion) Hence life for this coolie could have been very miserable and controlled. (explanation)

In addition, source A shows that the ‘towkays’ threatened and beat the coolies (evidence). This suggests that the coolies were probably abused constantly by their supervisors (conclusion) Therefore life could have been very harsh for this coolie (explanation with reference to the question focus.

However the source has its limitations. While showing the account of one coolie, it did not show the lives of other CHINESE coolies. For example, the other Chinese immigrants could have been engaged in jobs like traders and middlemen who probably prospered with their business. Hence life for them could have been better.

In addition, the source did not show other races like the Europeans, Malays and Indians who were engaged in occupations like chettiars, craftsmen and hawkers who probably led a less restricted life as they might not be abused.

Finally, the source shows the coolie who seemed to be a contract labourer as he could be ‘SOLD’. Source did not show the lives of the FREE labourers who could have paid for their own passage and thus free to choose their own jobs. Hence life for them could have been much more pleasant and unrestricted as compared to the contract labourer.