Question

Which quotation from the excerpt uses empirical evidence to support the central idea that the Indians’ working conditions were merciless?

“If they were lucky, [they might] get a place at the factory.”
"As ever, sugar work was brutally hard."
“Their lives were completely controlled by the terrifying overseers.”
"The Indians’ contracts called for seven hours’ work for about twenty-four cents a day."

Answer 1

"The Indians’ contracts called for seven hours’ work for about twenty-four cents a day."

It gives concrete, factual details (hours and pay) that empirically show how harsh and exploitative the work was.