Brazil: Life on a Plantation

Maria works as a sugar cane cutter in Brazil, facing challenges due to mechanization in the industry. Her job is seasonal and physically demanding, with wages based on the amount of cane she cuts. As machines replace manual labor, job opportunities decline, especially for those without education. Maria hopes her children can escape this cycle through education, highlighting the link between literacy, poverty, and employment.

What is the main factor that determines Maria's wages as a sugar cane cutter?

• The distance she travels to work

• The amount of sugar cane she cuts

• The season of the year

• The number of hours she works

What is one of the main reasons for the decline in manual labor jobs in the sugar cane industry?

• Increased demand for sugar

• Government regulations

• Introduction of mechanized harvesters

• Lack of skilled workers

How much of the sugar cane plantation do manual cutters like Maria currently harvest?

• Half of it

• All of it

• One third of it

• None of it

What is Maria's hope for her children's future?

• To continue working in the sugar cane industry

• To become sugar cane farm owners

• To receive an education and find better jobs

• To move to a different country

What is a common characteristic of countries with high rates of poverty and unemployment?

• High levels of technology

• High rates of illiteracy

• High rates of industrialization

• High literacy rates