How to explain "ration book"?

[moonlike]

Howdy
If you were me, how would you explain "ration book" to adult learners in lower elementary levels.
Here is the context " Families in Cuba have a ration books". Whenever I want to explain, unfortunately I can easily feel that the teacher talk increases dramatically. Here in our country petrol is rationed, but even using this example doesn't work well.
Thanks a bunch in advance for the help

 

[SoothingDave]

They're pieces of paper from the gov't that give you permission to buy things. Each person is allowed a certain amount of rice, beans, etc. per month. There isn't enough production in the economy to allow everyone to buy what they want.

 

[moonlike]

Thanks a lot SoothingDave. I know the meaning itself, I have difficulty making it understandable for elementary students.

 

[SoothingDave]

They're adults, aren't they? Surely they can understand a gov't instituting a system to allot scarce resources "fairly."

During World War II, the US rationed certain items needed for the war effort.

 

[moonlike]

They're adults, aren't they? Surely they can understand a gov't instituting a system to allot scarce resources "fairly."

During World War II, the US rationed certain items needed for the war effort.

Yep! but not that much knowledgeable, so it needs me to explain and explain and explain...

 

[bhaisahab]

Yep! but not that much knowledgeable, so it needs me to explain and explain and explain...

You say that in your country petrol is rationed, the same principle applies to other commodities. People are allowed to buy a certain quantity of each commodity per month/week. Their ration books consist of pages which show the amount of each commodity that they are allowed to buy.

 

[moonlike]

Thanks all for the help.