Cross-Text Connections

Understanding Cross-Text Connections

These questions require you to analyze relationships between two texts. You'll need to:

You'll typically see questions like: "How does Text 2 relate to the claims made in Text 1?" or "Which finding from Text 1, if true, would most undermine the argument in Text 2?"

Types of Cross-Text Relationships

Agreement/Support

Text 2 confirms or builds upon Text 1

"This finding supports the theory proposed in the earlier study..."

Disagreement/Contradiction

Text 2 challenges or refutes Text 1

"Contrary to previous conclusions, our data shows..."

Extension/Elaboration

Text 2 develops ideas from Text 1 further

"Building on this framework, we examined..."

Different Perspectives

Texts approach the same topic from different angles

"While Smith focuses on economic factors, we consider..."

How to Approach Cross-Text Questions

  1. Read both texts carefully: Understand the main claim or purpose of each.
  2. Identify the relationship: Are the texts agreeing, disagreeing, or something else?
  3. Look for key terms: Note how each text uses important concepts or evidence.
  4. Map the connections: Create a mental Venn diagram of where texts overlap and differ.
  5. Find direct evidence: The correct answer will always be supported by specific text details.
  6. Watch for subtle differences: Texts may seem similar but have important distinctions.

Common Question Types

Question Type What It's Asking Strategy
Relationship How do the texts connect? Look for agreement, disagreement, or development
Evidence What supports/undermines one text from the other? Find direct quotes or data that interact
Perspective How do authors' viewpoints compare? Note tone, emphasis, and conclusions
Application How would one text respond to the other? Predict based on each text's position

Example Question

Text 1

A 2022 study found that students who participated in school music programs scored 15% higher on standardized tests than their peers. Researchers concluded that musical training enhances cognitive abilities that transfer to academic performance.

Text 2

While correlation between music education and test scores exists, a 2023 analysis suggests this link may reflect socioeconomic factors rather than direct cognitive benefits. Schools with robust music programs tend to have more resources overall, and their students typically perform better across all subjects.

Medium
Cross-Text Connections
How does Text 2 relate to the conclusion presented in Text 1?

Detailed Analysis

Correct answer: B (It offers an alternative explanation for the observed data)

Let's break down the texts:

Text 1 Text 2
Claims music training directly enhances cognitive abilities Suggests socioeconomic factors explain the correlation
Attributes higher scores to cognitive transfer Attributes scores to school resources

Key points:

  • Both texts acknowledge the correlation between music programs and test scores
  • Text 1 concludes it's causal (music → cognition → scores)
  • Text 2 suggests it's correlational (resources → both music and scores)
  • This makes B the only correct answer - Text 2 provides a different interpretation

Why others are wrong:

  • A: Text 2 doesn't support the same conclusion
  • C: No broader population is mentioned
  • D: No implementation methods are discussed

Practice Strategies

  1. Annotate as you read: Mark agreements/disagreements between texts
  2. Paraphrase relationships: Summarize connections in your own words
  3. Watch for qualifiers: Words like "however," "although," or "similarly" signal relationships
  4. Practice with paired passages: Find editorial debates or scientific studies with rebuttals
  5. Time yourself: Give yourself 5-6 minutes per dual-passage question set

Common Pitfalls