Cross-text connections on the SAT
Cross-text questions give two short texts and ask how the author of one would respond to the other. State Text 1’s view in a few words, then decide how Text 2’s evidence relates to it: does it support, complicate, or contradict it? Most often Text 2 qualifies Text 1 ("other factors also matter") rather than rejecting it completely.
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| Text 2 shows… | Likely response |
|---|---|
| The same result without the claimed cause | The claim may be too simple |
| Other factors at the same time | Other factors also played a role |
| Benefits Text 1 ignored | Text 1 overlooks something |
Common mistakes
Sample questions with answers
1. Text 1: breakfast is essential for concentration. Text 2: skipping breakfast made no difference when sleep was equal. Response?
- Agrees breakfast is essential
- Suggests sleep may matter more (correct)
- Says students should skip breakfast
- Says the experts studied too few students
Text 2 complicates Text 1 with evidence about sleep.
2. Text 1: wolves caused elk decline. Text 2: harsh winters, drought and hunting also reduced elk. Response?
- Wolves had no effect
- The explanation may be too simple (correct)
- Wolves were the only cause
- Hunting should be banned
Text 2 adds factors without denying wolves’ role.
3. Text 1: handwriting is not worth teaching. Text 2: handwritten notes improve memory. Response?
- Agree
- Points out an overlooked benefit (correct)
- Ban keyboards
- Typing is faster
Text 2 adds evidence Text 1 did not consider.
Frequently asked questions
What are cross-text questions?
Questions that pair two short texts and ask how one author would respond to the other. Craft and Structure makes up about 28% of the Reading and Writing section, roughly 13 to 15 questions.
Does Text 2 usually disagree completely?
Usually not. It more often qualifies or complicates Text 1’s claim.
How do I avoid extreme answers?
Match the strength of Text 2’s evidence; avoid words like never, only and no effect.