SAT Cross-Text Connections Practice

Train students to compare two texts, identify each author’s claim, and choose the answer that best describes the relationship between the passages.

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Teacher Method

Cross-Text Connections questions ask students to compare two short texts. The correct answer must describe the relationship between both texts, not just repeat a detail from one passage.

Use the button above to access official College Board practice. The five questions below are original SAT-style classroom questions designed for practice and skill-building.

How to Solve

  • 1. Read the question first. Decide whether it asks about agreement, disagreement, support, challenge, or response.
  • 2. Summarize Text 1 in a few words. Focus on the claim or main idea.
  • 3. Summarize Text 2 in a few words. Decide whether it supports, challenges, or qualifies Text 1.
  • 4. Predict the relationship. Say it simply: “Text 2 agrees but adds a limitation.”
  • 5. Eliminate trap answers. Wrong answers often exaggerate, reverse the relationship, or mention only one text.

Five Cross-Text Connections Questions

Question 1 — Agreement

Handwritten Notes

Text 1

Some learning researchers argue that handwritten notes can improve understanding because students must select and organize ideas instead of copying every sentence they hear.

Text 2

In one classroom study, students who typed notes recorded more words, but students who wrote notes by hand performed better on questions that required explaining concepts in their own words.

How would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to Text 1?

  • A. By rejecting Text 1 because typed notes are always superior
  • B. By supporting Text 1 with evidence that handwriting may encourage deeper processing
  • C. By arguing that note-taking is useful only in science classes
  • D. By claiming that students should memorize lectures without taking notes
Answer and Explanation

Answer: B. Text 2 supports Text 1 by giving evidence that handwritten notes may improve conceptual understanding.

Question 2 — Challenge

Urban Green Roofs

Text 1

Green roofs are often praised for environmental reasons, but a single roof garden is too small to meaningfully affect a city’s temperature or air quality.

Text 2

Although one roof garden may have limited impact, researchers have found that networks of green roofs can reduce heat, absorb rainwater, and create habitats for insects.

What is the main relationship between the two texts?

  • A. Text 2 challenges Text 1 by arguing that green roofs can have value when used widely.
  • B. Text 2 agrees that green roofs are useful only for decoration.
  • C. Text 2 claims that green roofs are too expensive for most cities.
  • D. Text 2 argues that roof gardens harm urban wildlife.
Answer and Explanation

Answer: A. Text 2 challenges the limited view in Text 1 by showing that many green roofs together can create environmental benefits.

Question 3 — Qualification

Fiction and Empathy

Text 1

Reading fiction can strengthen empathy because readers imagine the feelings and motives of characters whose lives differ from their own.

Text 2

Fiction may encourage empathy, but the effect depends on how carefully readers engage with characters. Students who rush through a story may remember events without reflecting on inner lives.

How does Text 2 relate to Text 1?

  • A. It completely rejects the claim that fiction can build empathy.
  • B. It agrees with Text 1 but adds that reader engagement matters.
  • C. It claims nonfiction is always more useful than fiction.
  • D. It argues that plot is the only important feature of fiction.
Answer and Explanation

Answer: B. Text 2 qualifies Text 1. It accepts the basic idea but adds a condition: readers must engage thoughtfully.

Question 4 — Different Emphasis

Music Festivals

Text 1

Music festivals have become popular because audiences increasingly value memorable experiences, not just the chance to hear songs performed live.

Text 2

For musicians, festivals are increasingly important because streaming has reduced album sales, making live performances a larger part of many artists’ income.

Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which statement?

  • A. Music festivals are changing because of new consumer and industry behavior.
  • B. Streaming services have made live music unnecessary.
  • C. Audiences attend festivals only because ticket prices are low.
  • D. Musicians earn most of their income from printed sheet music.
Answer and Explanation

Answer: A. Text 1 focuses on audience experience, while Text 2 focuses on musicians’ income. Both show that music-related businesses are changing.

Question 5 — Support with Evidence

Bee Navigation

Text 1

Some scientists believe that bees use the position of the sun to help navigate back to the hive after finding food sources.

Text 2

In experiments where bees were trained to find food at specific times, researchers found that the bees adjusted their flight direction when the sun’s apparent position changed during the day.

Which choice best describes the relationship between Text 1 and Text 2?

  • A. Text 2 provides experimental evidence that supports the idea in Text 1.
  • B. Text 2 argues that bees cannot navigate without human assistance.
  • C. Text 2 contradicts Text 1 by showing bees ignore the sun.
  • D. Text 2 explains why bees prefer one type of flower over another.
Answer and Explanation

Answer: A. Text 1 presents a claim about bee navigation. Text 2 provides experimental evidence that supports that claim.

Practice Official Questions Next

After completing these five classroom questions, use the College Board Student Question Bank and filter for Reading and Writing → Craft and Structure → Cross-Text Connections.

Go to Official Question Bank