Craft and Structure • 28% of test
Cross-Text Connections
Select your difficulty level to start practicing. We recommend mastering each level before moving to the next.
Beginner10 Sets
Beginner Practice
Start here to build your foundation. Clear texts and straightforward questions.
Target Score
400-550
Intermediate9 Sets
Intermediate Practice
Level up with more complex passages and nuanced answer choices.
Target Score
550-700
Advanced9 Sets
Advanced Practice
Master the hardest concepts. Dense academic prose and abstract topics.
Target Score
700-800
What is Cross-Text Connections?
Cross-Text questions present two related passages and ask about their relationship: how they agree, disagree, complement each other, or differ in approach.
Step-by-Step Strategy
- 1Read Text 1 and note its main claim/position
- 2Read Text 2 with Text 1 in mind—compare as you read
- 3Identify: Do they agree? Disagree? Address different aspects? Use different evidence?
- 4Focus on SPECIFIC points of agreement or disagreement
- 5Beware of answers that mischaracterize either text
⚠️ Common Traps to Avoid
- ✗Misunderstanding one text's position
- ✗Assuming complete agreement or disagreement when it's partial
- ✗Choosing answers about topic rather than relationship
- ✗Not identifying the SPECIFIC point of connection/conflict
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I compare two texts efficiently?
Identify each text's main claim, then ask: Do they agree? Disagree? Or focus on different aspects?
What relationships are tested?
Agreement, disagreement, one extends the other, different approach to same topic, one provides evidence for the other's claim.
Should I read both texts before the question?
Yes, but keep the question in mind. Note points of similarity or difference as you read the second text.
What if the texts seem unrelated?
They're always connected somehow—by topic, argument, or evidence. Look for subtle connections in how they approach the subject.
How do 'response' questions work?
You must understand Text 1's position, then predict how Text 2's author would react based on THEIR stated views.
Are these questions hard?
They can be challenging because you're managing two texts. Taking notes on each text's position helps.
How many cross-text questions appear?
Usually 2-4 per test. They test your ability to <a href='/reading-writing'>synthesize multiple perspectives</a>.
What if I prefer one text over the other?
Stay objective. Base your answer on what the texts SAY, not which argument you find more convincing.
How do I avoid confusing the texts?
Label them mentally ('Text 1 = pro', 'Text 2 = con') or take brief notes on each text's position.
Do cross-text questions appear in other sections?
They're specific to Reading & Writing. You won't see them in Math.
What's the best strategy for tricky relationship questions?
Eliminate answers that misrepresent either text. The correct answer accurately describes BOTH texts.
How do I practice cross-text skills?
Compare editorials on same topics. Try our <a href='/reading-writing/cross-text/advanced'>Advanced Cross-Text Connection sets</a> for high-level synthesis.
How do I handle Text 1 vs Text 2 perspectives?
Assign a 'Core Stance' to each author (e.g., Optimist vs Skeptic). This simplifies predicting how they'd react to each other.
What if the texts are from different time periods?
Historical context matters! A 19th-century text might use different terms, but the logical relationship (agree/disagree) remains the same.
How do I spot 'Implicit' agreement?
Look for shared assumptions. If both authors take the importance of biodiversity for granted, they agree on that premise even if they differ elsewhere.
What is a 'Counter-perspective'?
It's a view that directly challenges the main claim of the other text. Identifying the 'pivot' where they diverge is crucial.
Can Text 2 provide a 'Mechanism' for Text 1's claim?
Yes! Text 1 might state a phenomenon occurs, while Text 2 explains the scientific or social reason WHY it happens.
How do I avoid 'Synthesis Overload'?
Don't try to merge the texts. Keep them distinct in your mind and only look for the specific bridge requested by the question.