Set 7: Cross-Text Connections (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
Text 1 The California Gold Rush of 1849 brought 300,000 people to the territory. The sudden influx of population fast-tracked California's statehood in 1850. Text 2 The rapid population growth decimated the environment. Hydraulic mining washed away hillsides, clogging rivers with sediment and ruining farmland downstream.
Which choice best synthesizes the impact of the Gold Rush?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question asks you to compare perspectives from two passages. Text 1: Fast-tracked statehood (Political). Text 2: Decimated environment/Washed hillsides. Synthesis: Political gain + Environmental loss. Understanding how the authors relate to each other's views is essential. Identify whether they agree, disagree, or address different aspects of the topic. Focus on their specific claims and conclusions. When comparing texts, first identify each author's thesis or main argument. Then determine how these positions interact: do they complement each other, contradict each other, or address different aspects of the same issue? The relationship between texts reveals deeper meaning.
Key Evidence:
• "fast-tracked ... statehood"
• "decimated the environment"
• "ruining farmland"
Why others are wrong: A (Fast-tracked it.), C (Clogged them.), D (Not everyone.).
🎯 Keep Practicing!
Master all sections for your best SAT score