Set 9: Cross-Text Connections (Advanced)
Explanation
PASSAGE
Text 1 The concept of 'soft power' refers to a nation's ability to influence others through attraction and persuasion rather than coercion (hard power). Culture, political values, and foreign policies are key assets. Text 2 While hard power (military/economic) can force compliance, it is often brittle. Soft power breeds genuine goodwill and long-term alliances, but it takes decades to build and can be lost quickly by hypocritical actions.
What distinction does Text 2 draw between the two forms of power?
Detailed Answer Explanation
This question asks you to compare perspectives from two passages. Text 1: Definition. Text 2: Hard = Force/Brittle. Soft = Goodwill/Long-term/Slow. Distinction: Stability/Speed. 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:
• "force compliance ... brittle"
• "long-term alliances ... decades to build"
Why others are wrong: D (Soft takes decades.), A (Distinguishes them.), B (Goodwill/Alliances.).
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