2

Set 3: Cross-Text Connections

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

Text 1 The Silk Road was a network of trade routes connecting China to the West. Merchants traveled these roads to sell silk, spices, and other goods. Text 2 Traveling the Silk Road was dangerous. Merchants faced bandits, harsh weather, and long journeys through deserts and mountains.

Which choice best summarizes the experience of a merchant on the Silk Road?

A. It was a profitable but risky journey connecting East and West.✓ Correct
B. It was an easy vacation trip.
C. Merchants only sold silk.
D. No one ever traveled it.

Detailed Explanation

Text 1: Trade/Sell goods (Profitable). Text 2: Dangerous/Bandits (Risky).

Key Evidence:

• "sell silk, spices"

• "dangerous"

• "faced bandits"

Why others are wrong: B (Dangerous/Harsh.), C (And other goods.), D (Merchants traveled it.).