Text 1 Meritocracy asserts that power should be vested in individuals almost exclusively based on ability and talent. It promises a fair society where anyone can rise to the top. Text 2 Critics argue that 'merit' is often defined by those in power to exclude others. Furthermore, without equal access to education, the talented poor cannot compete with the mediocre rich, making the system a myth. What flaw in the meritocratic ideal does Text 2 point out?

Detailed structural inequalities prevent a true competition of talent.

Intriguingly, text 1 The collapse of the Soviet Union is often attributed to the economic stagnation caused by central planning. Without market signals, the state could not efficiently allocate resources. Text 2 Political factors were equally critical. Gorbachev's policies of Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring) inadvertently weakened the party's control, allowing long-suppressed nationalist movements to dismantle the empire from within. Which choice best synthesizes the causes of the collapse?

Gorbachev wanted to destroy the Union.

Recent studies show that text 1 The 'tragedy of the commons' occurs when individuals, acting in their own self-interest, deplete a shared resource. Examples include overfishing and deforestation. Text 2 Elinor Ostrom's research challenges the inevitability of this tragedy. She found that local communities often develop their own complex rules and social norms to manage shared resources sustainably without external regulation. How does Text 2 refute the pessimism of the theory in Text 1?

It provides empirical evidence of successful collective management strategies.

Recent studies show that text 1 Epigenetics is the study of how behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way your genes work. Unlike genetic changes, epigenetic changes are reversible and do not change your DNA sequence. Text 2 Lamarckism, a discredited theory, proposed that organisms can pass on traits acquired during their lifetime to offspring. Interestingly, some epigenetic markers can be heritable, suggesting that Lamarck was not entirely wrong, though the mechanism is different. How does the modern discovery in Text 1 relate to the historical theory in Text 2?

It provides a biological mechanism that partially validates a previously rejected concept of inheritance.

Recent studies show that text 1 The Second Law of Thermodynamics states that entropy, or disorder, in an isolated system always increases. This implies a universe moving inexorably towards chaos and heat death. Text 2 Life appears to violate this law by creating complex, ordered structures (organisms) from simple inputs. However, life is not an isolated system. It maintains local order by increasing the entropy of its surroundings (releasing heat), thus satisfying the Second Law globally. How does Text 2 reconcile the existence of life with the physical law in Text 1?

By clarifying the scope: life creates local order at the expense of greater global disorder.

Text 1 Globalization has connected the world economy. Goods are cheaper because they are manufactured in countries with lower labor costs. Text 2 This interconnectivity makes the global economy fragile. A supply chain disruption in one country can cause shortages and inflation worldwide, as seen during the pandemic. Which choice best describes the vulnerability introduced by the system in Text 1, according to Text 2?

Systemic fragility due to interdependence.

Recent studies show that text 1 The 'Invisible Hand,' a concept by Adam Smith, suggests that individuals acting in their own self-interest unintentionally promote the public good through market mechanisms. Text 2 Market failures, such as externalities (pollution) and monopolies, demonstrate the limits of the Invisible Hand. In these cases, self-interest leads to social harm, necessitating government intervention to correct the market. Which choice best describes the limitation of the concept in Text 1 as presented in Text 2?

Unregulated self-interest does not always align with the public good, specifically in cases of market failure.

Recent studies show that text 1 The telephone was invented by Alexander Graham Bell in 1876. His first words on it were to his assistant, Mr. Watson. Text 2 Before the telephone, the telegraph was the fastest way to send messages. It used dots and dashes instead of voice. How did the telephone improve upon the technology mentioned in Text 2?

It allowed for voice communication instead of coded signals.

What is tested in SAT Cross-Text Connections questions?

SAT Cross-Text Connections questions assess your ability to understand, analyze, and apply reading comprehension skills. This beginner set contains 10 practice questions.

How many Cross-Text Connections questions are on the SAT?

The SAT Reading & Writing section contains approximately 54 questions total. Cross-Text Connections represents a key skill category tested throughout the exam.

What is a good strategy for SAT Cross-Text Connections?

Focus on identifying the main idea first, then look for evidence in the text. Practice with timed sets like this one to build speed and accuracy.

Is this practice set free?

Yes, all HackSAT practice sets are 100% free with no registration required.

How do I improve my SAT Reading score?

Consistent practice with diverse passage types is key. Complete this beginner-level set, review the detailed explanations, and track your progress over time.

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Digital SAT Practice Test: Cross-Text Connections (Set 6)

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Set 6: Cross-Text Connections

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PASSAGEHistory

Text 1 The Great Wall of China was built to protect the Chinese empires from nomadic invasions. It is a massive fortification stretching thousands of miles.

Text 2 Despite its size, the Wall was not impenetrable. Invaders often bribed guards or found gaps in the defense, proving that physical barriers alone cannot guarantee security.

Which choice best synthesizes the effectiveness of the Great Wall?

University Target Match

Targeting Washington State University?

Prospective applicants for Pullman typically masterbeginnerCross-Text Connections skills. Strengthening this area is critical for your admission strategy.

Avg SAT: 1170

Acceptance: 83%

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