Text 1 The Pax Romana was a long period of relative peace and stability across the Roman Empire. It facilitated trade, communication, and cultural exchange on an unprecedented scale. Text 2 This 'peace' was maintained through military dominance. The Roman legions brutally suppressed rebellions, ensuring compliance through fear. For the conquered peoples, the Pax Romana was often a Pax by the Sword. How does Text 2 qualify the nature of the peace described in Text 1?

It reveals that the stability was enforced through coercion rather than mutual consent.

Recent studies show that text 1 Satire is a genre that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize people's stupidity or vices. Its primary goal is social correction—shaming society into improvement. Text 2 Jonathan Swift's 'A Modest Proposal' suggests eating children to solve the Irish famine. The proposal is horrific, but the intent is not to advocate cannibalism, but to expose the heartless attitude of the British towards the Irish poor. How does Swift's work in Text 2 exemplify the definition in Text 1?

It uses extreme exaggeration (cannibalism) to criticize a social vice (British heartlessness).

Recent studies show that 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.

Text 1 Plate tectonics theory explains that Earth's outer shell is divided into several plates that glide over the mantle. Their movement causes earthquakes, volcanic activity, and mountain building. Text 2 The Himalayas were formed when the Indian Plate collided with the Eurasian Plate. Because both plates are continental crust and have similar density, neither subducted. Instead, they crumpled upwards, creating the highest peaks on Earth. How does Text 2 illustrate the general process described in Text 1?

It provides a specific example of mountain building resulting from plate collision.

Text 1 The French Revolution (1789) was inspired by Enlightenment ideals of Liberty, Equality, and Fraternity. It sought to overthrow the absolute monarchy and establish a republic based on the rights of man. Text 2 The Revolution descended into the Reign of Terror, where thousands were executed by the guillotine. The radical pursuit of ideological purity led to tyranny, contradicting the very liberty the revolutionaries sought. Which choice best describes the irony highlighted by combining the texts?

A movement founded on liberty devolved into authoritarian violence.

Text 1 In a bildungsroman, the protagonist undergoes psychological and moral growth from youth to adulthood. Jane Eyre is a classic example, tracing Jane's development from an angry orphan to an independent woman. Text 2 In 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden Caulfield resists this growth. He clings to childhood innocence and refuses to accept the 'phony' adult world. His narrative is one of arrested development rather than maturation. How does 'The Catcher in the Rye' relate to the genre of bildungsroman based on the texts?

It subverts the genre's expectations by presenting a protagonist who resists maturation.

Text 1 Gentrification occurs when wealthier people move into a poor urban area, renovating houses and attracting new businesses. This can improve safety and infrastructure. Text 2 Original residents are often displaced by rising rents and property taxes. The community loses its cultural identity as it becomes affordable only to the affluent newcomers. What negative consequence of gentrification does Text 2 emphasize?

Displacement of long-term residents and loss of cultural character.

Text 1 Vaccines stimulate the specific immune system (antibodies). They provide long-term memory against a pathogen. Text 2 The innate immune system is the body's first line of defense. It includes skin, mucus, and inflammation. Unlike the specific system, it is non-specific and has no memory. Based on the texts, how do the two immune systems differ?

The specific system adapts and remembers, while the innate system is a generalized barrier.

Text 1 The Marshall Plan was a US program providing aid to Western Europe following World War II. It helped rebuild economies and infrastructure. Text 2 The Soviet Union viewed the plan as a tool of American imperialism. They forbade Eastern European countries from accepting the aid, fearing it would pull them into the US sphere of influence. How did the political context described in Text 2 affect the implementation of the plan in Text 1?

It limited the plan's reach to Western Europe due to Cold War tensions.

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 intermediate 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 intermediate-level set, review the detailed explanations, and track your progress over time.

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Digital SAT Practice Test: Cross-Text Connections (Set 5)

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Set 5: Cross-Text Connections (Intermediate)

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PASSAGEScience

Text 1 Keystone species are organisms that have a disproportionately large effect on their environment relative to their abundance. For example, sea otters keep sea urchin populations in check, preventing them from destroying kelp forests.

Text 2 The removal of a keystone species can lead to a 'trophic cascade.' Without otters, urchins multiply, consume all the kelp, and destroy the habitat for countless other species. The ecosystem collapses from the top down.

Based on the texts, what is the consequence of removing a keystone species?

University Target Match

Targeting University of Virginia?

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

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Acceptance: 19%

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