6. Cross-Text Connections

Cross-Text Connections questions give you two short passages on the same topic written from different perspectives. Questions ask how the authors agree, disagree, or would respond to each other. This is a high-value skill because these questions reward systematic comparison, not guesswork.

Sample passages:
Passage 1: "Remote work dramatically improves employee well-being by eliminating lengthy commutes and allowing workers to manage personal obligations. Companies that embrace flexible schedules report higher retention rates."

Passage 2: "While remote work offers individual convenience, the absence of in-person collaboration stunts innovation. Research shows that spontaneous office interactions generate the majority of new product ideas at technology firms."

How to map agreement and disagreement:

• Where they agree: both authors acknowledge that remote work benefits individual employees.
• Where they disagree: Passage 1 focuses on benefits (well-being, retention); Passage 2 focuses on a cost (reduced innovation).
• The key question format: "Author A would most likely respond to Author B's claim by ..." -- always anchor your answer in Author A's text, not your opinion.

Worked example:
"How would the author of Passage 1 most likely respond to the claim in Passage 2 that remote work stunts innovation?"
Passage 1 does not address innovation directly, but it emphasizes retention and well-being. Author 1 would likely acknowledge the concern but argue that happier employees are ultimately more productive -- a concede-but-counter move.

⚠️ Common mistake: inventing a response that is logical but not grounded in Passage 1's actual content. Stick to what Author 1 actually says.

💡 Tip: read both passages, then write one sentence summarizing each author's main claim before tackling the questions. This prevents you from conflating the two.