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SAT Reading and Writing skill page

SAT Cross-Text Connections Practice

State each text's main claim separately, then describe the exact relationship between them.

12-18 min practice time3 questions on pageCraft and Structure
Practice time12-18 min
Question bank3 questions
Best forCraft and Structure

What this tests

What to know for this SAT skill

Dolphin question bank

Practice your skill

Question 1 of 3Easy
Text 1 argues that urban trees reduce neighborhood temperatures. Text 2 presents measurements showing shaded streets are cooler than nearby unshaded streets. How does Text 2 relate to Text 1?
  1. It supports Text 1 with evidence.
  2. It rejects the claim in Text 1.
  3. It discusses an unrelated topic.
  4. It argues that all streets are equally warm.
Show answer and solution
Correct answerA. It supports Text 1 with evidence.

Solution walkthrough

  1. The measurements in Text 2 provide evidence for the cooling effect described in Text 1.
Question 2 of 3Medium
Text 1 says remote work always increases productivity. Text 2 says productivity gains depend on job type and home conditions. How would the author of Text 2 most likely respond?
  1. The claim in Text 1 is too broad.
  2. Remote work never affects productivity.
  3. Job type has no role in productivity.
  4. The two texts make identical claims.
Show answer and solution
Correct answerA. The claim in Text 1 is too broad.

Solution walkthrough

  1. Text 2 qualifies the absolute claim by identifying conditions that affect the outcome.
Question 3 of 3Hard
Text 1 proposes that a bird migrates by following coastlines. Text 2 reports tracking data showing the birds take inland routes during strong coastal storms. What relationship is most accurate?
  1. Text 2 completely disproves migration.
  2. Text 2 identifies a condition that modifies Text 1's proposal.
  3. Text 2 proves birds never follow coastlines.
  4. Text 2 repeats Text 1 without adding information.
Show answer and solution
Correct answerB. Text 2 identifies a condition that modifies Text 1's proposal.

Solution walkthrough

  1. The tracking data does not reject the general route; it shows that storms can produce an exception.

Avoid these traps

Common mistakes on this skill

Comparing details before identifying claims

Write a short summary of each author's main position before evaluating their relationship.

Treating qualification as total disagreement

An author can agree with a general idea while limiting when or how strongly it applies.

Choosing an answer that fits only one text

The correct answer must describe both texts and the relationship between them accurately.

Study plan

How to practice this skill in Dolphin

  1. Summarize Text 1 in one short sentence.
  2. Summarize Text 2 independently in one short sentence.
  3. Name the relationship: support, disagree, qualify, or apply.
  4. Eliminate choices that exaggerate or misstate either author.
Practice cross-text connections in Dolphin SAT

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FAQ

Questions about SAT Cross-Text Connections Practice

What are Cross-Text Connections questions?

They ask how the claims, evidence, or perspectives in two short related texts connect.

Should I read both texts before the question?

Yes. Give each text a brief independent summary, then use the question to focus the comparison.

What does it mean when one text qualifies another?

It means the second text adds a limit, condition, or exception rather than completely agreeing or disagreeing.