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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.

Practice cross-text connections in Dolphin SAT Try examples
12-18 min practice time 3 examples on page Craft and Structure
Practice time 12-18 min
On-page examples 3 examples
Best for Craft and Structure

What this tests

What to know for this SAT skill

Practice examples

Try a few SAT-style questions

Example 1 Easy

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 explanation

Answer: It supports Text 1 with evidence.

The measurements in Text 2 provide evidence for the cooling effect described in Text 1.

Example 2 Medium

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 explanation

Answer: The claim in Text 1 is too broad.

Text 2 qualifies the absolute claim by identifying conditions that affect the outcome.

Example 3 Hard

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 explanation

Answer: Text 2 identifies a condition that modifies Text 1's proposal.

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

Quick drills

Practice this skill from more angles

Drill 1

Summarize each text before comparing them

Pause before the answer choices, write the rule or setup you need, then check whether the question is asking for the value, the relationship, or the best-supported conclusion.

Drill 2

Identify agreement, disagreement, and qualification

Pause before the answer choices, write the rule or setup you need, then check whether the question is asking for the value, the relationship, or the best-supported conclusion.

Drill 3

Predict how one author would respond to the other

Pause before the answer choices, write the rule or setup you need, then check whether the question is asking for the value, the relationship, or the best-supported conclusion.

Drill 4

Avoid answer choices that misstate either text

Pause before the answer choices, write the rule or setup you need, then check whether the question is asking for the value, the relationship, or the best-supported conclusion.

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

Related practice

Build the surrounding skills

SAT Text Structure PracticeSAT Central Ideas PracticeSAT Inference Questions PracticeSAT Reading and Writing skill hub

Skill cluster

Keep practicing SAT Reading and Writing

SAT Reading and Writing skill hub SAT Punctuation PracticeSAT Transitions PracticeSAT Command of Evidence PracticeSAT Words in Context PracticeSAT Subject-Verb Agreement PracticeSAT Sentence Boundaries PracticeSAT Rhetorical Synthesis PracticeSAT Central Ideas PracticeSAT Modifiers PracticeSAT Apostrophes and Possessives PracticeSAT Text Structure PracticeSAT Inference Questions PracticeSAT Pronoun Antecedent PracticeSAT Verb Tense PracticeSAT Commas PracticeSAT Semicolons and Colons PracticeSAT Parallel Structure PracticeSAT Logical Transitions PracticeSAT Boundaries Between Clauses PracticeSAT Main Idea PracticeSAT Evidence Support PracticeSAT Vocabulary in Context PracticeSAT Quantitative Evidence Practice SAT Math Practice Pages Dolphin SAT study guides SAT score guides by college

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.