SAT Reading and Writing: Cross-Text Connections

Cross-text connection questions require you to analyze, compare, or synthesize ideas between two paired passages. You may need to identify agreement/disagreement, compare perspectives, or reason how evidence or claims from one text relate to the other.

• Summarize each passage first: What’s the main idea and attitude of Author A? Then of Author B?
• Underline key comparison/task words in the question stem (“both passages,” “differs from,” “according to Passage 1, Passage 2 would…”).
• Find direct evidence in both: SAT cross-text answers are always supported by specific lines in both texts—never by vague “feel” or outside facts.
• Think in patterns: Look for direct agreement (similar view), direct disagreement (conflict), or partial overlap (one supports/expands on the other).
• Don’t swap perspectives: Be careful not to attribute an idea from Passage B to Passage A (and vice versa).

• 1. Read for structure: For each text, identify main idea, argument type, and tone (positive, neutral, negative).
• 2. Mark direct comparison points: Use “A vs. B” notes in the margin: both agree? Disagree? Two approaches?
• 3. Answer in steps: Carefully confirm evidence in each passage for every answer you consider—don’t guess from memory!
• 4. Double-check direction: Questions may ask about A’s view of B, or vice versa—follow the question stem direction exactly.

Passage A Excerpt: Scientists should share preliminary results to accelerate innovation, even if the data is unconfirmed.

Passage B Excerpt: Publishing early findings risks circulating errors that damage public trust in science.

How do the authors’ perspectives compare?

Passage 1 Excerpt: Urban forests reduce air pollution and provide mental health benefits to residents.

Passage 2 Excerpt: Some government officials claim tree planting initiatives cost too much and lack meaningful impact.

Which passage provides direct evidence of environmental benefits?

Passage A Excerpt: The poet’s reliance on symbolism reflects a new approach to humanizing nature.

Passage B Excerpt: This excessive use of figurative language undermines the clarity of the poem’s message.

What does Passage B’s author think of the method used in Passage A?

Passage 1 Excerpt: Research demonstrates the positive impact of daily meditation on mood and focus.

Passage 2 Excerpt: The author argues that any intervention, including meditation, must fit within an individual's lifestyle to be sustainable.

Based on Passage 2, what qualification would its author most likely add to the claim from Passage 1?

Passage A: “Solar energy is the best path for cities to reduce emissions quickly.”
Passage B: “Wind power and hydroelectricity should be prioritized for large-scale, reliable clean energy.”

• Mixing up which passage or author says what. Always double check—don’t swap perspectives.
• Ignoring direct evidence—never assume, always locate matching lines in both texts.
• Missing subtle agreement/disagreement—some answers are correct because of nuance, not extreme opposition or support.
• Focusing only on one passage—the answer must relate to both texts, not just one.
• Being too literal—some connection is about ideas, not just matching keywords.

• Cross-text questions require understanding both main ideas and subtle relationships between passages.
• Successful synthesis relies on evidence from both texts—paraphrased, quoted, or reasoning-based.
• Be precise—matching arguments, not just matching words or topics.
• Always start by summarizing the core claim or attitude of each author separately.
• Check question direction—does it ask about author A’s view of B, or direct comparison?

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