Cross-Text Connections practice questions

Cross-Text Connections questions

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1. 1Cross-text connectionsStandard

   Text 1 calls public murals a way to make shared spaces more welcoming. Text 2 cautions that mural projects should compensate local artists fairly. Which statement best describes the relationship between the texts?Text 1 calls public murals a way to make shared spaces more welcoming. Text 2 cautions that mural projects should compensate local artists fairly. Which statement best describes the relationship between the texts?

   • ABoth texts focus only on private art collections.Both texts focus only on private art collections.
   • BText 2 contradicts Text 1 by rejecting public art.Text 2 contradicts Text 1 by rejecting public art.
   • CText 2 adds an ethical consideration to Text 1's positive view.Text 2 adds an ethical consideration to Text 1's positive view.
   • DText 1 explains how paint is manufactured.Text 1 explains how paint is manufactured.
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   Answer: Text 2 adds an ethical consideration to Text 1's positive view.Text 2 adds an ethical consideration to Text 1's positive view.

   The texts can agree that murals help shared spaces while also recognizing fair compensation as an important condition for the work.The texts can agree that murals help shared spaces while also recognizing fair compensation as an important condition for the work.

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2. 2Cross-text connectionsStandard

   A columnist argues that reusable containers are most effective when they are convenient. A city report describes return stations placed near transit stops. The report providesA columnist argues that reusable containers are most effective when they are convenient. A city report describes return stations placed near transit stops. The report provides

   • Aan example that could support the columnist's reasoning.an example that could support the columnist's reasoning.
   • Ban unrelated history of public transportation.an unrelated history of public transportation.
   • Cevidence that containers should be made smaller.evidence that containers should be made smaller.
   • Da counterexample proving reuse is impossible.a counterexample proving reuse is impossible.
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   Answer: an example that could support the columnist's reasoning.an example that could support the columnist's reasoning.

   Stations near transit stops make returns easier, which is a practical example of convenience supporting the use of reusable containers.Stations near transit stops make returns easier, which is a practical example of convenience supporting the use of reusable containers.

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3. 3Cross-text connectionsStandard

   Text 1 says local oral histories preserve memories that may not appear in written archives. Text 2 explains methods for recording interviews and obtaining consent. Text 2 mainlyText 1 says local oral histories preserve memories that may not appear in written archives. Text 2 explains methods for recording interviews and obtaining consent. Text 2 mainly

   • Adisagrees that interviews contain memories.disagrees that interviews contain memories.
   • Bprovides practical guidance related to Text 1's source of information.provides practical guidance related to Text 1's source of information.
   • Cargues that written archives should be destroyed.argues that written archives should be destroyed.
   • Dchanges the topic to fictional storytelling.changes the topic to fictional storytelling.
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   Answer: provides practical guidance related to Text 1's source of information.provides practical guidance related to Text 1's source of information.

   Text 1 identifies oral histories as valuable sources; Text 2 gives procedures for collecting interviews, which are the material for such histories.Text 1 identifies oral histories as valuable sources; Text 2 gives procedures for collecting interviews, which are the material for such histories.

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4. 4Cross-text connectionsStandard

   Text 1 claims that a museum's free admission days mainly draw visitors who already attend often. Text 2 reports that on free days at that museum, a third of visitors were attending for the first time. Text 2 primarilyText 1 claims that a museum's free admission days mainly draw visitors who already attend often. Text 2 reports that on free days at that museum, a third of visitors were attending for the first time. Text 2 primarily

   • Arestates Text 1's claim in more precise language.restates Text 1's claim in more precise language.
   • Bexplains why the museum introduced free days.explains why the museum introduced free days.
   • Cpresents evidence that complicates Text 1's claim.presents evidence that complicates Text 1's claim.
   • Dconfirms Text 1's claim with an additional example.confirms Text 1's claim with an additional example.
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   Answer: presents evidence that complicates Text 1's claim.presents evidence that complicates Text 1's claim.

   A third of visitors being first-timers is hard to square with the claim that free days mainly draw regulars, so the second text pushes against the first rather than confirming or restating it.A third of visitors being first-timers is hard to square with the claim that free days mainly draw regulars, so the second text pushes against the first rather than confirming or restating it.

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5. 5Cross-text connectionsStandard

   Text 1 argues that a shorter workweek raises output because rested workers concentrate better. Text 2 reports that in trials, output rose only at firms that also cut the number of meetings. The author of Text 2 would most likely say that Text 1Text 1 argues that a shorter workweek raises output because rested workers concentrate better. Text 2 reports that in trials, output rose only at firms that also cut the number of meetings. The author of Text 2 would most likely say that Text 1

   • Ashould have studied firms in a single industry.should have studied firms in a single industry.
   • Bidentifies a real effect but overlooks a change in how time is used.identifies a real effect but overlooks a change in how time is used.
   • Cunderstates how much rest improves concentration.understates how much rest improves concentration.
   • Dis mistaken that output can rise at all under a shorter week.is mistaken that output can rise at all under a shorter week.
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   Answer: identifies a real effect but overlooks a change in how time is used.identifies a real effect but overlooks a change in how time is used.

   Text 2 accepts that output rose, but attaches a condition Text 1 does not mention. It neither denies the effect nor comments on the size of the rest benefit or the study's design.Text 2 accepts that output rose, but attaches a condition Text 1 does not mention. It neither denies the effect nor comments on the size of the rest benefit or the study's design.

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6. 6Cross-text connectionsStandard

   Text 1 argues that open-plan offices increase collaboration by removing walls. Text 2 reports that in open-plan offices, face-to-face conversation fell while written messaging rose. The author of Text 2 would most likely respond that Text 1Text 1 argues that open-plan offices increase collaboration by removing walls. Text 2 reports that in open-plan offices, face-to-face conversation fell while written messaging rose. The author of Text 2 would most likely respond that Text 1

   • Acorrectly identifies the main benefit of open-plan design.correctly identifies the main benefit of open-plan design.
   • Bassumes a form of collaboration that the evidence does not support.assumes a form of collaboration that the evidence does not support.
   • Coverlooks the cost of removing walls.overlooks the cost of removing walls.
   • Dshould have measured employee satisfaction instead.should have measured employee satisfaction instead.
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   Answer: assumes a form of collaboration that the evidence does not support.assumes a form of collaboration that the evidence does not support.

   Text 1's mechanism is more direct interaction, and Text 2 reports that direct interaction fell. The disagreement is about the kind of collaboration claimed, not about cost or the choice of a satisfaction measure.Text 1's mechanism is more direct interaction, and Text 2 reports that direct interaction fell. The disagreement is about the kind of collaboration claimed, not about cost or the choice of a satisfaction measure.

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7. 7Cross-text connectionsStandard

   Text 1 says that anonymous peer review keeps assessments honest. Text 2 reports that reviewers who signed their reviews wrote longer and more specific ones. Taken together, the texts most strongly suggestText 1 says that anonymous peer review keeps assessments honest. Text 2 reports that reviewers who signed their reviews wrote longer and more specific ones. Taken together, the texts most strongly suggest

   • Asigned reviews are honest and anonymous ones are not.signed reviews are honest and anonymous ones are not.
   • Banonymous review should be abandoned entirely.anonymous review should be abandoned entirely.
   • Creview length is the best measure of review quality.review length is the best measure of review quality.
   • Danonymity and accountability may pull review quality in different directions.anonymity and accountability may pull review quality in different directions.
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   Answer: anonymity and accountability may pull review quality in different directions.anonymity and accountability may pull review quality in different directions.

   Each text names a benefit the other's arrangement lacks, which is a tension rather than a verdict. Neither text ranks honesty against detail or equates length with quality.Each text names a benefit the other's arrangement lacks, which is a tension rather than a verdict. Neither text ranks honesty against detail or equates length with quality.

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8. 8Cross-text connectionsStandard

   Text 1 says that keeping a species register helps conservation by revealing decline early. Text 2 notes that registers depend on volunteer reporting, which is heaviest near towns. Taken together, the texts most strongly suggestText 1 says that keeping a species register helps conservation by revealing decline early. Text 2 notes that registers depend on volunteer reporting, which is heaviest near towns. Taken together, the texts most strongly suggest

   • Aspecies registers should be abandoned.species registers should be abandoned.
   • Bvolunteers are unreliable observers.volunteers are unreliable observers.
   • Ca register may detect decline unevenly across a region.a register may detect decline unevenly across a region.
   • Ddecline happens faster near towns.decline happens faster near towns.
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   Answer: a register may detect decline unevenly across a region.a register may detect decline unevenly across a region.

   Text 1 gives the benefit and Text 2 gives a distribution of effort; together they imply uneven coverage. Neither text calls volunteers unreliable or says decline itself differs by location.Text 1 gives the benefit and Text 2 gives a distribution of effort; together they imply uneven coverage. Neither text calls volunteers unreliable or says decline itself differs by location.

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9. 9Cross-text connectionsStandard

   Text 1 says that keeping bees in cities supports pollination. Text 2 notes that managed honeybees compete with wild pollinators for the same limited flowers. Taken together, the texts most strongly suggestText 1 says that keeping bees in cities supports pollination. Text 2 notes that managed honeybees compete with wild pollinators for the same limited flowers. Taken together, the texts most strongly suggest

   • Acities have more flowers than the countryside.cities have more flowers than the countryside.
   • Burban beekeeping should be banned.urban beekeeping should be banned.
   • Cwild pollinators are more important than honeybees.wild pollinators are more important than honeybees.
   • Durban beekeeping may help one kind of pollinator at the expense of another.urban beekeeping may help one kind of pollinator at the expense of another.
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   Answer: urban beekeeping may help one kind of pollinator at the expense of another.urban beekeeping may help one kind of pollinator at the expense of another.

   Text 1 gives a benefit and Text 2 a cost falling on a different group; together that is a trade-off. Neither text calls for a ban or ranks the two kinds of pollinator.Text 1 gives a benefit and Text 2 a cost falling on a different group; together that is a trade-off. Neither text calls for a ban or ranks the two kinds of pollinator.

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10. 10Cross-text connectionsStandard

    Text 1 says that publishing raw research data lets others check a study's conclusions. Text 2 notes that raw data from human participants often cannot be published without identifying them. Taken together, the texts most strongly suggestText 1 says that publishing raw research data lets others check a study's conclusions. Text 2 notes that raw data from human participants often cannot be published without identifying them. Taken together, the texts most strongly suggest

    • Aopenness and confidentiality can pull against each other in the same study.openness and confidentiality can pull against each other in the same study.
    • Braw data is never useful to other researchers.raw data is never useful to other researchers.
    • Chuman research should not be published.human research should not be published.
    • Didentifying participants is rarely a real risk.identifying participants is rarely a real risk.
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    Answer: openness and confidentiality can pull against each other in the same study.openness and confidentiality can pull against each other in the same study.

    Each text names a value the other's arrangement compromises, which is a tension. Neither concludes that such research should stop or that the risk is negligible.Each text names a value the other's arrangement compromises, which is a tension. Neither concludes that such research should stop or that the risk is negligible.

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11. 11Cross-text connectionsStandard

    Text 1: Wild swimming has grown from a minority pastime into a mass one within a decade, and rivers nobody entered are busy every weekend.Text 2: The growth is real. So is the sewage. The decade that brought swimmers to the rivers is the decade that produced the data on how often the rivers are unfit to swim in, and the two arrived together for a reason: people who swim in a river start asking what is in it.Both authors would agree thatText 1: Wild swimming has grown from a minority pastime into a mass one within a decade, and rivers nobody entered are busy every weekend. Text 2: The growth is real. So is the sewage. The decade that brought swimmers to the rivers is the decade that produced the data on how often the rivers are unfit to swim in, and the two arrived together for a reason: people who swim in a river start asking what is in it. Both authors would agree that

    • Arivers are cleaner than they were a decade ago.rivers are cleaner than they were a decade ago.
    • Bwild swimming should be discouraged until the water improves.wild swimming should be discouraged until the water improves.
    • Cthe sewage data caused the growth in swimming.the sewage data caused the growth in swimming.
    • Dwild swimming has become far more popular over the past decade.wild swimming has become far more popular over the past decade.
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    Answer: wild swimming has become far more popular over the past decade.wild swimming has become far more popular over the past decade.

    Text 2 opens by granting the growth, which is Text 1's only claim. It argues the causation ran the other way, from swimmers to data, and it neither says the rivers are cleaner nor recommends staying out of them.Text 2 opens by granting the growth, which is Text 1's only claim. It argues the causation ran the other way, from swimmers to data, and it neither says the rivers are cleaner nor recommends staying out of them.

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12. 12Cross-text connectionsStandard

    Text 1: A cycle-hire scheme should be judged on journeys taken. Ours passed four million last year.Text 2: Four million is a real number and an incomplete one. Almost all those journeys replaced a walk or another bicycle rather than a car journey, which is what the scheme was funded to displace.On what do the two texts most clearly disagree?Text 1: A cycle-hire scheme should be judged on journeys taken. Ours passed four million last year. Text 2: Four million is a real number and an incomplete one. Almost all those journeys replaced a walk or another bicycle rather than a car journey, which is what the scheme was funded to displace. On what do the two texts most clearly disagree?

    • AHow many journeys the scheme carried.How many journeys the scheme carried.
    • BWhether cycle hire is popular.Whether cycle hire is popular.
    • CWhich measure the scheme should be judged on.Which measure the scheme should be judged on.
    • DHow much the scheme cost to run.How much the scheme cost to run.
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    Answer: Which measure the scheme should be judged on.Which measure the scheme should be judged on.

    Text 2 accepts the four million outright and argues that the count is the wrong test, proposing displaced car journeys instead. The disagreement is about the standard, not the number.Text 2 accepts the four million outright and argues that the count is the wrong test, proposing displaced car journeys instead. The disagreement is about the standard, not the number.

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13. 13Cross-text connectionsStandard

    Text 1: Reading aloud to children is the best-supported intervention in early literacy.Text 2: The evidence is strong and the framing is not. Reading aloud is easy to measure and travels with a dozen things that are not — books in the house, time, a parent not working a second shift. It may be the best-supported intervention because it is the easiest to study.Both authors would agree thatText 1: Reading aloud to children is the best-supported intervention in early literacy. Text 2: The evidence is strong and the framing is not. Reading aloud is easy to measure and travels with a dozen things that are not — books in the house, time, a parent not working a second shift. It may be the best-supported intervention because it is the easiest to study. Both authors would agree that

    • Areading aloud is what causes gains in literacy.reading aloud is what causes gains in literacy.
    • Bthe evidence on reading aloud is weak.the evidence on reading aloud is weak.
    • Cbooks in the house matter more than reading aloud does.books in the house matter more than reading aloud does.
    • Dreading aloud is well supported by evidence.reading aloud is well supported by evidence.
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    Answer: reading aloud is well supported by evidence.reading aloud is well supported by evidence.

    Text 2 opens by calling the evidence strong, which is common ground. What it disputes is what that support shows — whether the reading itself is doing the work, or the circumstances that travel with it.Text 2 opens by calling the evidence strong, which is common ground. What it disputes is what that support shows — whether the reading itself is doing the work, or the circumstances that travel with it.

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14. 14Cross-text connectionsStandard

    Text 1: A city's tree canopy should be measured by cover, which is what shades a street.Text 2: Cover counts leaves, and leaves are seasonal. A street of planes stands bare for five months of the year, which is precisely when the wind and rain the trees are meant to buffer arrive.On what do the two texts most clearly disagree?Text 1: A city's tree canopy should be measured by cover, which is what shades a street. Text 2: Cover counts leaves, and leaves are seasonal. A street of planes stands bare for five months of the year, which is precisely when the wind and rain the trees are meant to buffer arrive. On what do the two texts most clearly disagree?

    • AWhether trees provide shade.Whether trees provide shade.
    • BWhether canopy cover can be measured at all.Whether canopy cover can be measured at all.
    • CWhether a single summer measure captures what trees do across a year.Whether a single summer measure captures what trees do across a year.
    • DWhether plane trees should be planted in cities.Whether plane trees should be planted in cities.
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    Answer: Whether a single summer measure captures what trees do across a year.Whether a single summer measure captures what trees do across a year.

    Text 2 accepts that cover can be measured and that trees shade streets; its objection is that the measure is taken when the leaves are there and the need is greatest when they are not.Text 2 accepts that cover can be measured and that trees shade streets; its objection is that the measure is taken when the leaves are there and the need is greatest when they are not.

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15. 15Cross-text connectionsStandard

    Text 1: Open data has transformed transport planning. Anyone can now audit how a network performs.Text 2: Anyone with the software, the statistical training and a month to spare can audit it. "Anyone" is doing an enormous amount of work in that sentence, and the people whose journeys the data describes are mostly not in it.How do the two texts differ?Text 1: Open data has transformed transport planning. Anyone can now audit how a network performs. Text 2: Anyone with the software, the statistical training and a month to spare can audit it. "Anyone" is doing an enormous amount of work in that sentence, and the people whose journeys the data describes are mostly not in it. How do the two texts differ?

    • AThey disagree about whether transport data has been published.They disagree about whether transport data has been published.
    • BThey disagree about whether transport planning has improved.They disagree about whether transport planning has improved.
    • CThey disagree about who owns the data.They disagree about who owns the data.
    • DThey disagree about how far publication amounts to access.They disagree about how far publication amounts to access.
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    Answer: They disagree about how far publication amounts to access.They disagree about how far publication amounts to access.

    Text 2 accepts that the data is public and objects to what "anyone" conceals — the skills and time an audit actually takes. Both agree the data was released; they part over what release achieves.Text 2 accepts that the data is public and objects to what "anyone" conceals — the skills and time an audit actually takes. Both agree the data was released; they part over what release achieves.

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16. 16Cross-text connectionsStandard

    Text 1: Naming a species is the first step in protecting it. What has no name cannot be listed, funded or defended in law.Text 2: Naming is also how a population becomes two populations. Split a species in the literature and each half is rarer, more threatened and more fundable than the whole was. The incentive runs one way, and the taxonomy follows it.How do the texts differ?Text 1: Naming a species is the first step in protecting it. What has no name cannot be listed, funded or defended in law. Text 2: Naming is also how a population becomes two populations. Split a species in the literature and each half is rarer, more threatened and more fundable than the whole was. The incentive runs one way, and the taxonomy follows it. How do the texts differ?

    • AThey disagree about whether naming affects protection.They disagree about whether naming affects protection.
    • BThey disagree about whether species can be split.They disagree about whether species can be split.
    • CThey disagree about how funding decisions are made.They disagree about how funding decisions are made.
    • DThey differ over whether the link between naming and protection is entirely benign.They differ over whether the link between naming and protection is entirely benign.
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    Answer: They differ over whether the link between naming and protection is entirely benign.They differ over whether the link between naming and protection is entirely benign.

    Text 2 accepts Text 1's claim that names unlock protection and points out that the same link creates a reason to name more. Both agree naming matters; they part over what follows from that.Text 2 accepts Text 1's claim that names unlock protection and points out that the same link creates a reason to name more. Both agree naming matters; they part over what follows from that.

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17. 17Cross-text connectionsStandard

    Text 1: A museum label should be short. Visitors read for eleven seconds on average, and a long label is one that goes unread.Text 2: Eleven seconds is what visitors give a label written to be skimmed. The measurements come from galleries full of short labels, so what they record is a habit the labels themselves created.How do the two texts differ?Text 1: A museum label should be short. Visitors read for eleven seconds on average, and a long label is one that goes unread. Text 2: Eleven seconds is what visitors give a label written to be skimmed. The measurements come from galleries full of short labels, so what they record is a habit the labels themselves created. How do the two texts differ?

    • AThey disagree about how long visitors spend reading labels.They disagree about how long visitors spend reading labels.
    • BThey disagree about whether museums should have labels.They disagree about whether museums should have labels.
    • CThey disagree about how many visitors read labels at all.They disagree about how many visitors read labels at all.
    • DThey disagree about whether the measured reading time is a fixed constraint or a consequence.They disagree about whether the measured reading time is a fixed constraint or a consequence.
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    Answer: They disagree about whether the measured reading time is a fixed constraint or a consequence.They disagree about whether the measured reading time is a fixed constraint or a consequence.

    Text 2 accepts the eleven seconds and denies that it is a fact about visitors, arguing it is a fact about the labels they have been given. The figure is common ground; what it licenses is not.Text 2 accepts the eleven seconds and denies that it is a fact about visitors, arguing it is a fact about the labels they have been given. The figure is common ground; what it licenses is not.

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18. 18Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1 argues that oral traditions preserve knowledge that written records leave out. Text 2 argues that written records preserve details that memory alters over time. Taken together, the two texts most strongly suggest thatText 1 argues that oral traditions preserve knowledge that written records leave out. Text 2 argues that written records preserve details that memory alters over time. Taken together, the two texts most strongly suggest that

    • Aeach kind of record preserves something the other tends to lose.each kind of record preserves something the other tends to lose.
    • Bneither kind of record can be trusted about the past.neither kind of record can be trusted about the past.
    • Coral traditions are more reliable than written records.oral traditions are more reliable than written records.
    • Dwritten records will eventually replace oral traditions.written records will eventually replace oral traditions.
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    Answer: each kind of record preserves something the other tends to lose.each kind of record preserves something the other tends to lose.

    Read together, the two texts name complementary strengths rather than ranking the two forms. Neither text claims one will replace the other or that both are untrustworthy.Read together, the two texts name complementary strengths rather than ranking the two forms. Neither text claims one will replace the other or that both are untrustworthy.

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19. 19Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1 argues that handwriting instruction should be kept because forming letters aids letter recognition. Text 2 reports that children taught letter recognition through tracing on screens performed as well as those taught with pens. The author of Text 2 would most likely say Text 1Text 1 argues that handwriting instruction should be kept because forming letters aids letter recognition. Text 2 reports that children taught letter recognition through tracing on screens performed as well as those taught with pens. The author of Text 2 would most likely say Text 1

    • Ashould have studied older children.should have studied older children.
    • Bis mistaken that letter recognition matters.is mistaken that letter recognition matters.
    • Cidentifies the right mechanism but ties it to the wrong medium.identifies the right mechanism but ties it to the wrong medium.
    • Dunderstates how much handwriting helps.understates how much handwriting helps.
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    Answer: identifies the right mechanism but ties it to the wrong medium.identifies the right mechanism but ties it to the wrong medium.

    Text 2 accepts that forming letters aids recognition — that is what tracing is — but shows it need not be done with a pen. It disputes the medium, not the mechanism or its importance.Text 2 accepts that forming letters aids recognition — that is what tracing is — but shows it need not be done with a pen. It disputes the medium, not the mechanism or its importance.

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20. 20Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1 argues that translating poetry requires preserving sound above sense. Text 2 reports that readers of two translations — one preserving sound, one preserving sense — described the sense-preserving version as more moving. The author of Text 2 would most likely say Text 1Text 1 argues that translating poetry requires preserving sound above sense. Text 2 reports that readers of two translations — one preserving sound, one preserving sense — described the sense-preserving version as more moving. The author of Text 2 would most likely say Text 1

    • Ais wrong that sound matters in poetry.is wrong that sound matters in poetry.
    • Bunderstates the difficulty of translation.understates the difficulty of translation.
    • Cassumes a priority readers do not share.assumes a priority readers do not share.
    • Dshould have compared more than two translations.should have compared more than two translations.
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    Answer: assumes a priority readers do not share.assumes a priority readers do not share.

    Text 2 does not deny that sound matters; it reports that when the two compete, readers preferred sense. That contests the ordering Text 1 asserts, not the value of sound.Text 2 does not deny that sound matters; it reports that when the two compete, readers preferred sense. That contests the ordering Text 1 asserts, not the value of sound.

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21. 21Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1 argues that a museum's collection should be displayed in full, because storage keeps objects from the public. Text 2 reports that of one museum's collection, ninety percent is too fragile to be lit for more than a few weeks a year. The author of Text 2 would most likely say Text 1Text 1 argues that a museum's collection should be displayed in full, because storage keeps objects from the public. Text 2 reports that of one museum's collection, ninety percent is too fragile to be lit for more than a few weeks a year. The author of Text 2 would most likely say Text 1

    • Ais wrong that the public should have access to collections.is wrong that the public should have access to collections.
    • Bshould have surveyed more museums.should have surveyed more museums.
    • Cproposes something that would destroy what it aims to share.proposes something that would destroy what it aims to share.
    • Dunderestimates how much storage space museums need.underestimates how much storage space museums need.
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    Answer: proposes something that would destroy what it aims to share.proposes something that would destroy what it aims to share.

    Text 2's point is that permanent display would damage most of the objects, so the proposal defeats its own purpose. It does not dispute the value of access or make a claim about storage space.Text 2's point is that permanent display would damage most of the objects, so the proposal defeats its own purpose. It does not dispute the value of access or make a claim about storage space.

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22. 22Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1: The value of an archive lies in what it holds. A collection nobody has cataloged is still a collection.Text 2: An uncatalogued box is not an archive but a possibility. Until someone can find what is inside it, the material has no readers, and material with no readers does no work.The author of Text 2 would most likely characterise the position in Text 1 asText 1: The value of an archive lies in what it holds. A collection nobody has cataloged is still a collection. Text 2: An uncatalogued box is not an archive but a possibility. Until someone can find what is inside it, the material has no readers, and material with no readers does no work. The author of Text 2 would most likely characterise the position in Text 1 as

    • Aright about cataloguing but wrong about value.right about cataloguing but wrong about value.
    • Ba description of how archives are funded rather than of what they are for.a description of how archives are funded rather than of what they are for.
    • Ca view that mistakes the cost of cataloguing for its benefit.a view that mistakes the cost of cataloguing for its benefit.
    • Dmistaking the holding of material for access to it.mistaking the holding of material for access to it.
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    Answer: mistaking the holding of material for access to it.mistaking the holding of material for access to it.

    Text 2 turns on the difference between having something and being able to find it. Cost and funding appear in neither text, and Text 2 disagrees with Text 1 about value precisely because it disagrees about cataloguing.Text 2 turns on the difference between having something and being able to find it. Cost and funding appear in neither text, and Text 2 disagrees with Text 1 about value precisely because it disagrees about cataloguing.

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23. 23Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1: Standardised tests are defended on the ground that they are the same for everyone. That is true of the paper and false of everything around it — preparation, a quiet room, the chance of a second attempt.Text 2: Critics point to unequal preparation, and they are right to. The alternative on offer is assessment by teacher judgment, and every study of that finds it tracks a pupil's background more closely still.Which choice best describes the relationship between the two texts?Text 1: Standardised tests are defended on the ground that they are the same for everyone. That is true of the paper and false of everything around it — preparation, a quiet room, the chance of a second attempt. Text 2: Critics point to unequal preparation, and they are right to. The alternative on offer is assessment by teacher judgment, and every study of that finds it tracks a pupil's background more closely still. Which choice best describes the relationship between the two texts?

    • AText 2 disputes the factual claim Text 1 makes about preparation.Text 2 disputes the factual claim Text 1 makes about preparation.
    • BText 2 offers evidence that standardised tests are the same for everyone.Text 2 offers evidence that standardised tests are the same for everyone.
    • CThe two texts agree that teacher judgment is the fairer method.The two texts agree that teacher judgment is the fairer method.
    • DText 2 accepts the objection in Text 1 and argues that the alternative does worse by the same measure.Text 2 accepts the objection in Text 1 and argues that the alternative does worse by the same measure.
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    Answer: Text 2 accepts the objection in Text 1 and argues that the alternative does worse by the same measure.Text 2 accepts the objection in Text 1 and argues that the alternative does worse by the same measure.

    Text 2 opens by granting the point about preparation, so it is not disputing it, and then applies the same test of fairness to the alternative. Neither text calls teacher judgment fairer; Text 2 says the opposite.Text 2 opens by granting the point about preparation, so it is not disputing it, and then applies the same test of fairness to the alternative. Neither text calls teacher judgment fairer; Text 2 says the opposite.

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24. 24Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1: A museum's first duty is to the object. Display, interpretation and access all follow from conservation, because an object that has not survived cannot be interpreted at all.Text 2: The argument from conservation proves too much. Taken strictly, it recommends a sealed vault, which is a form of survival nobody wants. What conservation buys is time, and time is worth buying only if something is done with it.How does Text 2 respond to Text 1?Text 1: A museum's first duty is to the object. Display, interpretation and access all follow from conservation, because an object that has not survived cannot be interpreted at all. Text 2: The argument from conservation proves too much. Taken strictly, it recommends a sealed vault, which is a form of survival nobody wants. What conservation buys is time, and time is worth buying only if something is done with it. How does Text 2 respond to Text 1?

    • ABy denying that conservation extends the life of objects.By denying that conservation extends the life of objects.
    • BBy proposing that objects be displayed without protection.By proposing that objects be displayed without protection.
    • CBy agreeing with Text 1's priorities and adding a practical caveat.By agreeing with Text 1's priorities and adding a practical caveat.
    • DBy accepting Text 1's premise and arguing that its conclusion is drawn from it too strongly.By accepting Text 1's premise and arguing that its conclusion is drawn from it too strongly.
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    Answer: By accepting Text 1's premise and arguing that its conclusion is drawn from it too strongly.By accepting Text 1's premise and arguing that its conclusion is drawn from it too strongly.

    "Proves too much" is the giveaway: the objection is that the same reasoning, followed all the way, reaches a conclusion nobody accepts. Text 2 grants that survival comes first and denies that everything else follows from it, which is more than a caveat."Proves too much" is the giveaway: the objection is that the same reasoning, followed all the way, reaches a conclusion nobody accepts. Text 2 grants that survival comes first and denies that everything else follows from it, which is more than a caveat.

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25. 25Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1: Remote working ended the commute for millions and, with it, the case for the office.Text 2: The office was never only a place to work. It was where people learned what nobody thought to write down. Remote work has not answered that, and the firms confident that it has tend to be the ones whose staff learned it in an office first.On which point do the two texts most clearly disagree?Text 1: Remote working ended the commute for millions and, with it, the case for the office. Text 2: The office was never only a place to work. It was where people learned what nobody thought to write down. Remote work has not answered that, and the firms confident that it has tend to be the ones whose staff learned it in an office first. On which point do the two texts most clearly disagree?

    • AWhether remote work supplies what the office provided beyond desk space.Whether remote work supplies what the office provided beyond desk space.
    • BWhether commuting takes time.Whether commuting takes time.
    • CWhether offices are expensive to maintain.Whether offices are expensive to maintain.
    • DWhether remote work is popular with employees.Whether remote work is popular with employees.
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    Answer: Whether remote work supplies what the office provided beyond desk space.Whether remote work supplies what the office provided beyond desk space.

    Text 1 treats the commute as the office's whole justification; Text 2 names something else the office did and says remote work has not replaced it. Cost and popularity are raised by neither.Text 1 treats the commute as the office's whole justification; Text 2 names something else the office did and says remote work has not replaced it. Cost and popularity are raised by neither.

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26. 26Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1: Museums should return objects taken under duress. Who can care for them best is a separate question, and answering it first has too often been a way of never answering the first one.Text 2: Nobody disputes the principle. The difficulty is that "taken under duress" covers a purchase from a colonial administration, a battlefield seizure and a gift to an occupying governor, and those are not one case.Text 2 responds to Text 1 byText 1: Museums should return objects taken under duress. Who can care for them best is a separate question, and answering it first has too often been a way of never answering the first one. Text 2: Nobody disputes the principle. The difficulty is that "taken under duress" covers a purchase from a colonial administration, a battlefield seizure and a gift to an occupying governor, and those are not one case. Text 2 responds to Text 1 by

    • Adenying that any object was taken under duress.denying that any object was taken under duress.
    • Bgranting the principle and questioning whether the category it turns on is single.granting the principle and questioning whether the category it turns on is single.
    • Carguing that museums care for objects better than their countries of origin would.arguing that museums care for objects better than their countries of origin would.
    • Dproposing that the objects be sold instead.proposing that the objects be sold instead.
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    Answer: granting the principle and questioning whether the category it turns on is single.granting the principle and questioning whether the category it turns on is single.

    "Nobody disputes the principle" concedes Text 1's claim, and the three examples are offered to show that one phrase is covering several different situations. Text 2 raises no view on care, which is the question Text 1 set aside."Nobody disputes the principle" concedes Text 1's claim, and the three examples are offered to show that one phrase is covering several different situations. Text 2 raises no view on care, which is the question Text 1 set aside.

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27. 27Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1: Requiring the source code to be published would let anyone check an algorithm used in sentencing.Text 2: Publishing the code shows what the system computes, not what it learned. The behavior lives in the training data, and it is the data that is not being published.Text 2 responds to Text 1 byText 1: Requiring the source code to be published would let anyone check an algorithm used in sentencing. Text 2: Publishing the code shows what the system computes, not what it learned. The behavior lives in the training data, and it is the data that is not being published. Text 2 responds to Text 1 by

    • Adenying that sentencing algorithms should be open to checking.denying that sentencing algorithms should be open to checking.
    • Baccepting the aim and arguing that the proposed measure does not reach it.accepting the aim and arguing that the proposed measure does not reach it.
    • Carguing that source code is too complex for anyone to read.arguing that source code is too complex for anyone to read.
    • Dproposing that sentencing be carried out without algorithms.proposing that sentencing be carried out without algorithms.
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    Answer: accepting the aim and arguing that the proposed measure does not reach it.accepting the aim and arguing that the proposed measure does not reach it.

    Text 2 never questions that the algorithm should be checkable; it says the code is the wrong place to look. Complexity is not its objection either — its point is about which artefact carries the behavior.Text 2 never questions that the algorithm should be checkable; it says the code is the wrong place to look. Complexity is not its objection either — its point is about which artefact carries the behavior.

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28. 28Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1: A dictionary should record how people use words, not rule on how they ought to. Its authority comes from describing accurately.Text 2: Every dictionary decides which uses are frequent enough to record and which are errors not worth the space, and it publishes the result as a single volume that readers consult to settle arguments. A description that is used as a ruling is a ruling.Text 2 responds to Text 1 byText 1: A dictionary should record how people use words, not rule on how they ought to. Its authority comes from describing accurately. Text 2: Every dictionary decides which uses are frequent enough to record and which are errors not worth the space, and it publishes the result as a single volume that readers consult to settle arguments. A description that is used as a ruling is a ruling. Text 2 responds to Text 1 by

    • Adenying that dictionaries record usage.denying that dictionaries record usage.
    • Bclaiming that dictionaries should issue explicit rulings.claiming that dictionaries should issue explicit rulings.
    • Carguing that the distinction Text 1 relies on does not survive in practice.arguing that the distinction Text 1 relies on does not survive in practice.
    • Dproposing that dictionaries be published more frequently.proposing that dictionaries be published more frequently.
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    Answer: arguing that the distinction Text 1 relies on does not survive in practice.arguing that the distinction Text 1 relies on does not survive in practice.

    "A description that is used as a ruling is a ruling" attacks the description-versus-prescription line itself, not the claim that dictionaries record usage. Text 2 makes no recommendation about what dictionaries should do next."A description that is used as a ruling is a ruling" attacks the description-versus-prescription line itself, not the claim that dictionaries record usage. Text 2 makes no recommendation about what dictionaries should do next.

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29. 29Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1: Anonymous peer review protects junior researchers, who can criticise a senior figure's work without consequence.Text 2: It protects the reviewer from consequence, which is not the same as protecting the junior. Anonymity also covers the senior reviewer who buries a rival's paper, and the junior author has no way to say so.Text 2 responds to Text 1 byText 1: Anonymous peer review protects junior researchers, who can criticise a senior figure's work without consequence. Text 2: It protects the reviewer from consequence, which is not the same as protecting the junior. Anonymity also covers the senior reviewer who buries a rival's paper, and the junior author has no way to say so. Text 2 responds to Text 1 by

    • Adenying that anonymity has any protective effect.denying that anonymity has any protective effect.
    • Bproposing that reviews be signed.proposing that reviews be signed.
    • Carguing that the same protection covers a case Text 1 has not considered.arguing that the same protection covers a case Text 1 has not considered.
    • Dclaiming that junior researchers do not criticise senior work.claiming that junior researchers do not criticise senior work.
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    Answer: arguing that the same protection covers a case Text 1 has not considered.arguing that the same protection covers a case Text 1 has not considered.

    Text 2 grants that anonymity shields the reviewer and points out who else that includes. It stops short of recommending signed reviews, which would be a different argument.Text 2 grants that anonymity shields the reviewer and points out who else that includes. It stops short of recommending signed reviews, which would be a different argument.

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30. 30Cross-text connectionsChallenge

    Text 1: A university should admit the applicants with the strongest results, whatever school they came from. Anything else asks admissions tutors to guess at potential.Text 2: Nobody is guessing. A given grade from a school where it is the top result predicts degree performance better than the same grade from a school where it is ordinary, and that is a measurement rather than a hunch.Text 2 responds to Text 1 byText 1: A university should admit the applicants with the strongest results, whatever school they came from. Anything else asks admissions tutors to guess at potential. Text 2: Nobody is guessing. A given grade from a school where it is the top result predicts degree performance better than the same grade from a school where it is ordinary, and that is a measurement rather than a hunch. Text 2 responds to Text 1 by

    • Adenying that results should matter in admissions.denying that results should matter in admissions.
    • Barguing that all schools should be treated identically.arguing that all schools should be treated identically.
    • Cdisputing the characterisation of contextual admission as guesswork.disputing the characterisation of contextual admission as guesswork.
    • Dproposing that interviews replace examinations.proposing that interviews replace examinations.
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    Answer: disputing the characterisation of contextual admission as guesswork.disputing the characterisation of contextual admission as guesswork.

    Text 1 frames the alternative as guessing at potential; Text 2 answers that the alternative rests on a measured predictive relationship. It never suggests results should be ignored, which is why the first choice overstates it.Text 1 frames the alternative as guessing at potential; Text 2 answers that the alternative rests on a measured predictive relationship. It never suggests results should be ignored, which is why the first choice overstates it.

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