Question 10·Easy·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
Several public library systems have eliminated late fees in recent years. Library directors report that after fees were removed, more patrons returned long-overdue books instead of avoiding the library altogether. In these directors’ view, ending late fees makes the library more welcoming and helps more materials circulate.
Text 2
Removing late fees can reduce barriers for patrons, but some librarians worry about unintended effects. Without a financial consequence, they argue, a small number of patrons may keep items for longer periods, making popular books harder to access. These librarians suggest that libraries should pair fee elimination with other policies, such as clearer reminders and shorter loan periods for high-demand items.
Which choice best describes a difference in how the author of Text 1 and the author of Text 2 view eliminating late fees?
For cross-text connections questions, briefly label each text’s main claim and tone (for example, “mostly positive” vs. “positive but cautious”). Then choose the option that accurately compares those viewpoints using evidence from both texts, avoiding answers that introduce topics neither text mentions.
Hints
Find the tone in each text
Decide whether each author sounds mostly positive, mostly negative, or mixed about eliminating late fees.
Locate any concerns
Look in Text 2 for words that signal warnings or problems, and compare that to what Text 1 emphasizes.
Choose the option that compares both texts accurately
Pick the answer that describes Text 1’s main focus and Text 2’s main focus without adding claims either text doesn’t make.
Step-by-step Explanation
Summarize Text 1’s viewpoint
Text 1 describes libraries eliminating late fees and reports that this makes libraries more welcoming and leads to more returns—an overall positive view.
Summarize Text 2’s viewpoint
Text 2 acknowledges that removing fees can help patrons, but it raises concerns (items kept longer, popular books less available) and proposes extra measures.
Match the choice to the contrast
The best answer must capture that Text 1 is mainly optimistic, while Text 2 is more cautious and focused on managing drawbacks. Therefore, the correct choice is: The author of Text 1 presents eliminating late fees as broadly beneficial, whereas the author of Text 2 emphasizes the need to address possible downsides.