A question about what both authors would agree on tests whether you can find a point both texts support. Put each text’s main point into a few words. Include what the text says caused any changes. Then look for the point the texts share, even if they describe different paths to it. Check that each author supports the whole statement, because a detail from one text isn't enough to show agreement.
Hints
- Hint 1
Read the last sentence of each text. What change in library services does each author describe?
- Hint 2
Look for what each text says made that change possible. Do the authors give the same reason for the growth they describe?
Step-by-step
Find the point both texts support
Step 1Find Text 1’s reason for growth
Donations funded buildings in Text 1, but towns had to pay for ongoing services. The question asks what the authors would most likely agree on, so we need to see whether Text 2 makes the same point. Where cities set tax-supported operating budgets, branches multiplied, so Text 1 links growth to ongoing public funding.
- Step 2
Find Text 2’s reason for growth
Does Text 2 connect growth to the same support? As crowds and demand grew, councils set aside regular funds for staff and materials. The final sentence says this support enabled libraries to extend their reach and hours. The money came from local government, so Text 2 also says regular public funding helped libraries reach more people.
- Step 3
Check the strength of the shared point
How strong can that shared point be? In Text 1, towns had to promise to support the new libraries with public money, so ongoing public support was a condition of the gifts. Text 2 says that support enabled wider service, so stable local funding was essential for libraries to grow in both texts. Choice A.