Question 11·Medium·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
Energy analyst Maya Serrano argues that the increasing affordability of solar panels and battery storage means that local renewable microgrids will soon render the long-distance, centralized electricity grid unnecessary. She writes, “Because microgrids generate and store power at the point of use, they eliminate the vulnerability to widespread outages that plagues today’s interconnected system. Within a decade, communities will be able to disconnect entirely from the aging bulk grid and operate more reliably and cheaply on their own.”
Text 2
Engineer Caleb Osei, who studies power-system resilience, agrees that renewable microgrids can reduce the frequency of blackouts by supplying local backup power. However, he notes that even the most sophisticated microgrids “currently depend on the larger grid for balancing seasonal fluctuations in sunlight and for sharing reserve capacity during extreme weather events.” Osei concludes, “Microgrids will likely complement rather than replace the centralized grid; the two will operate in tandem to provide the highest level of reliability.”
Based on the texts, how would Osei, the author of Text 2, most likely respond to Serrano’s prediction in Text 1 that communities will soon be able to disconnect entirely from the centralized grid?
For cross-text questions, first summarize each author’s position in one simple sentence, then ask: does the second author fully agree, somewhat agree, or disagree with the first, and for what reason? Underline key phrases that show stance (such as "complement rather than replace" or "disconnect entirely"), then eliminate choices that (1) contradict that stance, (2) introduce ideas or reasons not in the second text (like new problems or motivations), or (3) reverse the author’s view (for example, turning "reduce blackouts" into "increase blackouts"). Pick the option that accurately paraphrases how the second author would respond to the specific claim in the first text.
Hints
Clarify each author’s main claim
First, restate in your own words what Serrano predicts about the future of the centralized grid, and what Osei thinks about how microgrids and the centralized grid will interact.
Look closely at Osei’s conclusion
Focus on Osei’s final sentences: does he say microgrids will replace the centralized grid, or that they will work together with it? How does that attitude line up with Serrano’s idea of completely disconnecting?
Check for new or opposite ideas in the choices
Eliminate any answer that has Osei giving reasons or concerns that never appear in Text 2 (for example, topics like environmental damage or cost trends) or that flip his view on reliability.
Ask how strongly Osei would agree or disagree
Would Osei fully approve Serrano’s prediction, fully reject it for the opposite reason, or partly agree while pushing back on how far or how soon her claim goes? Choose the option that best matches that nuance.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand Serrano’s prediction in Text 1
Focus on Serrano’s key claim: she argues that as solar panels and batteries get cheaper, local renewable microgrids will soon make the long-distance, centralized grid unnecessary. She even says that within a decade, communities will be able to disconnect entirely from the bulk grid and operate more reliably and cheaply on their own.
Understand Osei’s main point in Text 2
Now look at what Osei says about microgrids:
- He agrees they can reduce blackouts by supplying local backup power.
- However, he also says microgrids "currently depend on the larger grid" for things like seasonal balancing and extreme weather.
- His conclusion: "Microgrids will likely complement rather than replace the centralized grid; the two will operate in tandem."
So Osei does not think the centralized grid will become unnecessary; he sees both systems working together.
Compare Osei’s view to Serrano’s prediction
Serrano predicts complete disconnection from the centralized grid "within a decade."
Osei, in contrast, says microgrids still rely on the larger grid and will "complement rather than replace" it. This means he would think her prediction goes too far: she is assuming microgrids can fully take over, while he believes they still need the centralized grid for some power needs.
Match that comparison to the best answer choice
Use this comparison to evaluate the options:
- Any choice where Osei fully endorses the idea of complete disconnection must be wrong, because he clearly says microgrids will not replace the grid.
- Any choice that claims Osei thinks microgrids are worse for reliability is also wrong, because he says they reduce blackouts.
- Any choice that brings up new concerns (like environmental problems or cost justifications) that Osei never mentions is unsupported.
Only one choice fits: "He would call the prediction premature because microgrids still rely on the centralized grid to meet certain power needs." This exactly matches his point that microgrids depend on the larger grid and will complement, not replace, it.