Question 121·Easy·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
Our city’s new library branch is packed every afternoon. Teenagers edit videos in the media lab, job seekers line up at the computer bank, and a volunteer hosts a résumé clinic in a small meeting room. The shelves still matter, but it’s the technology and programs that draw people through the doors.
Text 2
As a parent and teacher, I rely on the library for more than books. My students attend free language classes and homework help sessions, and on weekends the auditorium fills for author talks and civic forums. The library’s role has grown into that of a community hub.
Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which statement?
For cross-text connection questions, first read each short passage and quickly note the main point each author is making about the topic. Then ask yourself, “What idea do they share?” before looking at the answer choices. When you check the choices, eliminate any that clearly apply to only one text, that contradict specific phrases (like “shelves still matter”), or that are too narrow or extreme. The correct choice will be a broad statement that is supported by both texts and doesn’t conflict with any detail either author gives.
Hints
Look at what people are doing in Text 1
In Text 1, list the different activities happening in the library. How many of them involve something other than checking out books?
Focus on key phrases in Text 2
In Text 2, pay attention to the phrases “for more than books” and “grown into that of a community hub.” What do these phrases suggest about how the author views the library’s role?
Compare which groups and activities are mentioned
Think about who uses the library in both texts (age groups, roles) and what they are doing there. Do the descriptions focus on one group or one kind of event, or on many?
Test each answer against both texts
For each choice, ask: Does this match both Text 1 and Text 2, or only one of them? Eliminate any choice that conflicts with something either author clearly says.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand Text 1’s main point about the library
In Text 1, the author describes a new library branch where teenagers edit videos, job seekers use computers, and a volunteer runs a résumé clinic. The author says, “The shelves still matter, but it’s the technology and programs that draw people through the doors,” showing that the library offers many services and activities, not just book lending.
Understand Text 2’s main point about the library
In Text 2, the author says they rely on the library “for more than books.” They list free language classes, homework help, author talks, and civic forums, and end by saying, “The library’s role has grown into that of a community hub.” This emphasizes that the library brings people together and supports many different needs.
Find the shared idea between the two texts
Both texts show libraries as active, busy places serving many different people with a range of services: technology access, job help, classes, and public events. The common idea is that modern libraries do much more than just lend books and play an important role in community life.
Match the shared idea to the best answer choice
Now compare that shared idea to the answer choices. Choice A says, “Modern public libraries function as community centers that provide services beyond lending books.” This directly matches what both authors show: libraries as community hubs offering technology, classes, help, and events in addition to books. The other choices either go against what the texts say or describe the role of libraries too narrowly, so A is the correct answer.