For cross-text questions, first restate the exact claim in Text 1 that the question targets. Then summarize Text 2’s stance in one sentence, paying special attention to contrast words like “however” that introduce qualifications. Finally, pick the choice that captures Text 2’s overall response (often “yes, but…”) and eliminate options that introduce extreme or unsupported claims.
Hints
- Hint 1
Focus on the underlined claim in Text 1
Reread the underlined sentence in Text 1. What is the researcher saying about how similar interactions with robot pets are to interactions with real pets?
- Hint 2
Check Text 2’s overall attitude toward robot pets
In Text 2, does the author seem completely positive, completely negative, or mixed about robot pets? Look for contrast words like “however.”
- Hint 3
Compare agreement vs. disagreement
Would the author of Text 2 fully agree that interactions with robot pets are “no different,” or would she agree with some benefits but still point out limits?
- Hint 4
Eliminate choices that add unsupported extremes
Cross out options that claim robot pets mostly make things worse, that living pets have no unique qualities, or that robot-pet benefits disappear quickly—unless Text 2 clearly says so.
Step-by-step
- Step 1
Identify the key claim in the underlined sentence (Text 1)
Focus on the underlined part in Text 1: “Their interactions were no different from those with living pets.”
This is an absolute claim that interactions with the robots are essentially the same as interactions with real animals.
- Step 2
Summarize the viewpoint of Text 2
Text 2 takes a mixed position:
- Robot pets can ease loneliness and encourage routine social behavior.
- However, they do not fully reproduce important qualities of living animals (unpredictability, responsiveness, mutual attachment cues).
So, the author sees robot pets as helpful, but not true replacements.
- Step 3
Determine how Text 2 would respond to “no different”
Because Text 2 explicitly says robot pets don’t fully reproduce key features of living animals, the author of Text 2 would not accept the idea that the interactions are “no different.”
She would likely agree robot pets can help, but emphasize meaningful differences from real pets.
- Step 4
Choose the option that matches Text 2’s qualified response
The best match is the choice that says robot pets can be comforting but are not the same as living animals:
By agreeing robot pets can comfort users but noting they don’t fully match living animals