Question 13·Easy·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
Community gardens in the United States have existed since at least the 1890s, when a few cities allowed residents to grow vegetables on unused land. However, the number of gardens grew most dramatically during World War I and World War II. After each war, many gardens disappeared as vacant land was developed and fewer families felt they needed to grow their own food.
Text 2
During both world wars, government and civic organizations encouraged ordinary citizens to plant vegetables. Posters and newspaper campaigns framed gardening as a patriotic duty, and many groups distributed seeds and simple instructions. Because some foods were rationed and transportation resources were prioritized for the military, homegrown produce became especially valuable.
Which choice best describes how Text 2 relates to Text 1?
For cross-text connection questions, first pinpoint a specific statement in one text that seems incomplete (often a change, claim, or outcome). Then scan the other text for information that functions as a cause, explanation, example, or evidence for that statement. Choose the option that describes that relationship most precisely, and avoid choices that mention time periods or topics not discussed in one of the texts.
Hints
Look for what needs explaining
In Text 1, find the part that describes a big change over time (an increase or decrease).
Summarize Text 2 in one phrase
In Text 2, focus on the role of campaigns, rationing, and why growing food mattered then.
Connect cause to effect
Decide which detail from Text 1 could be caused by the wartime conditions described in Text 2.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the key claim in Text 1
Text 1 says community gardens existed earlier, but they grew most dramatically during World War I and World War II.
Identify what Text 2 adds
Text 2 describes wartime factors: organized campaigns encouraging gardening, plus rationing and transportation limits that made homegrown produce valuable.
Match Text 2’s role to the best description
Because Text 2 gives reasons that would cause a surge in gardening during the world wars, it best explains the wartime increase mentioned in Text 1.
Correct answer: It explains why community gardens increased so much during World War I and World War II.