Question 138·Medium·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
Coworking spaces—shared offices that can be rented by the hour, day, or month—have multiplied in cities worldwide. Their popularity stems in part from the growing number of independent contractors and start-ups that want professional amenities without committing to a long-term lease. Operators of these spaces compete by offering flexible membership plans, networking events, and thoughtfully designed common areas that foster a sense of community as well as productivity.
Text 2
Several large corporations have announced hybrid work policies that allow employees to divide their time between home and office. Surveys show that many workers value the freedom to choose where they work on a given day, citing improved work-life balance and reduced commuting stress. In response, companies are experimenting with "activity-based" office layouts—such as hot-desking and collaboration zones—to accommodate varying numbers of in-person staff.
Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which statement?
For “both authors would agree” questions, first independently summarize the main point of each text in a short phrase. Then look for the overlapping idea—often a shared trend, cause, or effect. When you test answer choices, require that there is clear evidence in both texts and be suspicious of extreme language (like “always,” “never,” “eliminated,” or “mainly”) unless it is directly stated. Quickly eliminate choices that only fit one text or introduce new motives or details that neither passage mentions.
Hints
Look for the common trend
Before looking at the answer choices, summarize each text in one short sentence. What trend in work or offices is each author describing?
Focus on motivation: why are changes happening?
In each text, ask: Why are businesses changing their office setups or policies? Is it about workers’ preferences, money, technology, or something else?
Eliminate answers that go beyond what the texts say
Watch for extreme words like “eliminated,” “fully remote,” or “mainly” that may overstate what the texts actually claim. If you don’t see clear support for such a strong claim in both texts, cross that choice out.
Check that the answer fits both independent workers and corporate employees
Text 1 talks about independent contractors and start-ups, while Text 2 talks about employees at large corporations. The correct answer should describe something that makes sense for both groups.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the question is asking
The question says: “Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which statement?”
So you must find an idea that is supported by Text 1 and Text 2, not just one of them. Any answer that doesn’t clearly match both is wrong.
Identify the key idea in Text 1
Text 1 is about coworking spaces.
Key points:
- Coworking spaces are shared offices that can be rented flexibly: “by the hour, day, or month.”
- They are popular with independent contractors and start-ups that want professional amenities without a long-term lease.
- Operators compete by offering flexible membership plans and common areas that support community and productivity.
So Text 1 focuses on flexible workspace options designed to meet the needs of certain workers and businesses.
Identify the key idea in Text 2
Text 2 is about hybrid work policies in large corporations.
Key points:
- Corporations allow employees to split time “between home and office.”
- Surveys show workers “value the freedom to choose where they work,” mentioning better work-life balance and less commuting stress.
- Companies are changing office layouts (hot-desking, collaboration zones) to fit the changing number of people in the office.
So Text 2 focuses on companies changing work arrangements and office design because employees want choice and flexibility.
Find the overlap between the two texts
Now connect the main ideas:
- Text 1: coworking operators offer flexible spaces and memberships for workers and small companies.
- Text 2: corporations offer hybrid policies and flexible layouts because workers want freedom in where they work.
In both, businesses are adjusting how and where work happens in response to workers’ preferences for more flexible arrangements.
Test each answer choice against both texts and decide
Check each option:
- A) Claims “many workers now prefer fully remote” over any in-person work. Text 2 mentions workers value choice between home and office, not a total rejection of in-person work. Text 1 even emphasizes shared offices and community, so this goes too far.
- B) Says coworking has “eliminated the need” for traditional offices. Text 1 never says this, and Text 2 clearly shows big corporations still using offices, just in new ways.
- C) Says employee desire for flexibility is prompting businesses to rethink how and where work gets done. This matches Text 1 (flexible coworking options for users) and Text 2 (hybrid policies and redesigned offices responding to workers’ desire for choice).
- D) Says companies mainly adopt hybrid models to reduce real-estate costs. Text 2 gives reasons like work-life balance and less commuting stress; costs are never mentioned. Text 1 is about flexibility and community, not cutting costs.
The only option clearly supported by both texts is C) Employee desire for flexibility is prompting businesses to rethink how and where work gets done.