Question 38·Medium·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
Ecologist Marion Holt argues that many North American parklands are suffering from the absence of their historic apex predator, the gray wolf. According to Holt, unchecked deer and elk populations have over-browsed young trees and streamside vegetation, destabilizing riverbanks and reducing habitat for songbirds. Holt concludes, "The only realistic way to prevent further ecological decline is to bring the gray wolf back to these landscapes."
Text 2
In a recent editorial, wildlife manager Carlos Diaz acknowledges that wolves can regulate herbivore numbers but contends that reintroduction is not always necessary. Diaz cites data from several eastern preserves where seasonal, licensed hunts reduced deer densities and allowed saplings to rebound within five years. He also notes that reintroducing wolves often meets resistance from ranchers concerned about livestock losses and from residents uneasy about living near large predators.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the underlined claim in Text 1?
For cross-text connection questions, first isolate the specific sentence or claim being asked about in one text and paraphrase it in simple terms. Then, in the second text, look for the author’s overall stance toward that idea—does the author agree, disagree, or partially agree but with conditions or alternatives? Pay close attention to contrast words like “but” and “however,” and to any evidence given. Finally, eliminate choices that don’t match both the attitude (agree/Disagree/qualify) and the reasoning or evidence provided in the second text, and select the one that captures both accurately.
Hints
Focus on the exact underlined words
Look closely at Holt’s underlined statement in Text 1. What does the phrase “the only realistic way” say about how many acceptable solutions there are?
Summarize Diaz’s main disagreement
In Text 2, find the sentence starting with “Diaz acknowledges that wolves can regulate herbivore numbers but contends that…”. How does that sentence respond to the idea that wolves are the only solution?
Use Diaz’s evidence to test the choices
What specific method does Diaz describe that allowed saplings to rebound? Look for the choice that uses this method to challenge Holt’s very strong claim.
Step-by-step Explanation
Locate the exact claim in Text 1
Find the underlined sentence in Text 1: Holt concludes, “The only realistic way to prevent further ecological decline is to bring the gray wolf back to these landscapes.”
This means Holt is saying there is only one workable solution to the ecological problems: reintroducing wolves.
Determine the main point of Text 2
In Text 2, Diaz:
- Acknowledges that wolves can regulate herbivores.
- But he “contends that reintroduction is not always necessary.”
- He cites data from preserves where seasonal, licensed hunts reduced deer and allowed vegetation to recover.
- He also mentions opposition from ranchers and residents to wolf reintroduction.
So Diaz’s key idea is: there are other effective methods besides bringing wolves back, and wolf reintroduction can cause conflicts.
Compare Diaz’s view to Holt’s strong wording
Holt says the only realistic way to stop ecological decline is to bring wolves back.
Diaz says:
- Reintroduction is not always necessary (so it’s not the only way).
- Human-controlled hunts have already solved similar problems in some places.
This means Diaz would think Holt’s claim is too absolute/too strong, because Diaz has evidence of another realistic solution.
Match the comparison to the best answer choice
Now check each option:
- The correct choice must show that Diaz disagrees with the “only realistic way” part and must use his evidence about controlled hunts as an alternative solution.
Answer D) The claim is overstated, because controlled human hunts have been shown to restore vegetation without reintroducing wolves. does exactly this, so D is the correct answer.