Question 44·Medium·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
A recent analysis of high-resolution satellite imagery indicates that, since 2000, protected-area initiatives have expanded forest cover in Costa Verde by roughly 40 percent. The study’s lead author concludes that these reforestation efforts are the primary reason the region’s jaguar population has doubled over the same period.
Text 2
While acknowledging the impressive gain in tree cover, a wildlife ecologist cautions that the satellite study may overstate its influence on jaguars. She notes that powerful anti-poaching laws enacted in 2001 sharply reduced illegal hunting, and that concurrent increases in deer and peccary numbers have provided the big cats with more prey. In her view, reforestation is only one of several variables that could explain the population boom.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the underlined claim in Text 1?
For cross-text questions, quickly summarize each text’s main point in a few words (for example, Text 1: “reforestation is main cause”; Text 2: “other causes also matter”). Then decide whether the second text agrees, disagrees, or qualifies the first. Finally, scan the choices and eliminate any that misrepresent the relationship (e.g., show strong praise when the tone is cautious, or introduce ideas not mentioned, like outdated data). Focus on the specific criticisms or additions the second text makes about the first text’s claim.
Hints
Clarify each author’s main point
First, restate in your own words what Text 1 is claiming about why jaguar numbers increased, and then what Text 2 says about what might have caused that increase.
Pay attention to agreement vs. criticism
Does the ecologist in Text 2 fully agree with the conclusion in Text 1, mostly agree but qualify it, or challenge it as incomplete or misleading?
Look at the additional causes in Text 2
Text 2 mentions anti-poaching laws and changes in prey populations. How do these details relate to Text 1’s focus on reforestation as the main cause?
Eliminate answers that don’t match details
Ask yourself for each option: Does Text 2 actually say this (or strongly imply it)? If not—especially if it mentions things like outdated data or strong praise—cross it out.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand Text 1’s main claim
Focus on the underlined sentence in Text 1: the lead author concludes that reforestation efforts are the primary reason the jaguar population has doubled.
So, Text 1:
- Connects increased forest cover to more jaguars.
- Calls this the primary (main) reason for the jaguar population boom.
Understand Text 2’s perspective
Text 2’s ecologist:
- Acknowledges the gain in tree cover (so she does not reject reforestation completely).
- Says the satellite study may overstate its influence on jaguars.
- Mentions other changes: strong anti-poaching laws and more prey animals (deer and peccary).
- Concludes that reforestation is only one of several variables that could explain the population boom.
So she thinks the situation is more complex and that other factors also matter a lot.
Determine how Text 2 would respond to Text 1’s claim
Text 1 says reforestation is the primary reason for jaguar growth. Text 2 says reforestation is only one of several important factors, and the study may overstate its influence.
So Text 2’s author would respond by challenging the idea that reforestation alone mainly explains the jaguar increase and emphasizing that other causes during the same time period should be considered.
Match that relationship to the best answer choice
We need the choice that shows Text 2 criticizing the claim for being too narrow and ignoring other important causes.
Choice A says: "By arguing that the claim overlooks other major factors that have affected jaguar numbers during the same time frame." This matches exactly what Text 2 does: it adds anti-poaching laws and increased prey as other major factors and implies that focusing on reforestation alone is misleading.
Therefore, the correct answer is: A) By arguing that the claim overlooks other major factors that have affected jaguar numbers during the same time frame.