Question 46·Easy·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
Urban planner Marisol Ortiz argues that in high-density neighborhoods, community gardens are more than decorative patches of green. She notes that when vacant lots are converted into gardens, residents gain spaces where they can grow tomatoes, herbs, and other fresh foods. Ortiz also stresses that tending these plots brings neighbors together and gives children a hands-on lesson in environmental stewardship.
Text 2
Public health researcher Dr. Evan Chen studies dietary habits in large cities. His surveys show that adults who participate in community gardens report eating more fresh fruits and vegetables each week. Moreover, Chen observes that the shared labor of planting and harvesting encourages casual conversation among neighbors who might otherwise remain strangers.
Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which statement?
For cross-text agreement questions, first quickly summarize each text in a few words (for example, “Text 1: what gardens let residents do; Text 2: what gardeners report and how they interact”). Then look for the overlap—an idea clearly present in both. Before picking an answer, check that each choice is backed by explicit evidence from each text and eliminate any option that introduces new details (history, causes, money, etc.) that the passages never mention, even if they sound reasonable.
Hints
Use both texts
Reread the question and remember that the correct statement must be supported by Text 1 and Text 2, not just one of them.
Identify the main benefits in each text
In Text 1, underline what Ortiz says residents can do in the gardens, and in Text 2, underline what Chen finds about participants’ eating habits.
Compare before choosing
After you list what each author says about community gardens, look for the idea that clearly appears in both lists, then eliminate any answer choice that adds new information not found in either text.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the task
The question asks what both authors would most likely agree with. That means the correct answer must be clearly supported by Text 1 and Text 2—not just one of them.
Find the key point in Text 1
In Text 1, Ortiz says that when vacant lots become gardens, "residents gain spaces where they can grow tomatoes, herbs, and other fresh foods." She also emphasizes social and educational benefits, like bringing neighbors together and teaching children about the environment. So major ideas are:
- Residents can grow edible plants.
- The gardens help build community and teach stewardship.
Find the key point in Text 2
In Text 2, Chen’s research shows that adults who participate in community gardens report eating more fresh fruits and vegetables each week. He also notes that working together in the gardens encourages casual conversation among neighbors. So major ideas are:
- Participants eat more fresh produce.
- The gardens support social interaction.
Look for the overlapping idea and test the choices
Now, compare the main ideas: both texts connect community gardens with people growing/eating fresh produce and with neighbor interactions, but only one answer choice matches a clear shared idea.
- A) Mentions grocery store prices—neither text discusses prices.
- C) Mentions government funding—funding is never brought up.
- D) Mentions wartime rationing—there is no historical claim like this.
- B) Matches the shared point that gardens allow people to grow and eat fresh produce.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Community gardens give residents access to fresh fruits and vegetables.