Question 46·Easy·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
Environmental engineer Lina Cho argues that planting more trees in cities is one of the simplest ways to reduce dangerous summer heat. Cho notes that tree shade can lower surface temperatures on streets and sidewalks, making outdoor spaces more comfortable. Because planting trees is relatively inexpensive compared with building new cooling systems, Cho concludes that city governments should prioritize large-scale tree-planting programs.
Text 2
Urban ecologist Marcus Delaney agrees that trees can cool city streets, but he cautions that not every city can expand tree cover easily. Delaney points out that in dry regions, keeping newly planted trees alive often requires frequent watering, which can strain limited water supplies. He argues that some cities may need to focus on other cooling strategies, such as reflective building materials, instead of relying mainly on tree planting.
Based on the texts, how would Delaney (Text 2) most likely respond to Cho’s conclusion in Text 1?
For cross-text connection questions, first restate Text 1’s main claim or conclusion in your own words. Then identify whether Text 2 mostly agrees, disagrees, or agrees but adds a limitation. Finally, pick the choice that directly expresses that relationship using the specific issue Text 2 emphasizes (here, the water-supply constraint and the need for other strategies).
Hints
Locate the conclusion in Text 1
Find the sentence where Text 1 says what city governments should do.
Look for Text 2’s limitation or warning
In Text 2, focus on what could make tree planting harder in certain places.
Choose the option that connects those ideas
Pick the answer showing that Text 2 would agree with the cooling benefit but argue the plan won’t fit every city.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify Cho’s conclusion in Text 1
Cho concludes that city governments should prioritize large-scale tree-planting programs because trees cool cities and planting them is relatively inexpensive.
Identify Delaney’s main point in Text 2
Delaney agrees trees can cool streets, but he warns that expanding tree cover can be difficult in dry regions because new trees may require frequent watering that strains water supplies.
Match the response that directly addresses Cho’s claim
A correct response should show Delaney qualifying Cho’s broad recommendation by saying tree planting won’t work as the main solution in all places.
Therefore, the best choice is: Some cities may need alternatives to tree planting because expanding tree cover can require too much water.