Question 49·Medium·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
Printed books remain unmatched in their ability to foster deep, focused reading. Unlike the glowing screens of e-readers, a paper page never tempts its reader with hyperlinks or notifications. The very weight and texture of a physical book encourage readers to slow down and savor each paragraph, whereas digital formats invite skimming and distraction.
Text 2
Advances in e-reader design have addressed many of the concerns traditionally raised about digital reading. Modern e-ink screens reduce glare, and built-in tools allow readers to highlight passages, look up unfamiliar words instantly, and enlarge text for comfort. These features can deepen engagement with the material, offering interactive experiences that paper alone cannot provide.
Based on the texts, which claim would the author of Text 2 most likely make in response to the argument in Text 1?
For cross-text connection questions, quickly summarize each text’s main claim in a short phrase (for example, “print is better for focus” vs. “digital tools can deepen engagement”). Then ask how the author of the second text would respond directly to the first: would they agree, disagree, or qualify the claim? Eliminate choices that introduce ideas not mentioned in the second text or that actually match the first text’s viewpoint. Finally, select the option that most clearly expresses the second author’s stance using evidence or wording that closely matches what you saw in the passage.
Hints
Clarify each author’s main point
First, restate in your own words what Text 1 says about printed books and what Text 2 says about modern e-readers. Are they mostly agreeing or mostly opposing each other?
Focus on how Text 2 answers Text 1’s concerns
Look for where Text 2 addresses the kinds of problems or worries raised in Text 1 (like distraction or quality of engagement). What does Text 2 suggest instead?
Eliminate choices that add new ideas
Cross out any answer choices that mention ideas that never appear in Text 2 (for example, advice about switching formats or statements about the physical feel of books if Text 2 never brings that up).
Check which option matches Text 2’s positive claims
Among the remaining choices, ask: which one shows confidence in what digital reading can do, based on the specific tools and features described in Text 2?
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify Text 1’s main argument
Text 1 claims printed books are better for deep, focused reading. It says:
- Paper pages do not have hyperlinks or notifications, so there are fewer distractions.
- The weight and texture of a physical book supposedly help readers slow down and focus.
- By contrast, digital formats are described as inviting skimming and distraction.
So overall, Text 1 argues that print is superior to digital for serious, focused reading.
Identify Text 2’s main response
Text 2 talks about advances in e-reader design:
- E-ink screens reduce glare.
- Built-in tools let readers highlight, look up words instantly, and enlarge text.
- These tools “can deepen engagement with the material” and “offer interactive experiences that paper alone cannot provide.”
So Text 2 suggests that modern digital tools can actually support or deepen engagement, not just distract.
Determine what kind of claim Text 2 would make back to Text 1
Text 1 says: digital reading = distracting and shallow; print = best for deep focus.
Text 2 would likely respond by saying something like:
- Digital reading is not necessarily more shallow.
- Modern e-readers have features that can help readers engage deeply.
- Some things digital can do (instant lookup, interactive tools) go beyond what paper can offer.
Now we need the answer choice that best captures this counterargument to Text 1.
Match the answer choices and choose the best one
Check each choice against what Text 2 actually says:
- Choice A says digital reading tools can promote deeper engagement because of interactive features print does not have. This directly matches Text 2’s point about tools like highlighting, word lookup, and adjustable text that “can deepen engagement” and offer experiences “paper alone cannot provide.”
- Choice B suggests alternating between print and e-books to balance focus with convenience, but Text 2 never talks about switching between formats or about “convenience” specifically.
- Choice C dismisses the weight and texture of printed books, which Text 2 never mentions at all, so it goes beyond the text.
- Choice D repeats Text 1’s worry about inevitable distractions from notifications and hyperlinks, but Text 2 focuses on improvements and benefits, not on distractions.
Therefore, the claim the author of Text 2 would most likely make is: A) Digital reading tools can actually promote deeper engagement by offering interactive features that printed books lack.