Question 60·Hard·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1 The stratigraphic layers uncovered at a dozen North American sites reveal a simultaneous deposition of nano-diamonds, iridium, and melt-glass dated to roughly 12,800 years ago. Paleoarchaeologist Victor Leung argues that this constellation of high-energy impact markers proves that a comet strike, and a comet strike alone, precipitated the abrupt end of the Clovis culture.
Text 2 The nano-diamonds and other high-temperature residues Leung cites do suggest an extraterrestrial event, but they do not preclude alternative or concurrent explanations for the Clovis decline. Evidence of severe drought in the same layers, coupled with the disappearance of several megafaunal species that the Clovis hunted, points to environmental stress and resource scarcity. The impact hypothesis is therefore best seen as one element within a broader, multifaceted account of cultural change rather than the sole cause.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely evaluate the underlined claim in Text 1?
For cross-text connections, restate Text 1’s claim in plain terms (especially any absolute words like “proves” or “alone”), then identify whether Text 2 agrees, disagrees, or qualifies it. Match the answer choice to Text 2’s exact move (here: allowing impact evidence but adding other concurrent causes), and eliminate choices that introduce causal chains or positions Text 2 never states.
Hints
Compare how absolute each text is
Text 1 uses absolute language like “proves” and “alone.” Does Text 2 speak in the same absolute way?
Track what Text 2 adds
Note the extra evidence Text 2 brings in (drought, megafaunal disappearance). What does adding these imply about Text 1’s claim?
Use the conclusion sentence in Text 2
Text 2 calls the impact hypothesis “one element” in a “multifaceted account.” What kind of critique does that make of a single-cause claim?
Reject choices that change Text 2’s position
Eliminate any option that makes Text 2 fully endorse the comet-as-only-cause idea or fully dismiss the impact evidence altogether.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify the strength of Text 1’s claim
Text 1 says the markers prove that “a comet strike, and a comet strike alone,” ended the Clovis culture, making a confident, single-cause claim.
Summarize Text 2’s stance
Text 2 says the markers “do suggest an extraterrestrial event,” but adds they “do not preclude alternative or concurrent explanations,” signaling partial agreement plus added complexity.
List the additional factors Text 2 introduces
Text 2 cites severe drought and megafaunal disappearance (resource scarcity) and concludes the impact hypothesis is “one element within a broader, multifaceted account,” not the sole cause.
Choose the option that matches Text 2’s evaluation
The best match is the choice stating that Text 1 overlooks other climatic and ecological factors that may have acted alongside an impact.
Therefore, the correct answer is As overlooking additional climatic and ecological factors that could have worked alongside an impact to end the Clovis culture.