Question 77·Medium·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
Entomologist Dr. Mira Sandoval argues that urban gardeners can play a crucial role in slowing the decline of native bee populations. In a recent article she notes that the pollen produced by ornamental, non-native flowers often lacks certain proteins the insects need. Sandoval therefore recommends replacing exotic blooms with regional wildflowers, which she says "supply a complete diet and nesting materials for local pollinators."
Text 2
Landscape designer Rahul Bhattad, whose firm specializes in city rooftops, tells prospective clients that native plants are the most reliable way to attract butterflies and solitary bees. While acknowledging that some non-native ornamentals are visually striking, Bhattad explains that "without the right nectar sources, pollinating insects will pass by these displays." He encourages gardeners to devote at least half of their beds to species that historically grew in the area.
Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which statement?
For cross-text connection questions, first quickly summarize each text in a short note (e.g., 'Text 1: prefers native plants because they feed bees fully' and 'Text 2: native plants best attract bees/butterflies'). Then look for the overlapping claim—what they both clearly support. When you evaluate choices, require that each one be backed by evidence from both texts; if a choice is only in one text, adds new ideas (like reasons homeowners choose flowers, maintenance effort, or global effects), or changes the scope or strength of the claim, eliminate it. This 'supported by both' test lets you answer accurately and quickly.
Hints
Hint 1: Focus on what each author recommends
For each text, underline what the author tells gardeners to do and why. Do they prefer one type of plant over another for pollinating insects?
Hint 2: Look for overlap, not differences
Ask yourself: What belief about plants and pollinating insects do both authors clearly share? Ignore details that appear in only one text.
Hint 3: Test each choice against both texts
Take each answer option and check: Can I point to evidence in Text 1 and Text 2 that supports this statement? If it is only supported by one text or by neither, eliminate it.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand what the question is asking
The question asks what both authors would agree with. That means the correct answer must be supported by Text 1 and Text 2, not just one of them. Treat each choice like an 'AND': it must match both authors' views.
Summarize Text 1 (Sandoval)
In Text 1, Dr. Sandoval says urban gardeners can help slow the decline of native bees. She notes that pollen from ornamental, non-native flowers often lacks certain proteins bees need. She recommends replacing exotic blooms with regional wildflowers, which she says provide a complete diet and nesting materials for local pollinators. So she clearly prefers native/regional plants for pollinators over non-native ornamentals.
Summarize Text 2 (Bhattad)
In Text 2, Bhattad tells clients that native plants are the most reliable way to attract butterflies and solitary bees. He admits some non-native ornamentals look impressive, but explains that without the right nectar sources, insects will pass them by. He encourages gardeners to devote at least half their beds to plants that historically grew in the area. Again, he is clearly favoring native plants for pollinators over non-native ornamentals.
Find the shared idea between the texts
Both authors:
- Contrast native plants with non-native ornamentals.
- Say native or regional plants give pollinators what they need (proteins, nectar, nesting materials) and are more effective at attracting and supporting local insects.
- Suggest planting more native species instead of, or in addition to, exotic ones.
So the common idea is that native plantings are better for local pollinating insects than ornamental non-native plants.
Match that shared idea to the answer choices
Now compare that shared idea to the options:
- Only the choice stating that native plantings can better support local pollinating insects than non-native ornamentals directly captures what both Sandoval and Bhattad argue.
Therefore, the correct answer is: Native plantings can better support local pollinating insects than non-native ornamentals.