Question 91·Easy·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
In recent decades, many beekeepers have reported sudden losses in their hives. One likely contributor is the widespread application of certain pesticides on crops. These chemicals can confuse bees’ navigation and impair their ability to return to the hive, leading to weakened colonies. While pesticides help farmers protect yields, reducing their use during bloom periods could lower risks to pollinators.
Text 2
A separate line of research points to shrinking habitat as a key stress on bees. As wildflower meadows are replaced by pavement, lawns, and single-crop fields, bees struggle to find diverse, season-long sources of nectar and pollen. Creating corridors of native flowering plants across cities and farms can improve bee nutrition and make populations more resilient.
Question
Based on the texts, both authors would most likely agree with which statement?
For cross-text questions, first read each short passage and write a 3–5 word note for the main idea (e.g., "pesticides hurt bees," "lost habitat hurts bees"). Then consciously ask: "What broad idea do these share?" Focus on that overlap rather than on small differences in details. Next, scan the answer choices and eliminate any option that (1) mentions causes or solutions not found in either passage, (2) directly conflicts with what one text says, or (3) uses extreme language like "only" or "solely" that the texts do not support. The remaining answer should be a general statement that both texts clearly support.
Hints
Restate each text in your own words
Briefly summarize Text 1 and Text 2. For each, ask: What is harming bees, and who or what is responsible for that problem?
Look for the overlap, not the differences
Text 1 and Text 2 focus on different specific issues. Instead of looking for the same detail in both, look for the broader idea that both discussions share.
Beware of extreme or very specific choices
Check the answer choices for words like "only" or for causes that appear in neither passage. The correct answer should reflect something clearly supported by both texts.
Use elimination carefully
Cross out any option that: (1) mentions something not in either text, or (2) contradicts what at least one of the texts says. The remaining option should match the big idea they share.
Step-by-step Explanation
Understand the main idea of Text 1
Text 1 explains that beekeepers are seeing sudden hive losses. It points to certain crop pesticides as a likely contributor because they confuse bees and keep them from returning to the hive. It also notes that while pesticides help farmers, changing how they are used (reducing use during bloom periods) could lower risks to bees.
Understand the main idea of Text 2
Text 2 says research links bee stress to shrinking habitat. As wildflower meadows are replaced by pavement, lawns, and single-crop fields, bees cannot find a wide range of food over the whole season. The text suggests creating corridors of native flowering plants to improve bee nutrition and resilience.
Identify what the texts have in common
Even though each text focuses on a different specific problem and solution, both are describing problems that come from how people are managing land and agriculture. In both, changes made by humans (farming practices, development, lawns, etc.) are connected to problems for bees.
Match the shared idea to the answer choices
Now compare that shared idea to the options:
- Choice B says bans on pesticides are the only way to help, but Text 1 talks about reducing use during bloom (not bans), and Text 2 talks about changing habitat, not pesticides at all.
- Choice C blames parasites alone, which neither text mentions.
- Choice D claims ornamental lawns help provide diverse food, but Text 2 actually lists lawns as part of the problem, not the solution.
- Choice A captures the idea that changes caused by people are creating problems for bees in both texts.
Correct answer: A) Human-driven changes are placing stress on bee populations.