Question 93·Hard·Cross-Text Connections
Text 1
Astronomer Konstantin Batygin argues that the unusually clustered orbits of several distant trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs) point to the gravitational pull of a massive, still-unseen planet—popularly dubbed Planet Nine. Using computer models, Batygin’s team showed that a planet roughly ten times the mass of Earth, orbiting far beyond Neptune on an elongated path, would herd the smaller bodies into the same orbital orientation we observe today.
Therefore, Planet Nine is the only plausible explanation for these clustered orbits.
Text 2
Astrophysicist Ann-Marie Madigan counters that the TNOs could be shepherded by their own collective gravity rather than by a single giant planet. Her group’s simulations suggest that, over millions of years, the cumulative gravitational interactions among thousands of icy bodies in the outer Solar System can also produce the distinctive clustering highlighted by Batygin. Madigan concedes that a distant planet remains a viable hypothesis but insists that until observations rule out self-gravity models, Planet Nine cannot be deemed uniquely credible.
Based on the texts, how would the author of Text 2 most likely respond to the bolded claim in Text 1?
For cross-text response questions, pinpoint the exact claim being challenged (especially extreme wording like “only”). Then restate Text 2’s position (agree/disagree/qualify) and its reasoning. Choose the option that mirrors both the stance (here, rejecting exclusivity) and the specific rationale (an alternative self-gravity model could also explain the evidence), while eliminating answers that add new claims or overstate Text 2’s position.
Hints
Focus on the key word in the bolded claim
The bolded sentence uses a word that rules out other explanations. Identify that word and think about whether Text 2 allows other possibilities.
Summarize Text 2 in one sentence
Does Text 2 treat Planet Nine as impossible, as definitely correct, or as one possible explanation alongside another? Use Text 2’s final sentence to decide.
Choose the option that challenges exclusivity
Pick the answer that objects to calling Planet Nine the only plausible explanation because another model could also explain the clustering.
Step-by-step Explanation
Identify exactly what the bolded claim in Text 1 says
The bolded sentence in Text 1 concludes that Planet Nine is the only plausible explanation for the clustered orbits. This is an exclusivity claim: it rules out other plausible causes.
Determine Text 2’s stance
Text 2 proposes that the trans-Neptunian objects could be shepherded by their own collective gravity and states that while Planet Nine remains viable, it cannot be deemed uniquely credible until self-gravity models are ruled out.
Match the response to the bolded claim
Because Text 2 offers a competing mechanism that can also produce clustering, its author would reject the idea that Planet Nine is the only plausible explanation and call that conclusion premature.
Select the choice that reflects that response
The best match is: “By contending that the claim is premature because alternative models, such as collective gravitational effects among small bodies, could also account for the observed clustering.”