SAT OwlQuestion bank / Cross-Text Connections
Text 1: Generations of children have been warned that reading in dim light will ruin their eyesight. The belief makes intuitive sense, since squinting at a page in a poorly lit room can leave the eyes feeling tired and sore.
Text 2: Eye specialists agree that reading in dim light can cause temporary discomfort, such as tired eyes or headaches. But studies have found no evidence that it causes lasting damage. Once the eyes rest, the discomfort fades.
Based on the texts, how would the eye specialists in Text 2 most likely respond to the warning described in Text 1?
They would agree that reading in dim light permanently harms eyesight.
They would argue that reading in dim light causes no discomfort at all.
They would recommend that children read only in bright sunlight to protect their eyes from lasting harm.
They would accept that dim light can tire the eyes but deny that it ruins eyesight.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: D
The specialists grant that dim light can cause tired eyes and headaches but say there is no evidence of lasting damage. They would accept part of the warning and reject the claim that it ruins eyesight, choice D.
Choice B overcorrects. Text 2 says dim light can cause temporary discomfort.
Why the other choices are wrong
- A. Text 2 says studies found no evidence of lasting damage.
- B. Text 2 grants that dim light can cause tired eyes or headaches.
- C. Text 2 makes no recommendation about where children should read.
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