Read separately first
Don't try to compare while you're reading. Get each passage's main idea on its own. Then, with both in mind, look at the question.
Agree, disagree, or talk past each other
Most paired-passage questions ask: do these authors AGREE on this point, DISAGREE on this point, or AVOID each other's argument? Decide that first, then pick the choice that matches.
Strong claim test
Wrong answers often overstate one author's view ('Author A would say all X are bad'). Right answers stay close to what the passage actually says. Reject any choice that uses the words 'always', 'never', 'all', 'none' unless the passage really said that.
Tip: revisit this strategy after every 10 missed questions on this topic.