Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

A label on a bottle of cough syrup reads: “Adults and children 12 years and over: 10 mL every 4 hours. Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours. Children under 12: ask a doctor.” What is the largest number of doses an adult may take in 24 hours?

1. A4
2. B12
3. C10
4. D6

Wash fresh fruit and vegetables under running water before eating them. This removes dirt and some germs. Do not use soap, because it can leave a residue. Why should you not use soap to wash fruit?

1. AIt can leave a residue.
2. BIt does not remove any dirt.
3. CIt makes fruit taste sweeter.
4. DIt kills all the vitamins.

Laughter has health benefits. It can lower stress, relax the muscles and may even help the immune system. Which benefit of laughter is mentioned in the passage?

1. AIt cures infections.
2. BIt replaces exercise.
3. CIt can lower stress.
4. DIt improves eyesight.

Frogs begin life as eggs laid in water. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which have tails and breathe with gills. Over several weeks, tadpoles grow legs, lose their tails and develop lungs. How is the passage mainly organised?

1. AAs an argument for and against
2. BAs a problem followed by a solution
3. CIn time order, describing stages of growth
4. DAs a comparison of two different animals

“Turn the oven off, then let the cake cool in the tin for ten minutes. After that, turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely before icing.” What should be done just before the cake is iced?

1. ATurn the oven back on.
2. BPut it in the fridge for ten minutes.
3. CLeave it in the tin for an hour.
4. DLet it cool completely on a wire rack.

“The patient said he felt ‘as weak as a kitten’ after his long illness.” What does the patient mean?

1. AHe felt very sleepy.
2. BHe wanted a pet cat.
3. CHe felt very weak.
4. DHe felt playful and lively.

“In one study, people who were told a pill would ease their pain reported less pain, even though the pill contained no medicine.” What does this study illustrate?

1. APain cannot be measured in any study.
2. BPills without medicine cure all kinds of disease.
3. CExpectations can affect how people report symptoms.
4. DThe study’s pill secretly contained hidden painkillers.

Passage A: “Homework helps students practise skills learned in class.” Passage B: “Too much homework can cause stress and leave little time for rest.” Which statement best combines both passages?

1. AHomework is never useful for any student.
2. BHomework should be banned in all schools from now on.
3. CHomework can help, but too much can be harmful.
4. DMore homework always means better grades.