Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

A flyer reads: “Free CPR class for parents. Saturday 10 a.m. at the community centre. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothes.” What should people bring to the class?

1. AA first-aid kit
2. BA water bottle
3. CA training dummy
4. DA packed lunch

Bees are important for farming. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar, they carry pollen that helps plants make fruit and seeds. How do bees help plants?

1. AThey water the plants with nectar.
2. BThey carry pollen between flowers.
3. CThey dig the soil around the roots.
4. DThey eat the insects that harm crops.

A textbook chapter has these headings: “What Is an Earthquake?”, “Why Earthquakes Happen”, “How to Stay Safe”. Under which heading would you look for advice on what to do during an earthquake?

1. AHow to Stay Safe
2. BThe glossary at the back of the book
3. CWhat Is an Earthquake?
4. DWhy Earthquakes Happen

“The hospital will introduce a new uniform colour system. Nurses will wear navy, physiotherapists green and healthcare assistants light blue. This will help patients know who is caring for them.” What is the purpose of the new system?

1. ATo reduce the number of nurses
2. BTo make uniforms cheaper to buy
3. CTo make staff look more modern and smart
4. DTo help patients identify staff roles

In the 1840s, the doctor Ignaz Semmelweis noticed that many mothers died after childbirth in wards where doctors came straight from performing autopsies. When he required doctors to wash their hands in a chlorine solution, the death rate dropped sharply. What does the passage suggest?

1. AHand washing reduced the spread of infection to the mothers.
2. BChlorine was used to make medicines for new mothers.
3. CAutopsies were no longer performed in that hospital after the year 1840.
4. DThe mothers died because of problems during birth only.

“Maria ran to the window every time a car passed. At last, a red truck pulled into the driveway, and she rushed to the door shouting, ‘Dad’s home!’” What can you infer?

1. AMaria wanted the car to go away.
2. BMaria had been waiting eagerly for her father.
3. CMaria did not know who owned the red truck outside.
4. DMaria was afraid of the red truck.

The author writes: “In a survey, 80% of patients said they were satisfied with the clinic. However, only 10% of patients returned the survey.” What is the author suggesting?

1. AMost patients were unhappy with the clinic.
2. BThe clinic sent too many surveys.
3. CThe result may not represent all patients.
4. DThe 80% figure must be a typing error.

“Emma had practised her speech for weeks. When she stood before the crowd, her hands trembled, but her voice came out clear and strong.” Which statement best describes Emma at that moment?

1. ACalm and completely without fear
2. BUnprepared and unsure of her words
3. CAngry at the crowd for watching her so closely
4. DNervous inside but still able to speak well