Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

Mars is called the Red Planet because its soil contains iron oxide, which gives it a reddish colour. Why is Mars called the Red Planet?

1. AIt has two small red moons.
2. BIt is very close to the sun.
3. CIts soil contains iron oxide.
4. DIt has red oceans.

Some trees lose their leaves in autumn and grow new ones in spring. These trees are called deciduous. Trees that keep their leaves all year, such as pine trees, are called evergreen. What is an evergreen tree?

1. AA tree that loses its leaves in autumn
2. BA tree that grows only in spring
3. CA tree with very bright green leaves
4. DA tree that keeps its leaves all year

Recycling paper saves trees and energy. Making new paper from recycled paper uses less water than making it from wood. Many towns collect paper for recycling once a week. What is the passage mostly about?

1. AWhy towns collect rubbish every day
2. BHow trees are cut down for timber
3. CHow much water people drink each day
4. DThe benefits of recycling paper

“Ravi and his sister argued about which film to watch. In the end, they agreed to watch his choice tonight and hers tomorrow.” How was the conflict resolved?

1. AThey decided not to watch any film.
2. BRavi’s sister chose both films.
3. CThey compromised and took turns.
4. DTheir parents chose a different film.

When Rosa started her new job at the hospital, she got lost three times on the first day. By the end of the month, she was giving directions to visitors. What does the passage show about Rosa?

1. AShe was given a map on her first day.
2. BShe quickly learned her way around the hospital.
3. CShe did not like her new job at the hospital and wanted to leave.
4. DShe often gets lost in new places.

“It was the first warm day of spring. The park was full of people: children flew kites, families had picnics and old friends sat chatting on benches.” What is the mood of the passage?

1. ACheerful
2. BLonely
3. CTense
4. DGloomy and grey

The author writes: “Either we close the old swimming pool, or the town will go bankrupt.” What is the flaw in this statement?

1. AIt gives too many reasons for closing the pool.
2. BIt uses figures that are clearly out of date.
3. CIt presents only two options when others exist.
4. DIt agrees with both sides of the debate.

Visiting rules: “Children under 14 may visit only with an adult. No more than 2 visitors at the bedside. Visiting ends at 8 p.m.” A mother and her 12-year-old and 15-year-old children want to visit together at 7 p.m. Which rule would they break?

1. AThe limit of 2 visitors at the bedside
2. BThe rule that visiting ends at 8 p.m.
3. CThey would not break any rule
4. DThe rule about children under 14