Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

Crows are clever birds. Scientists have seen them use sticks as tools to pull insects out of tree bark. What have scientists seen crows do?

1. ACopy human words
2. BUse sticks as tools
3. CSwim to catch fish
4. DNest underground

Snakes flick their tongues in and out to pick up scents from the air. This helps them find food and sense danger. Why do snakes flick their tongues?

1. ATo pick up scents from the air around them
2. BTo clean dust off their faces and eyes
3. CTo cool their bodies down
4. DTo warn other snakes away

A school lunch menu shows: Monday – pasta; Tuesday – tacos; Wednesday – soup and salad; Thursday – fish; Friday – pizza. On which day is fish served?

1. AMonday
2. BTuesday
3. CFriday
4. DThursday

Falls are a common cause of injury in older adults. Removing loose rugs, adding bright lights on stairs and installing grab bars in the bathroom can make a home safer. What is the main purpose of the passage?

1. ATo argue that older adults need carers
2. BTo describe the design of modern bathrooms
3. CTo explain how bones heal after a fall
4. DTo suggest ways to prevent falls at home

The library’s new rule states: “Mobile phones must be set to silent in the reading room. Calls may be taken in the lobby.” Where may visitors take phone calls?

1. AIn the reading room
2. BIn the lobby
3. CAnywhere in the library
4. DNowhere in the building

“Smoking harms almost every organ in the body. It raises the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. Quitting at any age brings health benefits.” What is the author’s main message?

1. AOnly older people are harmed by smoking.
2. BSmoking affects the lungs but no other organs.
3. CQuitting smoking is helpful only for young people.
4. DSmoking is harmful, and quitting helps at any age.

Passage: “Gutenberg’s printing press, developed in the 1400s, made books faster and cheaper to produce. As more books became available, more people learned to read, and new ideas spread quickly across Europe.” Which sequence of effects does the passage describe?

1. ANew ideas, then cheaper paper, then more printers
2. BFewer books, so fewer people learned to read
3. CCheaper books, wider reading, faster spread of ideas
4. DWider reading, then the printing press

“The writer’s grandfather never talked about the war. Only after his death did the family find a box of medals and letters in the attic.” What does this detail suggest?

1. AHe never served in the war at all.
2. BHe kept his wartime experiences private.
3. CHe talked about the war with his family every day.
4. DHe gave his medals away to friends.