Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

Exercise makes the heart beat faster. This sends more blood and oxygen to the muscles that are working. Why does the heart beat faster during exercise?

1. ATo send more oxygen to working muscles
2. BTo cool down the skin quickly
3. CTo slow down breathing
4. DTo help the body fall asleep

A glossary is a list of important words and their meanings, usually found at the back of a book. A student reading a biology textbook does not know the word “osmosis”. Where could she find its meaning quickly?

1. AOn the copyright page
2. BIn the glossary
3. CIn the table of contents
4. DOn the title page

“Grandma’s soup warmed us up on the snowy day. We each had two bowls and asked for the recipe.” What did the family think of the soup?

1. AThey liked it a lot.
2. BThey did not want to finish it.
3. CThey thought it was too hot.
4. DThey found it too salty to eat.

A pie chart of a family’s monthly budget shows: housing 40%, food 20%, transport 15%, savings 10%, other 15%. Which statement is true?

1. ASavings are the second largest share of the budget.
2. BTransport takes more than food.
3. CHousing takes the largest share.
4. DFood and transport together exceed housing.

Paragraph: “Kiwi birds live in New Zealand. They cannot fly, even though they have small wings. Their soft feathers look more like hair. Many people enjoy hiking in New Zealand’s mountains. Kiwis come out at night to find food.” Which sentence does NOT belong in the paragraph?

1. ATheir soft feathers look more like hair.
2. BKiwis come out at night to find food.
3. CMany people enjoy hiking in New Zealand’s mountains.
4. DThey cannot fly, even though they have small wings.

“The bridge was closed for repairs. As a result, drivers had to take a longer route into the city.” What relationship does “As a result” show?

1. ACause and effect
2. BComparison
3. CContrast
4. DTime order or sequence

A chart shows the number of patients seen in an emergency department per hour: 6 a.m. – 4; 9 a.m. – 10; noon – 12; 3 p.m. – 9; 6 p.m. – 14; 9 p.m. – 8. When would extra staff be most useful?

1. AAround 3 p.m.
2. BAround 9 p.m.
3. CAround 6 p.m.
4. DAround 6 a.m.

“Unlike her older brother, who argued about everything, Mina listened carefully, asked questions and only then shared her view.” Which word best describes Mina?

1. AThoughtful
2. BSilent
3. CCareless
4. DStubborn