Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

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 makes fruit taste sweeter.
3. CIt kills all the vitamins.
4. DIt does not remove any dirt.

The index of a health book lists: “Asthma, 12–15; Blood pressure, 44–47; Diabetes, 60–66; Flu, 81.” Where should a reader look to learn about blood pressure?

1. APages 60–66
2. BPages 44–47
3. CPages 12–15
4. DPage 81 near the end

Blood contains several kinds of cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body. White blood cells help fight infection. Platelets help the blood to clot when you are cut. Which cells help fight infection?

1. ARed blood cells
2. BWhite blood cells
3. CPlatelets
4. DNerve cells in the blood

A patient handout says: “Call the clinic if your temperature rises above 38.5 °C (101.3 °F), if the wound becomes red and swollen, or if you notice any discharge.” Which situation should lead the patient to call?

1. AThe temperature is 37.0 °C (98.6 °F) in the evening.
2. BThe bandage needs to be changed as planned.
3. CThe wound becomes red and swollen.
4. DThe patient feels tired after a long walk.

Mount Everest grows about 4 millimetres taller every year. This happens because the Indian plate is slowly pushing against the Eurasian plate, forcing the land upward. What causes Mount Everest to grow?

1. AThe movement of two plates pushing together
2. BClimbers adding rocks to the peak
3. CSnow building up on the summit every year
4. DVolcanic eruptions under the mountain

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

Some scientists argue that the dinosaurs died out because a huge asteroid struck Earth. Others point to massive volcanic eruptions that changed the climate. Many now think both events played a part. Which statement best describes the passage?

1. AIt argues that the dinosaurs never existed.
2. BIt presents competing explanations and a combined view.
3. CIt describes the daily life of the dinosaurs.
4. DIt proves that only the asteroid caused the extinction.

“The writer calls the new shopping centre ‘a concrete monster that swallowed the town’s last green field’.” What is the writer’s attitude toward the shopping centre?

1. AStrongly negative
2. BVery enthusiastic
3. CNeutral and factual
4. DMildly positive