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 makes fruit taste sweeter.
2. BIt kills all the vitamins.
3. CIt can leave a residue.
4. DIt does not remove any dirt.

The Great Wall of China is not a single wall. It is a series of walls built over many centuries by different rulers to protect against invasions. Why was the Great Wall built?

1. ATo store grain for winter
2. BTo create a road for trade only
3. CTo mark the edge of a farm
4. DTo protect against invasions

A weather report says: “Today will be cloudy in the morning with sunshine in the afternoon. Tonight, expect light rain.” When is rain expected?

1. AThis afternoon
2. BTonight
3. CThis morning
4. DAll day long

“Most deserts are hot, but not all. Antarctica is considered a desert because it receives very little precipitation, even though it is covered in ice.” What makes a place a desert, according to the passage?

1. AVery high temperatures
2. BA complete lack of animals
3. CA covering of sand
4. DVery little precipitation

“Unlike typical classrooms, the new science lab has movable tables, large screens on every wall and sinks at each station.” What is the author mainly doing in this sentence?

1. AExplaining how to build a science lab
2. BGiving an opinion about the teachers
3. CDescribing the history of the school
4. DContrasting the lab with typical classrooms

“Some people say that cats are unfriendly. My cat, Pepper, waits by the door every evening and sits on my lap while I read.” How does the writer use Pepper?

1. AAs an example that goes against the claim
2. BAs a description of how to train a cat
3. CAs a reason to buy a new cat
4. DAs proof that all cats are unfriendly

“The new treatment is promising,” the researcher said, “but our trial included only 40 patients, all of them under 50. We cannot yet say whether it works for older adults.” What can you infer about the researcher’s view?

1. AThe treatment should be given to everyone now.
2. BOlder adults should never receive the treatment.
3. CThe treatment does not work at all.
4. DMore research is needed before wider use.

The author writes: “All of my neighbours who drink coffee are energetic. So coffee must give everyone energy.” What is the flaw in this reasoning?

1. AIt generalises from a small, unusual group.
2. BIt does not mention the price of coffee.
3. CIt uses facts instead of personal opinions.
4. DIt gives too many examples to be useful.