Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

An allergy is when the body’s immune system reacts to something that is usually harmless, such as pollen, dust or certain foods. Common signs include sneezing, itching and a rash. Which is given as an example of something that can cause an allergy?

1. APollen
2. BOxygen
3. CSunshine
4. DWater

A cereal box reads: “Contains wheat and milk. May contain traces of nuts.” Which ingredient does the box say it contains?

1. ASoya
2. BShellfish
3. CWheat
4. DEggs

The museum is free for children under 5. Tickets cost $8 for children aged 5 to 17 and $15 for adults. Seniors over 65 pay $10. How much does a ticket cost for a 70-year-old visitor?

1. AFree
2. B$10
3. C$15
4. D$8

“When the fire alarm sounded, the teacher calmly led the children down the stairs, counted them at the meeting point and reported that everyone was safe.” Which word best describes the teacher’s actions?

1. APanicked
2. BOrganised
3. CConfused and lost
4. DCareless

“Tomás has worked as a paramedic for ten years. He says the hardest part of the job is not the long hours but telling families bad news.” What does Tomás find hardest about his job?

1. ALearning new medical skills
2. BWorking long hours
3. CGiving bad news to families
4. DDriving the ambulance at night

“The temperature dropped below freezing overnight. In the morning, the puddles on the path were hard and slippery.” Why were the puddles hard?

1. AThe sun had dried them out.
2. BRain had fallen on them all night.
3. CThe water in them had frozen into ice.
4. DSomeone had covered them with sand.

A graph shows that ice-cream sales and sunburn cases both rise in summer. A writer concludes that eating ice cream causes sunburn. What is the best explanation for the link?

1. AHot, sunny weather increases both.
2. BThe graph must contain a mistake.
3. CSunburn makes people want ice cream.
4. DIce cream makes skin more sensitive.

A study abstract states: “Participants who drank green tea daily reported fewer colds. However, they also exercised more and smoked less than the other participants.” Why does the second sentence matter?

1. AIt shows that exercise causes colds.
2. BOther differences between the groups might explain the result.
3. CIt means the study included no smokers in either of its groups.
4. DIt proves that green tea prevents colds.