Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

Loud noise can damage hearing over time. People who work with loud machines should wear ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs. What should people who work with loud machines wear?

1. ASteel-toed boots
2. BEar protection
3. CThick gloves
4. DSafety glasses

“The puppy was curious about everything. It sniffed the shoes, poked its nose into the bag and chased a leaf across the garden.” What does “curious” mean?

1. AAfraid of new things
2. BReady to sleep
3. CUnfriendly to people
4. DEager to explore

The Amazon rainforest is in South America. It is home to millions of kinds of insects, plants, birds and other animals. What is the passage mainly about?

1. AThe Amazon rainforest and its wildlife
2. BThe deserts of South America
3. CBirds that fly south for winter
4. DHow to grow plants at home

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. CThey cannot fly, even though they have small wings.
4. DMany people enjoy hiking in New Zealand’s mountains.

A recipe says: “Preheat the oven to 180 °C. While the oven heats, mix the flour and sugar. Add the eggs and milk, stir until smooth, and pour into a greased tin.” What should be done while the oven is heating?

1. AMix the flour and sugar
2. BPour the batter into the tin
3. CAdd the eggs and milk
4. DGrease the oven shelves

“Whenever it rained, the old roof leaked into the kitchen. This winter, after the roof was replaced, the kitchen stayed dry through every storm.” What can be concluded?

1. AThe kitchen was moved to another room.
2. BIt did not rain this winter.
3. CThe old roof had no problems.
4. DThe new roof fixed the leak.

“Critics called the plan reckless, but the mayor pointed to three nearby cities where the same plan had cut traffic by a fifth.” How does the mayor support the plan?

1. ABy attacking the critics personally
2. BBy giving examples of where the plan has worked
3. CBy admitting that the plan is reckless
4. DBy promising to cancel the plan

The author writes: “Some readers may find these figures alarming. Over the past decade, the number of nurses aged over 55 has doubled, while the number entering the profession has stayed flat.” What problem is the author most likely pointing to?

1. AA decrease in the number of hospitals
2. BToo many young people becoming nurses at the same time
3. CNurses working too few hours each week
4. DA possible future shortage of nurses as many retire