Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

Digestion begins in the mouth. As you chew, saliva starts to break down some of the food, and your tongue helps form it into a ball that you can swallow. Where does digestion begin?

1. AIn the stomach
2. BIn the mouth
3. CIn the liver and gallbladder
4. DIn the large intestine

“Mr. Jones checked the oven, turned off the lights and locked the front door before going to bed.” What did Mr. Jones do last?

1. AHe locked the back door.
2. BHe went to bed.
3. CHe checked the oven.
4. DHe turned off the lights.

The heart has four chambers. The two upper chambers are called atria, and the two lower chambers are called ventricles. What are the two lower chambers called?

1. ACoronary arteries
2. BVentricles
3. CAtria
4. DValves

“Using phones and tablets late at night may make it harder to fall asleep. Experts suggest putting screens away about an hour before bed.” Which person is following the experts’ advice?

1. AAna, who reads a paper book for the last hour
2. BCara, who watches videos on her tablet in bed
3. CDan, who plays games until he falls asleep
4. DBen, who scrolls his phone until midnight

“Smoking harms almost every organ in the body. It raises the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. Quitting at any age brings health benefits.” What is the author’s main message?

1. AOnly older people are harmed by smoking.
2. BSmoking is harmful, and quitting helps at any age.
3. CQuitting smoking is helpful only for young people.
4. DSmoking affects the lungs but no other organs.

Unlike most fish, the salmon is born in fresh water, travels to the ocean to grow and then returns to the same river to lay its eggs. Which choice best summarises the passage?

1. ASalmon move between rivers and the ocean during their lives.
2. BSalmon spend their whole lives in the ocean.
3. CSalmon are the only fish that lay eggs.
4. DSalmon are born in the ocean and later die in fresh-water rivers.

Passage A: “Homework helps students practise skills learned in class.” Passage B: “Too much homework can cause stress and leave little time for rest.” Which statement best combines both passages?

1. AHomework is never useful for any student.
2. BMore homework always means better grades.
3. CHomework can help, but too much can be harmful.
4. DHomework should be banned in all schools from now on.

“The writer describes the old city as ‘a maze of narrow streets where every corner hides a surprise’.” What does this description suggest about the city?

1. AIt is dangerous and best avoided by visitors.
2. BIt is boring, with nothing to see.
3. CIt is modern, wide and well planned.
4. DIt is confusing but full of interest.