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

A thermometer label says: “Clean the tip with alcohol before and after each use.” When should the tip be cleaned?

1. AOnly after each use
2. BBefore and after each use
3. COnly when it looks dirty
4. DOnly once a week

Mars is called the Red Planet because its soil contains iron oxide, which gives it a reddish colour. Why is Mars called the Red Planet?

1. AIt is very close to the sun.
2. BIt has two small red moons.
3. CIts soil contains iron oxide.
4. DIt has red oceans.

“The children had been told not to touch the cake. When their mother came back, there was a finger-shaped hole in the icing and chocolate on Tom’s chin.” What can you infer?

1. AThe mother made a mistake.
2. BThe cake was not finished.
3. CTom does not like chocolate.
4. DTom had tasted the cake.

“The new teacher wrote her name on the board, smiled and said, ‘Let’s start by learning one interesting fact about each of you.’” What can you infer about the teacher’s goal?

1. AShe wants the students to stay silent.
2. BShe wants to get to know her students.
3. CShe wants to finish the lesson early.
4. DShe wants to test the students’ spelling.

Wetlands such as marshes and swamps act like natural sponges. They soak up rainwater and release it slowly, which reduces flooding downstream. They also filter pollution from the water. Which sentence best summarises the passage?

1. AWetlands reduce flooding and clean water.
2. BWetlands cause flooding after heavy rain.
3. CWetlands are found only near the ocean.
4. DSwamps are more useful than marshes.

“Only 30 minutes after taking the new pill, I felt better,” said one customer in an advertisement. “It must be the best headache pill ever made.” Why is this weak evidence that the pill works?

1. AAdvertisements are never allowed to quote real customers.
2. BIt is one person’s experience, not a controlled study.
3. CHeadaches never improve on their own.
4. DThe customer did not say what time it was.

“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.