Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

Volcanoes can be active, dormant or extinct. An active volcano has erupted recently or may erupt soon. A dormant volcano has not erupted for a long time but could erupt again. An extinct volcano is not expected to erupt again. What is a dormant volcano?

1. AOne that will never erupt again
2. BOne that is found under the ocean
3. COne that is quiet but could erupt again
4. DOne that is erupting at this moment

Bamboo is one of the fastest-growing plants in the world. It is a type of grass, even though some kinds grow as tall as trees. What type of plant is bamboo?

1. AA type of grass
2. BA type of flower
3. CA type of moss
4. DA type of tree

Snakes flick their tongues in and out to pick up scents from the air. This helps them find food and sense danger. Why do snakes flick their tongues?

1. ATo warn other snakes away
2. BTo pick up scents from the air around them
3. CTo clean dust off their faces and eyes
4. DTo cool their bodies down

“Pressure ulcers, also called bedsores, can form when a person lies in one position for too long. Nurses help prevent them by changing the patient’s position regularly.” Why do nurses change patients’ positions?

1. ATo help prevent pressure ulcers
2. BTo make the bed easier to clean
3. CTo help patients sleep longer
4. DTo check the patient’s temperature

In 1928 Alexander Fleming returned from holiday and noticed that mould had grown on one of his bacteria dishes. Around the mould, the bacteria had died. This led to the discovery of penicillin. What led Fleming to discover penicillin?

1. AHe was trying to grow mould on purpose.
2. BHe noticed that bacteria near a mould had died.
3. CHe found penicillin in a book while on holiday.
4. DHe tested many chemicals on bacteria in 1928.

“The town had a problem: the only bridge over the river was too narrow for two cars. The council solved it by building a second bridge and making each one-way.” How is the passage organised?

1. ACompare and contrast
2. BTime order of events
3. CDescription of a place
4. DProblem and solution

The author writes: “Since the city put up speed cameras, the number of crashes has fallen. The cameras also earned the city a lot of money in fines. Critics say this proves the cameras are only about money.” Why is the critics’ conclusion weak?

1. AThe critics do not live in the city.
2. BCrashes increased after the cameras went up.
3. CThe cameras did not collect any money at all.
4. DEarning money does not rule out improving safety.

“Sugar-free drinks are often advertised as healthy. However, being free of sugar does not mean a drink has any nutrients, and some contain acids that can harm tooth enamel.” What is the author’s main point?

1. ASugar-free does not automatically mean healthy.
2. BSugary drinks are better for your teeth.
3. CEvery drink contains acids that harm teeth.
4. DSugar-free drinks are dangerous to drink.