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. BWater
3. CSunshine
4. DOxygen

A flyer reads: “Free CPR class for parents. Saturday 10 a.m. at the community centre. Bring a water bottle and wear comfortable clothes.” What should people bring to the class?

1. AA packed lunch
2. BA water bottle
3. CA training dummy
4. DA first-aid kit

The cheetah is the fastest land animal. It can reach speeds of about 100 km/h, but only for short bursts of around 30 seconds. What limits the cheetah’s top speed?

1. AIt runs only at night.
2. BIt can only keep it up for short bursts.
3. CIt can only run on grass.
4. DIt is much heavier than other big cats.

In a survey of 200 nursing students, 150 said they studied best in the morning, 30 preferred the afternoon and 20 preferred the evening. What percentage of the students preferred the morning?

1. A75%
2. B150%
3. C50%
4. D15%

“I watched as Mrs. Grey slowly climbed the steps, stopping on each one to catch her breath. ‘She’s getting older,’ I thought sadly.” From which point of view is the story told?

1. AFirst person, by a narrator who observes
2. BFirst person, by Mrs. Grey herself
3. CThird person, through Mrs. Grey’s thoughts
4. DSecond person, addressing the reader

“Handwashing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infection in hospitals,” says a training manual. What would the manual most likely recommend next?

1. AAvoiding soap to protect the skin
2. BWashing hands only at the end of each shift
3. CWearing the same gloves for all patients
4. DWashing hands before and after patient contact

“The bakery’s sales rose by 30% after it began selling coffee. The owner wonders whether to start selling sandwiches as well.” What can be reasonably inferred?

1. ASandwiches will raise sales by exactly 30%.
2. BAdding coffee seems to have helped sales.
3. CThe bakery stopped selling bread.
4. DCoffee lost the bakery money.

The author writes: “Opponents claim the new hospital will cost too much. But they ignore that the nearest emergency room is 60 kilometres away, and every minute counts in a heart attack.” What is the author’s tone toward the opponents?

1. AAdmiring
2. BAmused
3. CNeutral
4. DCritical