Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

“Please do not feed the ducks bread,” says a sign by the pond. “Bread can make them ill. Use the duck food sold at the kiosk instead.” What does the sign suggest instead of bread?

1. ALeftover rice from home
2. BDuck food from the kiosk
3. CSeeds from the garden
4. DFresh fruit

Sloths are very slow animals that live in the rainforests of Central and South America. They spend most of their lives hanging upside down in trees and rarely come down to the ground. Where do sloths spend most of their lives?

1. ADigging underground
2. BHanging in trees
3. CWalking on the forest floor
4. DSwimming in rivers

Drinking enough water helps the body control its temperature. Water also carries nutrients to cells and removes waste through the kidneys. Many adults need about two litres of fluid a day, and more in hot weather. According to the passage, how does water help remove waste?

1. ABy carrying nutrients to cells
2. BBy lowering the temperature of the cells
3. CThrough the kidneys
4. DThrough the skin only

“When you exercise in hot weather, your body sweats to cool down. If you do not replace the lost fluid, you can become dehydrated, which may cause dizziness and headaches.” What is the main point of the passage?

1. ASweating is a sign of serious illness.
2. BHot weather is good for exercising.
3. CHeadaches are caused only by hot weather.
4. DReplacing fluid prevents dehydration in heat.

Some animals hibernate in winter. Their heart rate and breathing slow down, and their body temperature drops. This saves energy at a time when food is hard to find. Why do some animals hibernate?

1. ATo raise their heart rate in the cold
2. BTo save energy when food is scarce
3. CTo find a mate during the winter
4. DTo grow thicker fur for the summer

An advertisement says: “Everyone is switching to SparkleSmile toothpaste. Don’t be the only one left behind!” Which technique is the advertisement using?

1. AQuoting a dentist’s expert advice
2. BDescribing the ingredients in detail
3. CUrging people to follow the crowd
4. DComparing the price with other toothpastes

The author writes: “All of my neighbours who drink coffee are energetic. So coffee must give everyone energy.” What is the flaw in this reasoning?

1. AIt generalises from a small, unusual group.
2. BIt does not mention the price of coffee.
3. CIt gives too many examples to be useful.
4. DIt uses facts instead of personal opinions.

“The hospital cut its use of paper by 40 percent after switching to electronic records. Staff said finding patient information became faster. A few older staff members needed extra training.” Which statement is best supported?

1. AThe switch made finding information slower.
2. BThe switch had benefits but also required some training.
3. CThe switch increased the amount of paper used.
4. DEvery member of staff needed extra training.