Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

“Ellie’s room was a mess. Clothes covered the floor, books were piled on the bed and her shoes were under the desk.” What is the main idea?

1. AEllie had moved house.
2. BEllie had many shoes.
3. CEllie’s room was untidy.
4. DEllie read in bed.

Clara Barton was a nurse during the American Civil War. She cared for wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Later, in 1881, she founded the American Red Cross. What did Clara Barton found?

1. AThe first nursing school in America
2. BA medical school for women doctors
3. CThe American Red Cross
4. DA hospital for children in New York

Loud noise can damage hearing over time. People who work with loud machines should wear ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs. What should people who work with loud machines wear?

1. ASafety glasses
2. BThick gloves
3. CSteel-toed boots
4. DEar protection

“The lungs contain millions of tiny air sacs called alveoli. Here, oxygen passes into the blood, and carbon dioxide passes out to be breathed away.” What happens in the alveoli?

1. ABlood cells are made from bone marrow.
2. BOxygen and carbon dioxide are exchanged.
3. CFood is broken down into nutrients.
4. DAir is warmed before reaching the nose.

“Maria ran to the window every time a car passed. At last, a red truck pulled into the driveway, and she rushed to the door shouting, ‘Dad’s home!’” What can you infer?

1. AMaria wanted the car to go away.
2. BMaria was afraid of the red truck.
3. CMaria had been waiting eagerly for her father.
4. DMaria did not know who owned the red truck outside.

“After the storm, the town came together. Neighbours cleared fallen trees, shared food and checked on elderly residents.” What is the main theme of the passage?

1. AThe best way to prepare for a storm
2. BPeople helping one another in hard times
3. CWhy older people should move away
4. DThe danger of living near old trees

“The writer describes the city at rush hour as ‘a river of cars that hardly moved’.” What does this metaphor suggest?

1. AThe road was flooded with water.
2. BThe cars were moving very fast.
3. CThe traffic was heavy and slow.
4. DThe city has many bridges.

Paula wrote: “Our hospital cafeteria now offers more fresh fruit and fewer fried foods. Since the change, sales of fruit have doubled. Clearly, every employee is now eating a healthy diet.” Why is Paula’s last statement not well supported?

1. AHigher fruit sales do not show what every employee eats.
2. BFruit sales actually went down after the cafeteria changed its menu.
3. CFried foods are healthier than fresh fruit.
4. DThe cafeteria did not change its menu at all.