Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

The heart is a muscle about the size of a fist. It pumps blood through the body day and night. In an adult at rest, it beats about 60 to 100 times a minute. According to the passage, how big is the heart?

1. AAbout the size of a head
2. BAbout the size of a football
3. CAbout the size of a thumb
4. DAbout the size of a fist

Recycling paper saves trees and energy. Making new paper from recycled paper uses less water than making it from wood. Many towns collect paper for recycling once a week. What is the passage mostly about?

1. AHow trees are cut down for timber
2. BHow much water people drink each day
3. CThe benefits of recycling paper
4. DWhy towns collect rubbish every day

The first Olympic Games were held in ancient Greece, in a place called Olympia. The modern Olympic Games began in 1896 in Athens. Where were the first modern Olympic Games held?

1. AParis
2. BRome
3. CAthens
4. DOlympia

“After the hospital put hand sanitiser by every bed, staff used it far more often, and infection rates on the ward fell.” What can be reasonably concluded?

1. AInfection rates rose after the change.
2. BStaff did not clean their hands before at all.
3. CHand sanitiser is the only way to stop infection.
4. DEasier access may have improved hand hygiene.

“Leah practised her lines every night, but on opening night she froze and could not remember a single word.” What does “froze” mean in this sentence?

1. ALaughed at her own mistake
2. BSuddenly could not act or speak
3. CBecame very cold on the stage
4. DRan off the stage in tears

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

“Hannah had always been the first to raise her hand. Since the accident, she sat at the back of the room and rarely spoke.” What does the contrast suggest?

1. AHannah moved to a new school after the accident.
2. BHannah enjoyed sitting at the back.
3. CThe accident changed Hannah’s behaviour.
4. DHannah was always shy and quiet.

“The village doctor knew every family by name. When the new hospital opened in the city, many patients still drove an hour to see her.” What can be inferred about why patients kept seeing her?

1. AShe charged more than the hospital.
2. BThey did not know that the new hospital existed.
3. CThey valued her personal knowledge of them.
4. DThe city hospital was closed to them.