Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

“The old man’s hands were wrinkled and spotted, and he walked with a cane.” Which detail tells you that the man is old?

1. AThe colour of his long winter coat
2. BThe time of day he walked
3. CHis wrinkled, spotted hands and his cane
4. DThe name of his street

A cereal box reads: “Contains wheat and milk. May contain traces of nuts.” Which ingredient does the box say it contains?

1. AShellfish
2. BWheat
3. CSoya
4. DEggs

A glossary is a list of important words and their meanings, usually found at the back of a book. A student reading a biology textbook does not know the word “osmosis”. Where could she find its meaning quickly?

1. AOn the title page
2. BOn the copyright page
3. CIn the glossary
4. DIn the table of contents

The author says: “Some argue that homework is a waste of time. Yet research shows that a moderate amount of homework can improve test scores for older students.” How does the author respond to the argument against homework?

1. ABy presenting research that supports some homework
2. BBy telling a personal story about homework from school
3. CBy agreeing that homework is a waste of time
4. DBy ignoring the argument completely

Vaccines train the immune system to recognise a germ without causing the disease. Later, if the real germ enters the body, the immune system can respond faster. Which statement best summarises the passage?

1. AVaccines work only after a person is already sick with the disease.
2. BVaccines cause a mild form of every disease.
3. CVaccines replace the immune system completely.
4. DVaccines prepare the immune system to fight a germ quickly.

“Most deserts are hot, but not all. Antarctica is considered a desert because it receives very little precipitation, even though it is covered in ice.” What makes a place a desert, according to the passage?

1. AA complete lack of animals
2. BVery little precipitation
3. CVery high temperatures
4. DA covering of sand

“Emma had practised her speech for weeks. When she stood before the crowd, her hands trembled, but her voice came out clear and strong.” Which statement best describes Emma at that moment?

1. ANervous inside but still able to speak well
2. BCalm and completely without fear
3. CUnprepared and unsure of her words
4. DAngry at the crowd for watching her so closely

The writer argues: “We should not build the new road. It will destroy the old forest, and the traffic it saves will last only until more cars fill it.” Which piece of evidence would most strengthen the writer’s argument?

1. AA survey showing most people own a car
2. BA map showing where the new road would go
3. CStudies showing new roads often fill with more traffic
4. DA report that the forest is rarely visited