Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

Tomás wanted to grow tomatoes. First, he planted the seeds in small pots indoors. When the plants were 15 cm tall, he moved them outside into the garden. Finally, he tied the stems to sticks so they would not fall over. What did Tomás do first?

1. AHe planted seeds in small pots indoors.
2. BHe tied the stems to sticks.
3. CHe bought young tomato plants at a garden market.
4. DHe moved the plants into the garden.

A first-aid poster says: “For a nosebleed, sit up, lean slightly forward and pinch the soft part of the nose for 10 minutes.” Which way should a person with a nosebleed lean?

1. AFar backward
2. BSlightly forward
3. CTo the left side
4. DFlat on their back

Hummingbirds are tiny birds that can hover in the air like helicopters. They beat their wings very fast and can even fly backwards. What special ability of hummingbirds is mentioned?

1. ASwimming underwater
2. BFlying backwards
3. CRunning very fast on land
4. DTalking like people

“Old Mr. Hale’s garden was full of weeds, the gate hung from one hinge, and the windows were covered in dust.” What can the reader most likely infer?

1. AMr. Hale spends every single day working in the garden.
2. BThe house was cleaned the day before.
3. CMr. Hale has just moved into the house.
4. DThe house has not been cared for in some time.

“Tara volunteered to stay late, helped a new colleague with her first report and never complained about the extra work.” Which word best describes Tara?

1. ALazy
2. BHelpful
3. CSelfish
4. DRude

“Dear residents, the lift (elevator) in Block A will be out of service from Monday to Wednesday. We apologise for the inconvenience. Residents who need help with heavy items may call the caretaker.” What is the main purpose of the message?

1. ATo ask residents to repair the lift themselves
2. BTo announce that Block A is closing for good
3. CTo inform residents about the lift and offer help
4. DTo introduce a new caretaker

The author writes: “A famous actor says she uses Glow cream every day, so it must be good for your skin.” Why is this weak evidence?

1. ASkin cream can only be sold by doctors.
2. BThe actor did not say how often she used it.
3. CActors never use skin cream.
4. DFame is not expertise in skin care.

In paragraph one, the author describes how a small village got clean drinking water by building a well. In paragraph two, the author reports that childhood illnesses in the village fell by half in the next year. What relationship does the author suggest between the two paragraphs?

1. AChronological list of unrelated events
2. BCompare and contrast
3. CProblem with no solution
4. DCause and effect