Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

Earthworms help gardens. As they tunnel through the soil, they let in air and water. Their waste also adds nutrients that plants need. According to the passage, how do earthworms help plants?

1. AThey let air and water into the soil.
2. BThey eat the insects that harm plant leaves.
3. CThey keep the soil dry during heavy rain.
4. DThey carry seeds to new parts of the garden.

Snakes flick their tongues in and out to pick up scents from the air. This helps them find food and sense danger. Why do snakes flick their tongues?

1. ATo cool their bodies down
2. BTo clean dust off their faces and eyes
3. CTo warn other snakes away
4. DTo pick up scents from the air around them

A recipe card says: “Serves 4. You will need 2 cups of rice, 1 onion and 3 cups of water.” How many people does the recipe serve?

1. A4
2. B2
3. C3
4. D1

“Smoking harms almost every organ in the body. It raises the risk of lung cancer, heart disease and stroke. Quitting at any age brings health benefits.” What is the author’s main message?

1. AQuitting smoking is helpful only for young people.
2. BSmoking affects the lungs but no other organs.
3. COnly older people are harmed by smoking.
4. DSmoking is harmful, and quitting helps at any age.

“It was the first warm day of spring. The park was full of people: children flew kites, families had picnics and old friends sat chatting on benches.” What is the mood of the passage?

1. ACheerful
2. BLonely
3. CTense
4. DGloomy and grey

Paragraph: “Exercise has many benefits. It strengthens the heart and lungs. It helps control weight. It can also improve mood and sleep.” Which sentence is the topic sentence?

1. AIt strengthens the heart and lungs.
2. BIt helps control weight.
3. CIt can also improve mood and sleep.
4. DExercise has many benefits.

“Maya had moved schools four times in six years. On her first day at the new school, she didn’t unpack her locker. ‘No point,’ she told herself.” Why most likely did Maya not unpack?

1. AShe had forgotten to bring her things.
2. BShe expected to move again before long.
3. CShe disliked the locker’s colour.
4. DShe planned to share a locker.

A study abstract states: “Participants who drank green tea daily reported fewer colds. However, they also exercised more and smoked less than the other participants.” Why does the second sentence matter?

1. AIt shows that exercise causes colds.
2. BOther differences between the groups might explain the result.
3. CIt means the study included no smokers in either of its groups.
4. DIt proves that green tea prevents colds.