Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

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. BSteel-toed boots
3. CThick gloves
4. DEar protection

The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world. It stretches across much of northern Africa. Very little rain falls there, and daytime temperatures can be extremely high. Where is the Sahara?

1. AIn northern Africa
2. BIn South America
3. CIn northern Europe
4. DIn southern Asia

“Every Sunday, the Garcia family visits the farmers’ market. They buy fresh bread, vegetables and eggs for the week ahead.” How often does the family visit the market?

1. AOnce a week
2. BEvery day
3. CTwice a month
4. DOnce a year

A label on a cleaning spray reads: “Use in a well-ventilated area. Do not mix with bleach. Keep away from children.” Which action follows the label?

1. ALeaving it on a low shelf in the playroom
2. BOpening a window while using the spray
3. CMixing the spray with bleach for extra power
4. DUsing it in a small closed cupboard

Passage: “Coral reefs are sometimes called the rainforests of the sea.” Why might coral reefs be compared to rainforests?

1. ABoth receive a lot of rain.
2. BBoth are made mainly of tall trees.
3. CBoth are found only on mountains.
4. DBoth are home to a great variety of life.

Since the city added bike lanes on Main Street two years ago, the number of cyclists on that street has tripled, and accidents involving cyclists have fallen by half. Which conclusion is best supported by the passage?

1. AMain Street had no cyclists before the lanes.
2. BBike lanes will reduce all kinds of car accidents in every city.
3. CCyclists on Main Street no longer wear helmets.
4. DMore people cycled on Main Street after the bike lanes were added.

“The forest fire was finally under control after three days. Firefighters praised the townspeople, who had cleared dry brush around their homes weeks earlier, for saving many houses.” Why did the firefighters praise the townspeople?

1. ATheir earlier preparation helped protect houses.
2. BThey left the town before the fire began.
3. CThey put out the fire themselves on the first day.
4. DThey called the firefighters very quickly.

A survey asked 50 people leaving a fast-food restaurant about their favourite meal. Most said burgers. The writer concluded that burgers are the favourite meal of people in the country. What is the main flaw?

1. AThe question was about the wrong topic.
2. BBurgers are not a type of meal.
3. CThe sample does not represent the whole country.
4. DFifty people is far too many for a survey.