Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

Lucy and her brother both like sports. Lucy plays football on Tuesdays, and her brother swims on Thursdays. On Saturdays, they both go running in the park. What do Lucy and her brother do together?

1. AThey play football on Tuesdays.
2. BThey play tennis on Sundays.
3. CThey go running on Saturdays.
4. DThey swim on Thursdays.

Lightning is a giant spark of electricity in the sky. Thunder is the sound made when lightning heats the air very quickly. What makes the sound of thunder?

1. ARain hitting the ground very hard
2. BStrong wind blowing through trees
3. CLightning heating the air very quickly
4. DClouds bumping into each other

“Tom was reluctant to jump into the cold lake. He stood on the edge for a long time, dipping one toe in the water.” What does “reluctant” mean?

1. AUnwilling
2. BReady and eager
3. CExcited
4. DCareless

The new medication reduced headaches in 70 percent of patients in the trial. However, 15 percent of patients reported stomach upset. What is the purpose of the second sentence?

1. ATo point out a drawback of the medication
2. BTo give another benefit of the medication
3. CTo explain how the trial was done
4. DTo compare it with a different drug

A website article is titled “Five Easy Ways to Save Water at Home”. Which text structure will the article most likely use?

1. AA comparison of two cities
2. BA debate between two experts
3. CA list of tips
4. DA story told in time order

“Unlike frogs, which have smooth, moist skin, toads usually have dry, bumpy skin. Toads also tend to spend more time on land.” What is the main purpose of the passage?

1. ATo compare frogs and toads
2. BTo explain how frogs breathe
3. CTo describe where toads lay eggs
4. DTo argue that toads make good pets

Paula wrote: “Our hospital cafeteria now offers more fresh fruit and fewer fried foods. Since the change, sales of fruit have doubled. Clearly, every employee is now eating a healthy diet.” Why is Paula’s last statement not well supported?

1. AThe cafeteria did not change its menu at all.
2. BHigher fruit sales do not show what every employee eats.
3. CFried foods are healthier than fresh fruit.
4. DFruit sales actually went down after the cafeteria changed its menu.

Train timetable: trains leave Oak Street at 6:10, 6:40, 7:10 and 7:40 a.m. The journey to Central takes 35 minutes. A nurse’s shift at Central Hospital starts at 7:30 a.m., and it is a 5-minute walk from the station. Which is the latest train she can take and still arrive on time?

1. AThe 6:10 train
2. BThe 6:40 train
3. CThe 7:10 train
4. DThe 7:40 train