Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

A label on a bottle of cough syrup reads: “Adults and children 12 years and over: 10 mL every 4 hours. Do not take more than 6 doses in 24 hours. Children under 12: ask a doctor.” What is the largest number of doses an adult may take in 24 hours?

1. A12
2. B4
3. C10
4. D6

“The audience burst into applause when the young violinist finished her solo.” What does “applause” mean?

1. ALoud laughter at a joke
2. BClapping to show approval
3. CSilence after a sad song
4. DShouting loudly to complain

Each year the town plants trees in the park. This spring, volunteers planted 40 oak trees and 25 maple trees. How many trees did the volunteers plant this spring?

1. A25
2. B15
3. C65
4. D40

“Unlike email, which can be read at any time, a phone call needs both people to be available at once.” What difference does the sentence describe?

1. ACalls need both people free at once.
2. BEmail can be read only once a day.
3. CCalls cost more money than email.
4. DEmail is always faster than calling.

“Basketball was invented in 1891 by James Naismith, a teacher in Massachusetts who wanted an indoor game for his students during the cold winter.” Why did Naismith invent basketball?

1. ATo give students an indoor winter game
2. BTo replace football at the school
3. CTo start a professional league
4. DTo win a sports competition in Canada

“The temperature dropped below freezing overnight. In the morning, the puddles on the path were hard and slippery.” Why were the puddles hard?

1. ASomeone had covered them with sand.
2. BThe sun had dried them out.
3. CThe water in them had frozen into ice.
4. DRain had fallen on them all night.

“Luis looked at his watch, then at the long queue, then at his watch again. Finally, he sighed, stepped out of the line and walked to the self-service machine.” What most likely motivated Luis?

1. AHe had forgotten his wallet.
2. BHe wanted to talk to the cashier.
3. CHe enjoyed waiting in queues.
4. DHe was short of time.

The author writes: “Some argue that we should spend money on space exploration only after solving problems on Earth. But research for space has led to inventions used in medicine and everyday life.” What is the purpose of the second sentence?

1. ATo agree that Earth’s problems come first
2. BTo explain how rockets are built
3. CTo show that space research also benefits Earth
4. DTo argue that space travel should end