Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

Many birds fly south in the autumn. They travel to warmer places where food is easier to find. In the spring, they return north to build nests and raise their young. Why do many birds fly south in the autumn?

1. ATo find cooler places to rest
2. BTo build nests and raise their young
3. CTo find food more easily in warmer places
4. DTo escape from larger birds that hunt them

The sign on a door reads: “Staff only. Visitors please use the main entrance on the left.” Where should visitors go?

1. AThrough this door
2. BTo the side exit on the right
3. CTo the staff room
4. DTo the main entrance on the left

The word “volcano” comes from Vulcan, the Roman god of fire. A volcano is an opening in Earth’s crust through which melted rock, ash and gases escape. Where does the word “volcano” come from?

1. AThe name of a Roman god of fire
2. BThe name of a mountain in Greece
3. CA scientist who studied ash
4. DA word for melted rock

“The coach had a rule: no phones at practice. When Jamie’s phone buzzed during drills, the coach simply held out his hand.” What did the coach most likely want?

1. AJamie to shake his hand
2. BJamie to hand over the phone
3. CJamie to leave practice early
4. DJamie to call someone back

“The pharmacist asked Mrs. Kim whether she took any other medicines, including vitamins and herbal products, before giving her the new prescription.” Why did the pharmacist most likely ask this?

1. ATo sell her more vitamins
2. BTo check for possible interactions
3. CTo decide the colour of the medicine label
4. DTo find out her date of birth

In 1928 Alexander Fleming returned from holiday and noticed that mould had grown on one of his bacteria dishes. Around the mould, the bacteria had died. This led to the discovery of penicillin. What led Fleming to discover penicillin?

1. AHe noticed that bacteria near a mould had died.
2. BHe was trying to grow mould on purpose.
3. CHe tested many chemicals on bacteria in 1928.
4. DHe found penicillin in a book while on holiday.

“Many patients feel nervous before surgery. Nurses can help by explaining what will happen, answering questions and letting patients know that their feelings are normal.” What is the author’s purpose?

1. ATo persuade patients to avoid having surgery
2. BTo explain how surgery is performed in detail
3. CTo describe how nurses can ease patients’ fears
4. DTo criticise nurses for not explaining surgery to patients enough

A medicine label reads: “Take 2 tablets every 6 hours as needed. Do not take more than 8 tablets in 24 hours.” A patient takes 2 tablets at 6 a.m., noon and 6 p.m. How many more tablets may the patient take before 6 a.m. the next day?

1. A4
2. B6
3. C0
4. D2