Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

The class schedule reads: “Anatomy: Room 101, 9:00–10:30. Chemistry: Room 204, 10:45–12:15. Lunch: 12:15–1:00.” Where is the chemistry class held?

1. ARoom 204
2. BThe lunch hall
3. CRoom 210
4. DRoom 101

“The puppy was curious about everything. It sniffed the shoes, poked its nose into the bag and chased a leaf across the garden.” What does “curious” mean?

1. AUnfriendly to people
2. BAfraid of new things
3. CReady to sleep
4. DEager to explore

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 warn other snakes away
3. CTo clean dust off their faces and eyes
4. DTo pick up scents from the air around them

“Whenever it rained, the old roof leaked into the kitchen. This winter, after the roof was replaced, the kitchen stayed dry through every storm.” What can be concluded?

1. AThe kitchen was moved to another room.
2. BThe old roof had no problems.
3. CThe new roof fixed the leak.
4. DIt did not rain this winter.

Unlike most fish, the salmon is born in fresh water, travels to the ocean to grow and then returns to the same river to lay its eggs. Which choice best summarises the passage?

1. ASalmon are born in the ocean and later die in fresh-water rivers.
2. BSalmon move between rivers and the ocean during their lives.
3. CSalmon spend their whole lives in the ocean.
4. DSalmon are the only fish that lay eggs.

In a survey of 200 nursing students, 150 said they studied best in the morning, 30 preferred the afternoon and 20 preferred the evening. What percentage of the students preferred the morning?

1. A75%
2. B50%
3. C15%
4. D150%

“Only 30 minutes after taking the new pill, I felt better,” said one customer in an advertisement. “It must be the best headache pill ever made.” Why is this weak evidence that the pill works?

1. AAdvertisements are never allowed to quote real customers.
2. BHeadaches never improve on their own.
3. CIt is one person’s experience, not a controlled study.
4. DThe customer did not say what time it was.

“The village had relied on fishing for centuries. When the fish stocks collapsed, young people moved to the cities, the school closed, and only the old harbour remained busy with memories.” What is the tone of the passage?

1. AAngry and accusing
2. BCheerful and excited
3. CFunny and light-hearted
4. DSad and reflective