Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

A staff notice reads: “The fire exit doors must be kept clear at all times. Do not store boxes or trolleys in front of them.” What is the purpose of the notice?

1. ATo keep the fire exits free of objects
2. BTo announce a fire drill next week
3. CTo tell staff where to store boxes
4. DTo explain how staff should open the fire doors

The heart is a muscle about the size of a fist. It pumps blood through the body day and night. In an adult at rest, it beats about 60 to 100 times a minute. According to the passage, how big is the heart?

1. AAbout the size of a head
2. BAbout the size of a football
3. CAbout the size of a thumb
4. DAbout the size of a fist

A fire drill teaches people how to leave a building quickly and safely. During a drill, everyone should walk, not run, to the nearest exit and wait at the meeting point outside. What should people do during a fire drill?

1. AWalk to the nearest exit and wait at the meeting point
2. BUse the lift to reach the ground floor
3. CStay at their desks until the alarm stops ringing completely
4. DRun as fast as possible to any door

“The council says the new bike path will reduce traffic. Local shop owners worry that losing parking spaces will mean fewer customers.” What is the main purpose of the passage?

1. ATo explain how to build a bike path
2. BTo persuade readers to buy a bike
3. CTo present two views on the bike path
4. DTo describe the history of the local shops

An advertisement says: “Everyone is switching to SparkleSmile toothpaste. Don’t be the only one left behind!” Which technique is the advertisement using?

1. AComparing the price with other toothpastes
2. BDescribing the ingredients in detail
3. CUrging people to follow the crowd
4. DQuoting a dentist’s expert advice

“The library will close early on Friday for staff training. Books due on Friday may be returned on Saturday without a late fee.” What can a library user conclude?

1. AA book due Friday can be returned Saturday at no charge.
2. BThe library will be open later than usual on Friday.
3. CAll late fees will be cancelled this month.
4. DThe library will be closed all weekend for training.

“I have taught for 25 years,” the principal said. “I have seen many fashions come and go. But I have never seen a fashion that improved learning as much as a good night’s sleep.” What is the principal’s main point?

1. ASleep matters more than passing education trends.
2. BEducation never changes over 25 years.
3. CTeachers should follow every new fashion.
4. DStudents should stay up late at night to study more.

“By the time the ambulance arrived, a bystander had already started chest compressions and someone else had fetched the defibrillator from the lobby.” What does the passage suggest about the bystanders?

1. AThey waited for the ambulance crew to act.
2. BThey did not know where the defibrillator was.
3. CThey acted quickly before help arrived.
4. DThey called for help only after an hour.