Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

A textbook chapter has these headings: “What Is an Earthquake?”, “Why Earthquakes Happen”, “How to Stay Safe”. Under which heading would you look for advice on what to do during an earthquake?

1. AHow to Stay Safe
2. BThe glossary at the back of the book
3. CWhat Is an Earthquake?
4. DWhy Earthquakes Happen

The cheetah is the fastest land animal. It can reach speeds of about 100 km/h, but only for short bursts of around 30 seconds. What limits the cheetah’s top speed?

1. AIt can only run on grass.
2. BIt is much heavier than other big cats.
3. CIt runs only at night.
4. DIt can only keep it up for short bursts.

The index of a health book lists: “Asthma, 12–15; Blood pressure, 44–47; Diabetes, 60–66; Flu, 81.” Where should a reader look to learn about blood pressure?

1. APages 44–47
2. BPages 60–66
3. CPages 12–15
4. DPage 81 near the end

“The hospital will introduce a new uniform colour system. Nurses will wear navy, physiotherapists green and healthcare assistants light blue. This will help patients know who is caring for them.” What is the purpose of the new system?

1. ATo make staff look more modern and smart
2. BTo help patients identify staff roles
3. CTo make uniforms cheaper to buy
4. DTo reduce the number of nurses

“The word ‘biology’ comes from two Greek words: ‘bios’, meaning life, and ‘logos’, meaning study.” What does “biology” mean, according to the passage?

1. AThe study of rocks
2. BThe study of life
3. CThe study of stars
4. DThe study of numbers

The river flooded after a week of heavy rain. Water covered the main road, so the town closed it and set up a detour through the hills. What caused the town to close the main road?

1. AFlood water covering the main road
2. BRepairs being made in the hills
3. CA traffic accident on the detour
4. DSnow falling during the week

Passage 1: “Night shifts are hard on nurses’ health because they disrupt sleep.” Passage 2: “Many nurses prefer night shifts because they pay more and allow daytime family time.” Which statement could BOTH authors accept?

1. ANight shifts have no effect on nurses’ sleep.
2. BAll nurses dislike working night shifts at the hospital.
3. CNight shifts should be banned in all hospitals.
4. DNight shifts have both costs and benefits for nurses.

Clinic hours: “Mon–Thu 8 a.m.–8 p.m.; Fri 8 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sat 9 a.m.–noon; Sun closed. Walk-in patients are seen until one hour before closing.” What is the latest time a walk-in patient can be seen on a Friday?

1. A4 p.m.
2. B7 p.m.
3. C5 p.m.
4. D11 a.m.