Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

“Mr. Jones checked the oven, turned off the lights and locked the front door before going to bed.” What did Mr. Jones do last?

1. AHe locked the back door.
2. BHe turned off the lights.
3. CHe checked the oven.
4. DHe went to bed.

Plants make their own food through photosynthesis. They use sunlight, water and carbon dioxide from the air to make sugar, and they give off oxygen. What gas do plants give off during photosynthesis?

1. AOxygen
2. BWater vapour only
3. CCarbon dioxide
4. DNitrogen

Loud noise can damage hearing over time. People who work with loud machines should wear ear protection, such as earplugs or earmuffs. What should people who work with loud machines wear?

1. ASafety glasses
2. BThick gloves
3. CSteel-toed boots
4. DEar protection

“The road was icy, so Dad drove slowly and kept a long distance from the car in front.” Why did Dad drive this way?

1. ATo save fuel on the long journey
2. BTo let the car in front pass him
3. CTo drive safely on the slippery road
4. DTo arrive at work early

Frogs begin life as eggs laid in water. The eggs hatch into tadpoles, which have tails and breathe with gills. Over several weeks, tadpoles grow legs, lose their tails and develop lungs. How is the passage mainly organised?

1. AAs an argument for and against
2. BAs a problem followed by a solution
3. CIn time order, describing stages of growth
4. DAs a comparison of two different animals

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

“The ward needs at least one nurse for every four patients. Tonight there are 22 patients.” What is the smallest number of nurses needed?

1. A6
2. B5
3. C4
4. D7

The writer argues: “We should not build the new road. It will destroy the old forest, and the traffic it saves will last only until more cars fill it.” Which piece of evidence would most strengthen the writer’s argument?

1. AA map showing where the new road would go
2. BA report that the forest is rarely visited
3. CStudies showing new roads often fill with more traffic
4. DA survey showing most people own a car