Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

Some plants, like the cactus, store water in their thick stems. This helps them survive in deserts, where rain may not fall for months. How do cactus plants survive in the desert?

1. AThey grow only near rivers.
2. BThey need rain every day.
3. CThey store water in their thick stems.
4. DThey lose their thick stems in the hot summer.

Lightning is a giant spark of electricity in the sky. Thunder is the sound made when lightning heats the air very quickly. What makes the sound of thunder?

1. ARain hitting the ground very hard
2. BLightning heating the air very quickly
3. CStrong wind blowing through trees
4. DClouds bumping into each other

Kai wanted to bake bread. He mixed flour, water, yeast and salt. He left the dough to rise for an hour. Then he shaped it into a loaf and baked it. What did Kai do after the dough rose?

1. AHe shaped it into a loaf.
2. BHe added more yeast.
3. CHe bought more flour.
4. DHe mixed in the salt.

“The nurse checked the patient’s wristband, asked his name and date of birth, and compared them with the medicine order before giving the tablet.” Why did the nurse most likely do these checks?

1. ATo make sure the medicine went to the right patient
2. BTo see whether he had visitors waiting
3. CTo decide what the patient should eat for lunch
4. DTo find out how long the patient would stay

When Rosa started her new job at the hospital, she got lost three times on the first day. By the end of the month, she was giving directions to visitors. What does the passage show about Rosa?

1. AShe was given a map on her first day.
2. BShe did not like her new job at the hospital and wanted to leave.
3. CShe quickly learned her way around the hospital.
4. DShe often gets lost in new places.

“After the hospital put hand sanitiser by every bed, staff used it far more often, and infection rates on the ward fell.” What can be reasonably concluded?

1. AStaff did not clean their hands before at all.
2. BHand sanitiser is the only way to stop infection.
3. CInfection rates rose after the change.
4. DEasier access may have improved hand hygiene.

“Patients must not eat or drink after midnight before surgery. Small sips of water to take morning medicines are allowed only if the surgeon has agreed.” A patient’s surgeon has agreed. What may the patient do at 7 a.m.?

1. ADrink a full glass of juice with medicines
2. BEat a small snack but drink nothing
3. CTake morning medicines with a small sip of water
4. DHave a light breakfast and a cup of tea

The author writes: “All of my neighbours who drink coffee are energetic. So coffee must give everyone energy.” What is the flaw in this reasoning?

1. AIt uses facts instead of personal opinions.
2. BIt generalises from a small, unusual group.
3. CIt gives too many examples to be useful.
4. DIt does not mention the price of coffee.