Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

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

Drinking enough water helps the body control its temperature. Water also carries nutrients to cells and removes waste through the kidneys. Many adults need about two litres of fluid a day, and more in hot weather. According to the passage, how does water help remove waste?

1. AThrough the skin only
2. BBy carrying nutrients to cells
3. CBy lowering the temperature of the cells
4. DThrough the kidneys

A volunteer schedule reads: “Morning shift 8–12: Jo, Raj. Afternoon shift 12–4: Ken, Lily. Evening shift 4–8: Jo, Mia.” Who works two shifts?

1. ARaj
2. BJo
3. CKen
4. DMia

“Tara volunteered to stay late, helped a new colleague with her first report and never complained about the extra work.” Which word best describes Tara?

1. ARude
2. BLazy
3. CSelfish
4. DHelpful

Wetlands such as marshes and swamps act like natural sponges. They soak up rainwater and release it slowly, which reduces flooding downstream. They also filter pollution from the water. Which sentence best summarises the passage?

1. AWetlands reduce flooding and clean water.
2. BWetlands are found only near the ocean.
3. CSwamps are more useful than marshes.
4. DWetlands cause flooding after heavy rain.

“Most deserts are hot, but not all. Antarctica is considered a desert because it receives very little precipitation, even though it is covered in ice.” What makes a place a desert, according to the passage?

1. AA covering of sand
2. BVery high temperatures
3. CA complete lack of animals
4. DVery little precipitation

Read the sentences: (1) Then add the pasta and stir. (2) Fill a large pot with water. (3) Drain the pasta when it is soft. (4) Bring the water to the boil. Which order is correct?

1. A2, 4, 1, 3
2. B4, 2, 1, 3
3. C1, 2, 4, 3
4. D2, 1, 4, 3

“The forest fire was finally under control after three days. Firefighters praised the townspeople, who had cleared dry brush around their homes weeks earlier, for saving many houses.” Why did the firefighters praise the townspeople?

1. ATheir earlier preparation helped protect houses.
2. BThey left the town before the fire began.
3. CThey put out the fire themselves on the first day.
4. DThey called the firefighters very quickly.