Reading comprehension (entrance exams) worksheet with answers

Ants live in large groups called colonies. Each colony has a queen, whose main job is to lay eggs. Worker ants find food, care for the young and protect the nest. What is the queen ant’s main job?

1. AFinding food for the colony
2. BCaring for the young ants
3. CLaying eggs
4. DProtecting the nest from enemies

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 lowering the temperature of the cells
3. CBy carrying nutrients to cells
4. DThrough the kidneys

A parking sign reads: “No parking 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Friday. Parking allowed at all times on weekends.” When may a driver park here?

1. AOn a Saturday at noon
2. BOn a Friday at 9 a.m.
3. COn a Wednesday at 3 p.m.
4. DOn a Monday at 10 a.m.

Many people believe that cracking your knuckles causes arthritis. However, several studies have compared people who crack their knuckles with people who do not and found no difference in arthritis rates. What is the author’s main purpose?

1. ATo explain how arthritis is treated
2. BTo correct a common belief using evidence
3. CTo describe how joints make a cracking sound
4. DTo persuade readers to crack their knuckles

“Jess studied the map carefully, then folded it and set off down the left-hand trail without hesitating.” What does “without hesitating” suggest?

1. AShe was lost and confused.
2. BShe secretly wanted to go back home.
3. CShe was sure which way to go.
4. DShe had never seen a map.

“The storm knocked down power lines across the county. Schools closed, and many families spent the night by candlelight.” What was the effect of the fallen power lines?

1. AFamilies bought new power lines.
2. BSchools opened earlier the next day.
3. CThe storm became stronger.
4. DMany homes had no electricity.

“The surgeon, who had performed the operation hundreds of times, still reviewed every step the night before.” What does this detail reveal about the surgeon?

1. AThe surgeon now finds this operation dull and boring.
2. BThe surgeon is careful despite great experience.
3. CThe surgeon has forgotten how to operate.
4. DThe surgeon is new and unsure of the procedure.

A survey asked 50 people leaving a fast-food restaurant about their favourite meal. Most said burgers. The writer concluded that burgers are the favourite meal of people in the country. What is the main flaw?

1. AThe question was about the wrong topic.
2. BBurgers are not a type of meal.
3. CThe sample does not represent the whole country.
4. DFifty people is far too many for a survey.