Reading Comprehension Practice For Class 7 & 8

Reading comprehension is the act of understanding what you are reading. Communication skills help to understand a particular language, process it, and use it effectively.

Reading comprehension practice is very important for students because it improves academic performance, critical thinking skills, vocabulary, communication skills and confidence.

Reading Comprehension Practice For Class 7 & 8 (Level 3)

Reading Comprehension Test 1

Global vaccination programs are introduced to prevent some dreaded diseases. The world’s children are expected to be vaccinated against six common childhood diseases such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio and measles. The percentage of the world’s children vaccinated in the first year of life varies across continents.

From the chart above it is clear that Europe is the continent with the most advanced immunization programs. Next is the position of America. Southeast Asia has the least developed program. Africa stands slightly higher than that except for DPT alone. All diseases deserve more attention for vaccination, especially in Southeast Asia and Africa. But worldwide polio deserves the most attention.

What are the six common childhood diseases that the world’s children are expected to be vaccinated against?
A) Influenza, cholera, typhoid
B) Tuberculosis, diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, and measles
C) Mumps, rubella, smallpox

Which continent has the most advanced immunization programs?
A) Europe
B) America
C) Southeast Asia

Which continent has the least developed immunization program?
A) Europe
B) America
C) Southeast Asia

How does Africa compare to Southeast Asia in terms of vaccination programs?
A) Africa has more advanced programs
B) Africa has the same level of development as Southeast Asia
C) Africa has less developed programs

Which disease deserves the most attention for vaccination globally?
A) Tuberculosis
B) Diphtheria
C) Polio

In which year of life are the world’s children expected to be vaccinated?
A) Birth
B) First birthday
C) Second year of life

Which disease has Africa’s vaccination program developed the most for?
A) Diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus (DPT)
B) Tuberculosis
C) Polio

What is the position of America compared to Europe in terms of immunization programs?
A) More advanced
B) Less developed
C) The same level of development

Which continent deserves more attention for vaccination, according to the passage?
A) Europe
B) Southeast Asia
C) Both B and C

Is there any mention of the specific programs being introduced in Europe and America?
A) Yes
B) No

Reading Comprehension Test 2

My brother, David, was always close to our grandmother. They both share a love for Mother Nature and the food they grow themselves. Whenever his schedule permitted, he would drop by for a short visit and a cup of coffee. One day, when he found no one at home, he left the garbage on his porch. This began what later became known as his “calling card”. Grandma came home sometimes and knew right away that David had found a piece of dirt on her porch.

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Although Grandma had a poor upbringing in Italy, she managed to do well in the United States. He was always healthy and independent and enjoyed a full life. Recently he suffered a stroke and died. Everyone is saddened by his death. David was disappointed. His lifelong friend is now gone.

Who shared a love for Mother Nature and the food they grew themselves with David?
A) His mother
B) His sister
C) His grandmother

What did David do whenever he found no one at home?
A) Left a message
B) Left a gift
C) Left the garbage

What did the “calling card” refer to?
A) A message left by David
B) A gift left by David
C) The garbage left by David

What country did Grandma come from?
A) The United States
B) Italy
C) Germany

Was Grandma always healthy and independent?
A) Yes
B) No

What happened to Grandma recently?
A) She had a stroke
B) She passed away
C) She moved to another country

What happened to Grandma after she had a stroke?
A) She recovered
B) She died
C) No information is given

How did David feel about Grandma’s death?
A) He was happy
B) He was saddened
C) He was indifferent

What was David’s relationship with Grandma?
A) Grandmother-in-law
B) Lifelong friend
C) Acquaintance

Was David’s death mentioned in the passage?
A) Yes
B) No

Reading Comprehension Test 3

Crude mineral oil comes out of the earth as a thick brown or black liquid with a strong odour. It is a complex mixture of many different substances, each with its own unique properties. Most of them are a combination of hydrogen and carbon in varying proportions. This type of hydrocarbon is found in other forms such as bitumen, asphalt and natural gas. Mineral oil originates from the carcasses of small animals and plants that live in the sea.

Over millions of years, these dead creatures build up huge deposits on the ocean floor, and ocean currents cover them with a blanket of sand and silt. As this material hardens, it becomes sedimentary rock and effectively shuts out oxygen, thus preventing the complete decomposition of the underlying marine deposits. Sedimentary rock layers are thicker and heavier. Their pressure generated heat, which converted the tiny bodies into crude oil in a process that continues today.

What is crude mineral oil?
A) A clear liquid
B) A black liquid
C) A green liquid

What is the origin of mineral oil?
A) Plants that grow on land
B) Small animals and plants that live in the sea
C) Small animals and plants that live on land

What happens to the deposits of dead creatures on the ocean floor over millions of years?
A) They are destroyed
B) They are covered by sand and silt
C) They are taken away by ocean currents

What happens to the material that covers the deposits of dead creatures?
A) It remains soft
B) It becomes sedimentary rock
C) It decomposes

What prevents the complete decomposition of marine deposits?
A) Oxygen
B) Heat
C) The lack of oxygen

What is the result of the pressure generated by the sedimentary rock layers?
A) They become lighter
B) They become thinner
C) They generate heat

What happens to the tiny bodies on the ocean floor over time?
A) They become fossil fuels
B) They become crude oil
C) They become a natural gas

What are the properties of most of the substances in crude mineral oil?
A) They are a combination of hydrogen and carbon in varying proportions
B) They are a combination of nitrogen and oxygen in varying proportions
C) They are a combination of helium and hydrogen in varying proportions

What is crude oil made from?
A) Bitumen
B) Asphalt
C) Marine deposits

Is the process of converting tiny bodies into crude oil still happening today?
A) No
B) Yes

Reading Comprehension Test 4

Two men were once walking along a forest path, talking about courage and loyalty. The elder, who had the gun, was boasting of his own bravery and faithfulness when suddenly a large bear came out from behind a rock in front of them and charged furiously in their direction. The haughty man fled to a nearby tree, dropped his gun, and climbed to a safe place without a thought for his poor friend.

The latter fell on his face as if dead. The bear smelled his body, turned him over, licked his face, thought him dead and went on his way, leaving him unharmed. The other man came down from the tree, and going up to his friend said, “Well, what secret did he whisper so quietly in your ear?” To which the little man, who hated his life for his own presence of mind and not for the proud bravery and fidelity of his companion, replied, “Why, he said, ‘trust not pride,’ and I will take his advice.”

What were two men talking about as they walked along a forest path?
A) Courage and Loyalty
B) Hunting and Fishing
C) Money and Power
D) Love and Marriage

Who was boasting about his bravery and faithfulness?
A) The younger man
B) The elder man with the gun
C) Both men
D) Neither man

What happened when a bear came out from behind a rock in front of the two men?
A) The elder man killed the bear with his gun.
B) The elder man fled to a nearby tree.
C) The bear killed both men.
D) The bear ignored both men.

What did the bear do when it approached the second man?
A) The bear killed him.
B) The bear ran away.
C) The bear smelled him, turned him over, licked his face, and thought him dead.
D) The bear whispered in his ear.

What did the elder man do after climbing to a safe place in the tree?
A) He tried to save his friend.
B) He came down from the tree and went to his friend.
C) He remained in the tree.
D) He left his friend behind.

What did the elder man ask the second man after the bear left?
A) “Are you okay?”
B) “What secret did he whisper so quietly in your ear?”
C) “Where is the bear?”
D) “Why did you fall on your face?”

What did the second man reply when asked about the bear’s secret?
A) “The bear said ‘run away.'”
B) “The bear said ‘trust not pride.'”
C) “The bear said nothing.”
D) “I do not know.”

How did the second man feel about his own bravery and faithfulness?
A) Proud
B) Ashamed
C) Happy
D) Indifferent

What did the second man say he would do in response to the bear’s advice?
A) Ignore it.
B) Take the advice.
C) Discuss it with his friend.
D) Report it to the authorities.

What was the main lesson from the story?
A) Trust in pride will lead to your downfall.
B) Fleeing from danger is acceptable.
C) Friends should always stick together.
D) Hunting is dangerous.

Reading Comprehension Test 5

Knowledge of grammar is essential for good speaking and writing, by which one’s mind is judged. Studying grammar is hard work: it has to be learned in its entirety, with no parts left out, and it demands a lot of thought and patience. But, once achieved, it can give a lifetime of joy and profit. Its study requires no physical hardship, no special room or expense.

If people spend their free time studying grammar, they can master it in a year. The author learned this in less than a year. Earning sixpence a day as a private soldier, he studied in his bed. Not being able to afford candles or oil, he read by the fire in winter (when it was his turn). If he could manage it this way, and without any outside encouragement, any young man, however poor or busy, could do it.

What is essential for good speaking and writing according to the author?
A. Knowledge of grammar
B. Patience
C. Physical hardship
D. Special room or expense

How does the author describe the study of grammar?
A. Easy and not demanding
B. Hard work with a lot of thought and patience
C. Physical hardship
D. No need for effort

What can the study of grammar give a person?
A. A lifetime of joy and profit
B. Physical hardship
C. No benefits
D. Short term benefits

What does the study of grammar require?
A. No physical hardship or special room or expense
B. Physical hardship, special room and expense
C. No effort
D. Lots of money

How long did it take the author to master grammar?
A. A lifetime
B. Less than a year
C. More than a year
D. Cannot be determined

How did the author study grammar?
A. By attending classes
B. By reading by the fire in winter
C. By using candles or oil
D. With outside encouragement

What was the author’s job when he studied grammar?
A. A private soldier
B. A teacher
C. A student
D. Cannot be determined

How much did the author earn when he studied grammar?
A. More than sixpence a day
B. Less than sixpence a day
C. Sixpence a day
D. Cannot be determined

Where did the author study grammar?
A. In a special room
B. In his bed
C. In a library
D. In a school

Can any young man master grammar according to the author?
A. No, only the wealthy and free individuals can
B. Yes, anyone can do it
C. No, only the author could do it
D. Cannot be determined

Reading Comprehension Test 6

Half a century ago, a person was much more likely to die of heart disease. Now, cancer is the number one cause of death. The problem with these words, the comparison is unfair. Cancer is the most difficult problem deeply embedded in the nature of multicellular life. Given these obstacles, cancer researchers are fighting and even winning small battles: reducing and preventing childhood cancer deaths and sometimes curing cancers that strike people in their early stages.

But when it comes to diseases of the elderly, there can be no decisive victory. Diseases that killed the bubonic plague, smallpox, influenza and tuberculosis were easy obstacles. Each had a specific cause that could be addressed. Heart disease numbers have been pushed into the future, with diet, exercise and drugs that help control blood pressure and cholesterol. Because of this intervention, people between the ages of 55 and 84 are more likely to die of cancer than heart disease.

What was the leading cause of death half a century ago?
A. Cancer
B. Heart disease
C. Bubonic plague
D. Influenza

What is the current leading cause of death?
A. Cancer
B. Heart disease
C. Smallpox
D. Tuberculosis

Why is it difficult to find a cure for cancer?
A. Cancer is deeply embedded in the nature of multicellular life
B. Cancer researchers are not capable enough
C. Cancer is caused by a single factor
D. None of the above

What victories have cancer researchers achieved in the fight against cancer?
A. Preventing childhood cancer deaths
B. Curing cancers in early stages
C. Both A and B
D. None of the above

What is the reason for the lack of decisive victory in diseases of the elderly?
A. Researchers are not capable enough
B. Elderly people cannot withstand treatment
C. Diseases of the elderly are more complex
D. None of the above

Which diseases were easy obstacles to overcome?
A. Cancer and heart disease
B. Bubonic plague and smallpox
C. Influenza and tuberculosis
D. All of the above

How have heart disease numbers been pushed into the future?
A. Through diet
B. Through exercise
C. Through drugs that control blood pressure and cholesterol
D. All of the above

What is the reason that people between the ages of 55 and 84 are more likely to die of cancer than heart disease?
A. Improved treatments for cancer
B. Improved treatments for heart disease
C. The aging population
D. None of the above

What is the purpose of cancer research?
A. To find a cure for all types of cancer
B. To reduce and prevent childhood cancer deaths
C. To cure cancers in their early stages
D. All of the above

What is the main challenge in finding a cure for cancer?
A. Lack of funding for research
B. Difficulty in understanding the nature of cancer
C. Lack of skilled researchers
D. None of the above

Reading Comprehension Test 7

No one can argue that acquiring knowledge is more fun and easier with computers. The mere act of touching and exploring this device constitutes an enjoyable activity for a child. This, along with a relaxed attitude and software interactivity, generally contributes to a better understanding of new knowledge. At the higher educational level, the availability of digital books, simulators and other academic materials provides the student with an always accessible source of information, which would otherwise not be at hand.

But, in addition to the increasing complexity and behaviour of intelligent software, which is usually embedded in academic digital material, the need for human interaction in the learning process will always be present, at least in the near future. A human being needs to be able to determine what each person’s specific needs are. A computer, no matter how sophisticated its software, can hardly imitate a teacher’s skill in how to explain and adapt complex concepts to different people.

According to the passage, what is the impact of computers on acquiring knowledge?
A. It makes acquiring knowledge more difficult and less enjoyable.
B. It makes acquiring knowledge more fun and easier.
C. It has no impact on acquiring knowledge.
D. None of the above.

Why is exploring a computer device considered an enjoyable activity for children?
A. Because it provides an opportunity to play games.
B. Because it enables them to socialize with others.
C. Because it helps them learn new knowledge.
D. None of the above.

What does the availability of digital books and simulators at the higher educational level provide to students?
A. A source of entertainment.
B. A source of irrelevant information.
C. A source of always accessible knowledge.
D. None of the above.

What is the role of intelligent software in academic digital material, according to the passage?
A. It replaces human interaction in the learning process.
B. It helps students learn new knowledge more easily.
C. It makes the learning process more complex and difficult.
D. None of the above.

Why does the need for human interaction in the learning process still exist?
A. Because computers are not sophisticated enough.
B. Because each person’s specific needs must be determined.
C. Because computers are not always accessible.
D. None of the above.

What is the disadvantage of intelligent software, according to the passage?
A. It is too expensive for educational institutions to afford.
B. It cannot adapt complex concepts to different people like a teacher can.
C. It requires too much effort from students to learn how to use it.
D. None of the above.

What is the importance of a teacher in the learning process, according to the passage?
A. They provide students with digital books and simulators.
B. They determine each person’s specific needs.
C. They adapt complex concepts to different people.
D. None of the above.

What is the limitation of a computer in imitating a teacher’s skill, according to the passage?
A. It lacks the ability to explain complex concepts.
B. It lacks the ability to determine each person’s specific needs.
C. It lacks the ability to interact with students.
D. None of the above.

What is the advantage of academic digital materials, according to the passage?
A. They replace the need for human interaction in the learning process.
B. They make the learning process more complex and difficult.
C. They provide an always accessible source of information.
D. None of the above.

What is the main message of the passage?
A. Computers can replace teachers in the learning process.
B. Computers are more effective than teachers in teaching complex concepts.
C. Computers can enhance the learning process, but teachers are still essential.
D. None of the above.

Reading Comprehension Test 8

The field of medicine forces a collision between scientific and everyday language. Outside the world of laboratories and clinics, there exists the daily routine of medical practice, a situation in which a doctor tries to understand the patient’s problem and the patient tries to understand the doctor’s diagnosis. The initial statement of symptoms of any disease is very important as it guides the doctor’s search for clinical signs of the condition.

Likewise, the doctor’s explanation of the problem and recommendations for treatment need to be clear and complete if the patient is to understand and follow the correct procedure.

In sensitive and serious matters like health, the need for careful listening and expression on both sides should be clear. Patients worried about their health are of ten uncertain and confused about their accounts. Busy doctors will not have time to take every point mentioned by the patient. Furthermore, the tradition of medical interviews inhibits the development of genuine communication.

What is the main problem when it comes to communication between doctors and patients in the field of medicine?
A) Patients often use scientific language that doctors do not understand.
B) Doctors use everyday language that patients find confusing.
C) The collision between scientific and everyday language.
D) The tradition of medical interviews inhibits genuine communication.

What is the significance of the initial statement of symptoms for any disease?
A) It helps doctors understand the patient’s problem.
B) It helps patients understand the doctor’s diagnosis.
C) It guides the doctor’s search for clinical signs of the condition.
D) It determines the patient’s treatment plan.

What is the importance of clear and complete explanations from doctors to patients regarding their medical problems and treatment recommendations?
A) It ensures the patient will follow the correct procedure.
B) It determines the patient’s treatment plan.
C) It helps patients understand the doctor’s diagnosis.
D) It helps doctors understand the patient’s problem.

Why is careful listening and expression important in sensitive and serious matters like health?
A) Patients are often uncertain and confused about their accounts.
B) Doctors may use scientific language that patients find confusing.
C) The tradition of medical interviews inhibits genuine communication.
D) Both patients and doctors need to understand each other’s concerns.

What is the main challenge for doctors when it comes to listening to patients?
A) Patients often use scientific language that doctors do not understand.
B) Patients are often uncertain and confused about their accounts.
C) Busy doctors do not have time to take every point mentioned by the patient.
D) The tradition of medical interviews inhibits genuine communication.

What is the significance of genuine communication in medical interviews?
A) It helps doctors understand the patient’s problem.
B) It helps patients understand the doctor’s diagnosis.
C) It ensures the patient will follow the correct procedure.
D) All of the above.

What is the main challenge for patients when it comes to understanding medical diagnosis and treatment recommendations?
A) Doctors use scientific language that patients find confusing.
B) Patients are often uncertain and confused about their accounts.
C) The tradition of medical interviews inhibits genuine communication.
D) Patients do not have enough time to listen to their doctors.

What is the main advantage of the daily routine of medical practice outside the world of laboratories and clinics?
A) Doctors have more time to listen to their patients.
B) Patients have more time to explain their problems to their doctors.
C) Both doctors and patients can use everyday language to communicate.
D) It is easier to understand scientific language in this context.

What is the difference between the clinical signs and symptoms of a disease?
A) Clinical signs are reported by patients while symptoms are observed by doctors.
B) Clinical signs are observed by doctors while symptoms are reported by patients.
C) Clinical signs and symptoms are the same things.
D) Clinical signs and symptoms are not related to the diagnosis of a disease.

What is the main message of the passage?
A) Doctors should use more scientific language when communicating with patients.
B) Patients should learn more about medical terminology to communicate better with their doctors.
C) The collision between scientific and everyday language is a challenge for communication in medicine.
D) The tradition of medical interviews needs to change to improve communication between doctors and patients.

Reading Comprehension Test 9

500 years later, Christopher Columbus’ ship Santa Maria was claimed to have been found by archaeological investigators led by Barry Clifford. Christopher Columbus’ flagship, the Santa Maria, was wrecked in the Caribbean. The long-lost remains of the ship were claimed to lie at the bottom of the sea off the northern coast of Haiti.

A decade ago Barry Clifford’s team made an expedition. He found the wreckage and photographed it but could not figure out its possible identity. A completely separate discovery by other archaeologists in 2003 made it possible to tentatively identify the wreck as Santa Maria, suggesting that the likely location of Columbus’ fort was relatively close.

The Santa Maria was the largest of the three ships that Christopher Columbus used on his maiden voyage. The ship was built in 1460 and struck in 1492. Columbus used the ship in 1492 to find a direct trade route to India.

Who led the team of archaeological investigators that claimed to have found Christopher Columbus’ ship, Santa Maria?
A. Christopher Columbus
B. Barry Clifford
C. A group of anonymous investigators
D. A group of local divers

In which sea was the wreckage of Santa Maria found?
A. Pacific Ocean
B. Atlantic Ocean
C. Indian Ocean
D. Mediterranean Sea

When was Santa Maria built?
A. 1460
B. 1472
C. 1484
D. 1492

How many ships did Christopher Columbus use on his maiden voyage?
A. One
B. Two
C. Three
D. Four

What was the purpose of Columbus’ voyage in 1492?
A. To discover America
B. To establish a colony in India
C. To find a direct trade route to India
D. To explore the African coast

When was Santa Maria wrecked?
A. 1460
B. 1472
C. 1484
D. 1492

Where was the likely location of Columbus’ fort in relation to the wreck of Santa Maria?
A. Relatively far away
B. Relatively close
C. Unknown
D. In a different part of the Caribbean

Who tentatively identified the wreck as Santa Maria?
A. Barry Clifford
B. Christopher Columbus
C. Another group of archaeologists
D. Local fishermen

When did Barry Clifford’s team first find the wreckage of Santa Maria?
A. A decade ago
B. Two decades ago
C. Three decades ago
D. Four decades ago

What was the size of the Santa Maria compared to the other two ships that Columbus used on his maiden voyage?
A. Smallest
B. Middle-sized
C. Largest
D. Unknown

Reading Comprehension Test 10

The heart is one of the most important components of the human body. The heart of the human body has a constant job of keeping oxygen-rich blood flowing through the body. All cells in the body need a constant supply of oxygen, especially the brain. Brain cells survive only four to five minutes after being cut off from oxygen, and death ensues throughout the body. Damage to the heart muscle, valves, or pacemaker can cause heart disease. When the muscles are damaged, the heart is unable to pump properly. If the valve is damaged, blood cannot flow normally.

Dr John Gibbon of the United States developed a machine in 1953 that could temporarily take from the heart. Surgeons had the option of repairing or replacing a defective heart. Many patients have had plastic heart valves inserted when they had heart defects. Many people are now being kept alive by tiny battery-powered pacemakers.

What is the primary function of the heart in the human body?
A. To pump oxygenated blood
B. To pump deoxygenated blood
C. To maintain a steady heartbeat
D. To filter waste products

Why do brain cells require a constant supply of oxygen?
A. To maintain a steady heartbeat
B. To filter waste products
C. To prevent cell damage
D. To promote muscle growth

How long can brain cells survive after being cut off from oxygen?
A. Four to five hours
B. Four to five minutes
C. Four to five days
D. Four to five weeks

What happens when the heart is unable to pump properly?
A. The brain stops functioning
B. Blood cannot flow normally
C. Waste products build up in the body
D. The muscles begin to atrophy

Who developed a machine in 1953 that could temporarily take over from the heart?
A. Dr John Gibbon
B. Dr William Harvey
C. Dr James B. Herrick
D. Dr Michael DeBakey

What is the purpose of a plastic heart valve?
A. To prevent damage to the heart muscle
B. To promote muscle growth
C. To filter waste products
D. To replace a defective heart valve

What type of device keeps many people alive today?
A. A blood transfusion machine
B. A kidney dialysis machine
C. A ventilator
D. A battery-powered pacemaker

What can cause heart disease?
A. Damage to the liver
B. Damage to the kidneys
C. Damage to the heart muscle, valves, or pacemaker
D. Damage to the lungs

What happens when the heart is unable to pump blood properly due to muscle damage?
A. Brain damage can occur
B. Kidney damage can occur
C. Liver damage can occur
D. Lung damage can occur

What surgical options are available for patients with a defective heart?
A. Repair or replacement
B. Amputation or transplant
C. Radiation or chemotherapy
D. Antibiotic treatment

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