Reading Comprehension Test

1) Which of the following is not true about kangaroos?

1. Kangaroos carry their offspring in a pouch.

2. Kangaroos have multi-chambered stomachs.

3. Kangaroos use their tails for balance.

4. Kangaroos can weigh nearly 300 pounds.

2) When do kangaroos switch from walking on four legs to walking on two legs?

1. When they are frightened.

2. When they need to move fast.

3. When their front limbs are holding something.

4. When their front limbs are tired.

3)  The following sentence can be added to the first paragraph. Where would it best fit in the paragraph? Insert this sentence.

Perhaps because of their existence in such remote locations, kangaroos are regarded with fascination by schoolchildren all the world over.

4) Look at the word species in paragraph 2. Click on the word that is closest in meaning to species.

There are more than fifty species of kangaroos in existence today. The best known and largest species is the red and gray kangaroos, which can stand up to six feet and can weigh nearly 200 pounds. But there are kangaroo breeds that are much smaller, such as the musky rat kangaroo, which is only one foot tall. Kangaroos are very adaptable and can live in almost any climate. They can be found in mountainous regions, deserts, grasslands, even remote islands off the coast of southwestern Australia.

5) Look at the first sentence of the passage. What does the pronoun they refer to?

Ever since they were discovered by early settlers, kangaroos have fascinated biologists.

1. settlers;

2. kangaroos;

3. biologists;

4. natives.

6) Look at the word nimble in paragraph 3. Write the word that is closest in meaning to nimble.

Kangaroos are very well suited to their environment. They have adapted over millions of years to fit into their ecological niche. They have large ears, and relatively small heads. Their front limbs are very small, but their paws are very nimble. Their hind legs are very large and powerful. When they are moving slowly, kangaroos walk on all four limbs, with the front limbs barely touching the ground. But when they feel the need to move quickly, they stand nearly upright, and start hopping on their hind legs. When they begin to hop, kangaroos use their muscular, agile tails to balance themselves, and to help them change direction.

7) Look at the word them in paragraph 3. Write the word that them is referring to.

Kangaroos are very well suited to their environment. They have adapted over millions of years to fit into their ecological niche. They have large ears, and relatively small heads. Their front limbs are very small, but their paws are very nimble. Their hind legs are very large and powerful. When they are moving slowly, kangaroos walk on all four limbs, with the front limbs barely touching the ground. But when they feel the need to move quickly, they stand nearly upright, and start hopping on their hind legs. When they begin to hop, kangaroos use their muscular, agile tails to balance themselves, and to help them change direction.