Printable English reading practice with explained answers

Answer key with explanations

1. 1. D — Note it for the discussion afterward

   Observers should record unclear points without interrupting the first run. The later discussion provides a chance to raise them.

   Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

2. 2. A — Facilitators only

   Only facilitators are assigned the earlier arrival for setup. Observers are not included in that instruction.

   Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

3. 3. A — Offer lengths suited to the visit’s purpose

   The proposal distinguishes introductory visits from visits seeking depth. It is a flexible option rather than one compulsory length for everyone.

   Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

4. 4. D — Exploratory and attentive to a trade-off

   Could and may present a possible compromise between capacity and depth. The text recognizes both benefits and limits rather than condemning one format.

   Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

5. 5. D — Direction arrows

   The task is to check arrows. The message specifically excludes changing station numbers and does not request prices or participant records.

   Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

6. 6. C — Prepare correction stickers

   Lila is assigned the correction stickers. The final sentence explains that complete replacement signs are not needed.

   Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

7. 7. B — but

   The sentence contrasts a completed action with an unresolved label problem. A contrast connector fits, whereas the other choices present a cause or result.

   Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

8. 8. A — identify

   Unreadable labels make it necessary to identify the colours. Forgetting, spilling or contradicting them does not resolve that information problem.

   Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

9. 9. B — Loan frequency does not decide the purchase by itself

   The phrase limits the inference from frequency to purchase priority. It does not make frequency irrelevant or prohibit buying popular items.

   Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

10. 10. C — Consider demand and availability together

    The recommendation explicitly combines demand and availability. A single loan ranking misses whether enough usable copies are already available.

    Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

11. 11. D — so that

    Keeping the door open serves the purpose of allowing drop-off without waiting. The alternatives indicate concession, later time or an exception.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

12. 12. C — mark

    A label identifies fragile models so they can be recognized. Hiding, rebuilding or borrowing them is not the purpose of adding a label.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

13. 13. B — Plant drop-off before exchanging starts

    The notice separates drop-off from exchanging, which begins at 11:15. The earlier window is not the duration of the exchange itself.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

14. 14. C — Loose seeds

    Loose seeds are explicitly assigned to a different event. Potted plants and rooted cuttings are accepted at this exchange.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

15. 15. C — Attempts abandoned before submission

    The brief identifies people who abandon registration as missing from the submitted-form total. Their experience is relevant to the broader conclusion.

    Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

16. 16. B — The form is now easy for everyone

    A rise in completed registrations cannot establish ease of use for everyone, especially when abandoned attempts are not counted. The other statements are supported.

    Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

17. 17. A — Flag the row without choosing a location

    Hugo asks her to identify missing locations, not resolve them herself. Assigning, publishing or deleting a session exceeds the requested check.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

18. 18. B — Grey rows still under discussion

    Grey rows are provisional and explicitly excluded from publication. The restriction does not apply to all confirmed sessions.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

19. 19. C — However

    However introduces a contrast: the cups are available but the washing station is not ready. Therefore would signal an unsupported consequence.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

20. 20. B — notify

    Notify means inform someone, which fits telling everyone when the station is usable. The other verbs do not express that communication.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

21. 21. B — A temperature warning still in effect at 11 a.m.

    The notice ties cancellation to a warning remaining active at 11 a.m. It does not make cancellation depend on attendance or the briefing’s duration.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

22. 22. C — At noon

    Ten minutes before the 12:10 meeting time is noon. The 11 a.m. reference concerns the warning check, not participant arrival.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

23. 23. A — Keep the shorter structure and restore the missing condition

    The author selects a specific revision that combines a clear structure with the omitted condition. This is not a call to merge the texts in full.

    Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

24. 24. D — Its usefulness depends on relevant content as well as length

    The two examples show that either too much history or a missing condition can obscure the decision. Shortness alone does not establish usefulness.

    Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

25. 25. D — report

    Report means bring the damage to the coordinator’s attention. The contrast with putting it back unnoticed confirms that the issue should be disclosed.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

26. 26. A — provided that

    Provided that states a condition for borrowing: return all pieces by Friday. The alternatives indicate replacement, concession or time rather than this condition.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

27. 27. A — In the box beside the lobby shelf

    From Friday, returns go into the box next to the relocated shelf. The notice explicitly rules out leaving them with security.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

28. 28. D — To explain that it does not handle book returns

    The desk is mentioned to prevent misplaced returns: security staff do not manage the collection. The move is not assigned to them.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

29. 29. A — Run a broader trial before replacing the equipment

    The recommendation is conditional and explicit: test the large hall before replacement. Neither immediate adoption nor complete rejection follows from the short trial.

    Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

30. 30. D — Extra preparation time could reduce its overall benefit

    The brief weighs lower noise against longer preparation. It identifies a possible trade-off, not proof that the machine cannot clean or that staff refused it.

    Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

31. 31. D — Extend the invitation to the wider network

    The conditional instruction is to broaden the invitation. The email says plants are sufficient and does not propose cancelling the table.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

32. 32. A — People who volunteered last month

    Amara gives a clear first step: contact last month’s volunteers. The wider network is a later option if places remain by Wednesday.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

33. 33. C — spread

    Spreading mats over the provided racks fits drying them before storage. Enclosing or burying them conflicts with that stated purpose.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

34. 34. D — For that reason

    The need to dry the mats follows from their being wet. The relationship is a consequence, not a contradiction, an earlier event or an example.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

35. 35. D — To the particular conditions under which it was measured

    The author explicitly restricts the result to the measured conditions. It does not establish performance during other activity or in other buildings.

    Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

36. 36. A — To examine conditions missing from the first measurement

    The first reading lacks simultaneous activity next door. Another day can add that condition; the brief does not allege a defective instrument.

    Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

37. 37. D — To labelled trays at reception

    The final sentence names labelled reception trays and explicitly says items will not be discarded. No home delivery is offered.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

38. 38. A — Loose objects inside the display cases

    The request concerns loose objects in the cases. Wall-mounted posters are expressly allowed to remain; the notice does not request furniture removal.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

39. 39. C — Tracks 2 and 5

    The opening request selects tracks 2 and 5. Track 1 is already checked and track 4 is still being rewritten.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

40. 40. B — Directions that do not match the path

    The relevant issue is a mismatch between recorded directions and the route. Music comments are explicitly unnecessary; the other tasks are not requested.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

41. 41. C — The time codes

    The message explicitly says to keep the time codes unchanged because they were checked. The speakers’ names, in contrast, need correction.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

42. 42. B — Ben must approve the corrected file

    Correcting the names is followed by Ben’s approval, and uploading is allowed only after that approval. A correction alone is not sufficient.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

43. 43. B — but

    The second clause limits the permission to view: it does not allow editing approved documents. A contrast connector expresses that distinction.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

44. 44. A — A visitor stores belongings and removes them that day

    The lockers are for visitors and must be emptied the same day, with the key returned. The other options conflict with eligibility or overnight restrictions.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

45. 45. A — Another printing task is permitted despite the wait

    The final sentence creates an exception to waiting: approved recipe sheets may be printed now. It does not permit printing the unconfirmed display.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

46. 46. B — The allergen display

    The instruction to wait concerns the display being prepared from the ingredient list. Approved recipe sheets can already be printed.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

47. 47. C — As a result

    The unfamiliar abbreviations cause the comprehension difficulty, so as a result fits. The sentence does not introduce a contrast, prior event or example.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

48. 48. B — explain

    Explaining the abbreviation on its first appearance gives readers its meaning. Repeating or measuring it does not solve the stated comprehension problem.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

49. 49. C — To examine the resulting marks together

    The sheets provide evidence for the joint review of the marks. They are not being returned for sale or to change the test location.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

50. 50. D — Readability of notes after outdoor use

    The requested comparison is readability after use outdoors. Colour is explicitly excluded because the final order will use the same colour.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

51. 51. B — Record their name and the tool number

    The notice requires two pieces of information before borrowing: the borrower’s name and the tool number. The return deadline is a later step.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

52. 52. C — A model marked with a red dot

    The red dot identifies the models that must remain on site. Recording a tool number does not remove that restriction.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

53. 53. A — clarification

    Conflicting area information requires clarification from the coordinator. The other nouns do not resolve which assigned area is correct.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

54. 54. B — Before

    The instruction places verification before work begins. The alternatives would express opposition, omission or replacement rather than the required sequence.

    Words and connectors in context · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

55. 55. B — To give early leavers a better opportunity to respond

    The proposed change addresses access for people leaving earlier. It cannot guarantee a particular opinion or replace responses with attendance data.

    Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

56. 56. C — Early leavers were less likely to receive a card

    Distribution favoured those staying to the end, so the responses may underrepresent early leavers. A higher response count does not remove that limitation.

    Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

57. 57. D — Notify Yara without changing the table

    The absence procedure is direct notification to Yara, with an explicit instruction not to edit the table. The other options change arrangements without authorization.

    Emails and precise details · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

58. 58. A — Door B

    The first instruction assigns Door B to carts. Door A remains the pedestrian entrance; the bicycle racks are not a delivery entrance.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

59. 59. D — Keep the striped area by Door B clear

    The time restriction applies to keeping the striped zone clear. It does not close the pedestrian door or require moving the bicycles.

    Notices and instructions · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

60. 60. C — Test a different position for the small poster

    The proposal is to change placement and observe before printing. It seeks evidence for a next decision rather than immediately selecting a new print quantity.

    Inference and tone · Based on: Original fictional workplace text shown above; the answer follows from that text. PSC resources describe test format, not this practice item.

    Original practice questions by Canada Exam Prep. Not official test questions. Free to print for personal study.