Reading comprehension passages
158 original texts with questions and answers, from Grade 3 to Bagrut Module G. Every answer is explained and shown in the text.
Choose a level
Grade 3 (Starter)
First reading in English: a few short sentences about a familiar topic such as family, pets or colors, with simple matching, multiple-choice and copy-a-word questions.
Grade 4 (Pre-A1)
A short text in the present tense, such as an introduction card, an invitation or a description, with a word list, multiple-choice questions and a short copying question.
Grade 5 (A1)
A very short text in simple present-tense sentences, with a word list, multiple-choice questions and one copying question.
Grade 6 (A1)
A short story, letter, notice or fact text with multiple-choice questions, finding information and one short open question.
Grade 7 (A1–A2)
A short text in simple language, a personal story or a fact text, with multiple-choice and short copying questions.
Grade 8 (A2)
A medium-length text with multiple-choice questions, sentence completion and "what does the word refer to" questions.
Grade 9 (A2–B1)
End-of-middle-school level: about half closed and half open questions, finding information, inference and word meaning in context.
Module A (B1)
Two short texts, in the style of the Israeli Bagrut exam at 3 units, with direct questions on each one.
Module C (B1)
One text of up to about 300 words, a personal story, an article or a fact text, with 8–10 questions and a short writing task, in the style of the 4-unit Bagrut exam.
Module E (B1–B2)
A text of up to about 400 words with a glossary, comprehension questions and vocabulary-in-context questions, in the style of the 4–5 unit Bagrut exam.
Module G (B2)
The longest and most complex texts: articles, essays and opinion pieces, with inference, writer's stance and paragraph-purpose questions, and an essay task, in the style of the 5-unit Bagrut exam.
How it works
Each passage comes with the kinds of questions found in school tests and exams: Circle the correct answer, Complete the sentence, Copy the words that show, Give TWO reasons, What does the word refer to, and What is the purpose of the paragraph.
In practice mode every answer is checked at once, with a short explanation and a "show me in the text" button that highlights the sentence with the answer. In exam mode a timer runs and the score comes at the end. Tap any word to hear it, and words in the glossary show a simple definition.
Many passages can also be heard read aloud by a narrator, and some have a video on YouTube. The site remembers which passages you finished on this device and how you did on each type of question, so you know what to work on.
6 tips for reading comprehension
- Read the questions first. A quick look at the questions tells you what to look for while you read.
- Read the whole text once. Keep going even when you meet a new word. The rest of the sentence often explains it.
- Find the proof. Every right answer is supported by a sentence in the text. If you cannot find one, it is probably not the answer.
- Watch out for distractors. Wrong options often reuse words from the text but say something different. Check the meaning, not just the words.
- Copy exactly. When a question says "Copy the words", copy only the words that answer it, without adding or changing anything.
- Manage your time. Do not get stuck on one question. Mark it, move on and come back at the end.
The levels at a glance
| Level | Text length | Questions | Suggested time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade 3 (Starter) | 25–60 words | 4–6 | 15 min |
| Grade 4 (Pre-A1) | 45–85 words | 5–7 | 15 min |
| Grade 5 (A1) | 70–120 words | 6–8 | 20 min |
| Grade 6 (A1) | 100–150 words | 6–8 | 20 min |
| Grade 7 (A1–A2) | 120–190 words | 7–9 | 25 min |
| Grade 8 (A2) | 180–250 words | 8–10 | 30 min |
| Grade 9 (A2–B1) | 220–310 words | 9–11 | 35 min |
| Module A (B1) | 170–215 words (2 texts) | 13–16 | 75 min |
| Module C (B1) | 250–320 words | 8–10 | 60 min |
| Module E (B1–B2) | 330–420 words | 9–11 | 70 min |
| Module G (B2) | 420–530 words | 8–10 | 75 min |
Frequently asked questions
What is a reading comprehension passage?
A short text you have not read before, followed by questions that check how well you understood it: finding details, working out what the writer means, the meaning of a word from its context and the purpose of a paragraph. In Israel this kind of test is called an "unseen".
Are these official exam papers?
No. Every text and question was written for this site, in the length, vocabulary and question types of each level. Past official papers are worth practicing too.
Which level should I start with?
Start with your grade, or with the Bagrut module you are preparing for. If the text feels too long or hard, go down one level; if every answer was easy, go up one.
What is the difference between practice mode and exam mode?
In practice mode you see straight away whether each answer is right, with an explanation and the sentence in the text that proves it. In exam mode there is a timer, answers are checked only at the end, and you get a score.
Can I print the passages?
Yes. Every passage has a print button, with or without an answer key, so it can be done on paper or handed out in class.
Is it free?
Yes, all the passages are free, with no sign-up.
Explore more: Reading practice for kids, Printable worksheets, and First English words.