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VMBO KB Engels study materials
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VMBO KB Engels practice questions

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Question 1Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this short text: "Hi Sam, I can't come to football practice today because I have a dentist appointment. I'll be there on Thursday. Tom." What is Tom's main reason for writing?

  1. To ask Sam to change the practice day
  2. To explain why he will miss practice Correct answer.
  3. To invite Sam to a dentist appointment
  4. To complain about the football coach

Explanation

The message states directly that Tom cannot attend practice and immediately gives the dentist appointment as the cause. The rest of the note only mentions when he will return, so the purpose is to inform Sam about his absence.

Question 2Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this sign: "Library: Silence please. Phones must be switched off in the reading room." What must visitors do with their phones in the reading room?

  1. Use them only for urgent calls
  2. Keep them silent but switched on
  3. Turn them off completely Correct answer.
  4. Leave them at the front desk

Explanation

The sign uses "must be switched off", which means the phone should be fully turned off, not merely set to silent. "Must" signals a strict rule rather than a suggestion, so the strongest reading is a complete switch-off.

Question 3Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this email opening: "Dear Mr Bakker, I am writing to apply for the Saturday job advertised on your website last week." What is the writer doing in this sentence?

  1. Advertising a Saturday job
  2. Asking for a website address
  3. Applying for a job Correct answer.
  4. Complaining about a website

Explanation

The phrase "I am writing to apply for" states the purpose clearly: the writer wants the job. The website is only mentioned as the place where the vacancy was seen, not as a topic of complaint or a request.

Question 4Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "The school canteen will be closed on Monday. Sandwiches can be bought in the main hall between 12:00 and 13:00." Where can students get lunch on Monday?

  1. In the canteen
  2. In the staff room
  3. In the main hall Correct answer.
  4. Nowhere, lunch is cancelled

Explanation

The text gives the main hall as the temporary location for sandwiches while the canteen is closed. It also gives a time window, which confirms that lunch is still available, just somewhere else.

Question 5Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "Free entry for children under 12 when accompanied by an adult." A 10-year-old child arrives with her father. What does she pay?

  1. Nothing Correct answer.
  2. Half price
  3. A small booking fee
  4. The full adult price

Explanation

The child is under 12 and is with an adult, so both conditions for free entry are met. "Free entry" means no payment is required, and no booking fee is mentioned anywhere.

Question 6Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this sentence from a story: "Maya stared at the closed door and checked her watch for the third time." What does this behaviour most likely suggest about Maya?

  1. She is angry with the door
  2. She has forgotten her watch at home
  3. She is planning to leave the building
  4. She is feeling nervous and impatient Correct answer.

Explanation

Repeatedly checking a watch signals waiting, and staring at the door shows she expects someone or something to appear. Together these details suggest tension and impatience rather than any action with the door itself.

Question 7Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "Our shop is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. We are closed on Sundays." A customer arrives on Saturday at 9:30 a.m. What does she find?

  1. The shop is closed until 10 a.m. Correct answer.
  2. The shop opens at 9 a.m.
  3. The shop is open
  4. The shop is closed all weekend

Explanation

On Saturdays the opening time is 10 a.m., so at 9:30 the shop has not opened yet. The weekday time of 9 a.m. does not apply on Saturday, which is the trap in this question.

Question 8Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this review: "The film starts slowly and the first thirty minutes feel long, but once the action begins it is well worth watching." What is the reviewer's overall opinion?

  1. The film is worth watching despite a slow start Correct answer.
  2. The whole film is boring
  3. The film should have been shorter
  4. The action scenes are badly made

Explanation

The reviewer criticises the opening but uses "well worth watching" to give a positive final judgement. A good reader separates the negative comment about the start from the overall conclusion.

Question 9Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "Please note that the pool will be closed for repairs from 3 to 10 June. We apologise for any inconvenience and hope to welcome you again from 11 June." When can swimmers return?

  1. On 11 June Correct answer.
  2. On 3 June
  3. After 10 July
  4. On 10 June

Explanation

The closure runs from 3 to 10 June inclusive, and the text names 11 June as the day swimmers are welcomed back. "After 10 June" means the next day, which is 11 June.

Question 10Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "You don't have to bring your own racket; the club provides them free of charge." What does this mean for a new player?

  1. Players without a racket cannot join
  2. A racket is required but costs money
  3. Bringing a racket is optional because the club lends them Correct answer.
  4. The club sells rackets at a discount

Explanation

"You don't have to" expresses that something is not necessary, and the club supplying rackets free of charge confirms it. The player may still bring one, but there is no obligation.

Question 11Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: "Sunrise Café – now open on the beach promenade. Try our homemade apple pie! Open daily from 8 a.m." What is the main purpose of this text?

  1. To warn about beach crowds
  2. To advertise a new café location Correct answer.
  3. To report on a local festival
  4. To give a recipe for apple pie

Explanation

The text announces a new location ("now open on the beach promenade") and invites customers to try a product, which are typical advertising elements. The apple pie is a selling point, not a recipe.

Question 12Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "Tom had studied all week, yet he still felt nervous before the test." What does the word "yet" show here?

  1. A condition for something to happen
  2. A cause and its result
  3. An addition of a similar fact
  4. A contrast between two facts Correct answer.

Explanation

"Yet" is a contrast word: studying all week would normally reduce nerves, but the second fact is the opposite. Recognising linking words like "yet" helps a reader follow the logic of a sentence.

Question 13Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "The museum is free for school groups, but teachers must book at least two weeks in advance." A teacher wants to bring a class next week. What is the problem?

  1. Teachers are not allowed to book
  2. The museum charges school groups
  3. The booking is too late Correct answer.
  4. The museum is closed next week

Explanation

Booking must be done at least two weeks ahead, and one week is not enough, so the request comes too late. The entry itself is free, which removes the cost as an obstacle.

Question 14Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this short text: "After the match, coach Davis told the players they had played well but still needed to work on their passing." Which statement is true according to the text?

  1. The coach was unhappy with the result
  2. The coach blamed the passing for the loss
  3. The coach praised the team and named one improvement Correct answer.
  4. The coach cancelled the next training

Explanation

The coach gives a compliment ("played well") and then points to passing as a point for improvement. Both parts are stated, so the answer must include praise and the specific area to work on.

Question 15Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "The concert was moved indoors because of the forecast, so bring a jacket as the hall can be cold." Why should visitors bring a jacket?

  1. The indoor hall can be cold Correct answer.
  2. It may rain during the concert
  3. The concert is outdoors
  4. Jackets are required for entry

Explanation

The word "so" links the advice to its reason: the hall can be cold. The weather forecast explains the move indoors, not the jacket, so the two causes must not be mixed up.

Question 16Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "Only members may use the gym equipment. Guests can join a guided class for €5." A guest wants to use the gym equipment. What is possible?

  1. He can use it after paying €5
  2. He cannot use it unless he becomes a member Correct answer.
  3. He can use it before 5 p.m.
  4. He can use it if a member is with him

Explanation

"Only members may use" is an exclusive rule, so guests are excluded from the equipment itself. The €5 option applies to guided classes, which is a different activity.

Question 17Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "Although the shop was small, it sold almost everything the villagers needed." What is the writer's point about the shop?

  1. It sold fewer products than expected
  2. The villagers rarely visited it
  3. Its size did not limit what it offered Correct answer.
  4. It was too small to be useful

Explanation

"Although" sets up a contrast: you would expect a small shop to offer little, but it sold almost everything. The sentence praises the range of goods despite the limited space.

Question 18Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "Booking online is quick, but tickets at the door cost €3 more." What is the advantage of booking online?

  1. You can choose better seats
  2. You get a free programme
  3. You avoid the queue at the door
  4. You pay less Correct answer.

Explanation

The text compares the two ways of buying and states that door tickets cost €3 more, so online booking is cheaper. Seat choice and queues are not mentioned, so they cannot be supported.

Question 19Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "Nina packed her bag the night before, set two alarms and still hardly slept." What can we conclude about Nina?

  1. She overslept the next morning
  2. She forgot to pack her bag
  3. She was well prepared but anxious Correct answer.
  4. She did not want to go at all

Explanation

Packing early and setting two alarms show careful preparation, while hardly sleeping suggests worry. Combining these details gives a picture of someone organised but nervous.

Question 20Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "The council says the new bike path will make cycling safer. Local shop owners, however, fear they will lose parking spaces in front of their stores." What is the text mainly about?

  1. The number of cyclists in the town
  2. The cost of building parking spaces
  3. A plan to close local shops
  4. A conflict of interests over a new bike path Correct answer.

Explanation

The text presents two groups with opposing concerns: the council stresses safety, while shop owners worry about parking. "However" signals this clash, which is the central point of the passage.

Question 21Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "If you had told me about the change earlier, I would have arranged a lift." What does the speaker imply?

  1. He was not told early enough Correct answer.
  2. He was told about the change in time
  3. He has already arranged a lift
  4. He does not want a lift at all

Explanation

This is a past unreal condition: the speaker was not told earlier, so no lift was arranged. The "if ... would have" structure describes an imagined alternative to what actually happened.

Question 22Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "The article claims the new app is 'revolutionary', though it offers little that similar apps do not already provide." What is the writer's attitude towards the claim?

  1. Amused
  2. Fully supportive
  3. Confused
  4. Doubtful Correct answer.

Explanation

The word "though" introduces a criticism that undermines the word "revolutionary". By pointing out that other apps already do the same, the writer signals scepticism rather than agreement.

Question 23Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "Sales of electric bikes rose sharply last year. Dealers report that buyers are mainly commuters who want to avoid traffic jams." Which conclusion is best supported?

  1. Electric bikes are cheaper than cars
  2. Dealers expect sales to fall again
  3. Commuters have stopped using public transport
  4. Traffic problems influenced the rise in sales Correct answer.

Explanation

The text links the sales growth to buyers who want to avoid traffic jams, which supports the idea that traffic played a role. Prices, public transport and future expectations are never mentioned, so they cannot be concluded.

Question 24Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: "Volunteers are asked to sign in at reception so that we can keep track of who is on site in case of an emergency." Why is signing in required?

  1. To record how many hours people work
  2. To know who is present during an emergency Correct answer.
  3. To check that volunteers have paid
  4. To give volunteers their work schedule

Explanation

The purpose is stated with "so that": signing in lets staff know who is on site if something goes wrong. The other options are plausible reasons for registration but are not given in the text.

Question 25Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this notice: 'Library members can borrow up to six books at a time. Books must be returned within three weeks.' How many books can a member borrow at once?

  1. Three
  2. Nine
  3. Twelve
  4. Six Correct answer.

Explanation

The notice states a maximum of six books at a time. The three-week period refers to how long books may be kept, not the number allowed. Therefore six is the correct limit.

Question 26Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The train to Bristol leaves from platform 4 at 10:15. Passengers should be on the platform five minutes before departure.' What time should passengers be on the platform?

  1. 10:10 Correct answer.
  2. 10:20
  3. 10:05
  4. 10:15

Explanation

The text says passengers should be on the platform five minutes before the 10:15 departure. Five minutes before 10:15 is 10:10. The other times do not match this instruction.

Question 27Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this sentence from a story: 'When the teacher announced a surprise test, Jake's stomach dropped.' What does 'his stomach dropped' tell us about Jake?

  1. He felt suddenly nervous. Correct answer.
  2. He was very hungry.
  3. He felt proud of himself.
  4. He was looking forward to it.

Explanation

The phrase 'his stomach dropped' is a common way to describe a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety. In this context, the surprise test causes Jake to feel nervous. It does not refer to physical hunger or positive feelings.

Question 28Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The café offers a free drink with every slice of cake on weekday afternoons.' What do customers get for free?

  1. A newspaper
  2. A slice of cake
  3. A second slice of cake
  4. A drink Correct answer.

Explanation

The offer says a free drink comes with every slice of cake. The cake is what the customer buys, and the drink is the free item. Therefore a drink is the correct answer.

Question 29Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The school play will be on Thursday at 7 p.m. in the main hall. Tickets cost €5 and can be bought at the office.' Where can you buy tickets?

  1. Online
  2. At the office Correct answer.
  3. At the door
  4. At the main hall

Explanation

The text clearly states that tickets can be bought at the office. The main hall is where the play takes place, not where tickets are sold. Online and at the door are not mentioned.

Question 30Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'Please switch off your mobile phone during the performance.' What are visitors asked to do?

  1. Turn off their mobile phones Correct answer.
  2. Leave their phones at home
  3. Keep their phones on silent
  4. Use their phones outside

Explanation

The instruction is to switch off mobile phones, which means turn them off completely. Keeping them on silent is not what the text says. The other options are not mentioned in the notice.

Question 31Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The museum is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except on Mondays when it closes at 2 p.m.' When does the museum close on Mondays?

  1. 2 p.m. Correct answer.
  2. 5 p.m.
  3. It is closed all day.
  4. 10 a.m.

Explanation

The text says that on Mondays the museum closes at 2 p.m. instead of the usual 5 p.m. It is not closed all day, and 10 a.m. is the opening time. Therefore 2 p.m. is correct.

Question 32Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The new sports centre has a pool, a gym and two tennis courts. It is free for students on weekdays.' What is free for students on weekdays?

  1. Only the tennis courts
  2. Only the gym
  3. Only the pool
  4. The whole sports centre Correct answer.

Explanation

The text says the sports centre is free for students on weekdays, which applies to all its facilities. It does not limit the offer to just one part. Therefore the whole sports centre is free.

Question 33Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The film is based on a true story about a young musician who moves to a new city. Although the acting is strong, the plot feels slow in places.' What is the writer's opinion of the plot?

  1. It is exciting.
  2. It is based on a true story.
  3. It is sometimes slow. Correct answer.
  4. It is the best part.

Explanation

The writer says the plot feels slow in places, which is a criticism. The true story detail describes the film's origin, not the writer's opinion of the plot. The acting is praised, but the plot is not.

Question 34Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'You must wear a helmet when riding a bike on the school grounds. Students without helmets will not be allowed to enter.' What happens if a student arrives without a helmet?

  1. They must walk instead.
  2. They will be given a warning.
  3. They will not be allowed to enter. Correct answer.
  4. They can borrow one at the gate.

Explanation

The text states that students without helmets will not be allowed to enter. Borrowing a helmet, walking instead, or getting a warning are not mentioned. Therefore the consequence is clear: no entry.

Question 35Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The library is a quiet place for reading and study. Please keep phone calls short and take them outside.' What should you do if you receive a phone call in the library?

  1. Take it outside. Correct answer.
  2. Answer it quietly inside.
  3. Ignore it completely.
  4. Ask a librarian for permission.

Explanation

The text asks visitors to take phone calls outside. Answering quietly inside would still disturb others, which the rule aims to prevent. Ignoring the call or asking permission is not mentioned.

Question 36Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The concert was cancelled because the singer was ill. Ticket holders will receive a full refund within ten working days.' What will ticket holders get?

  1. A new ticket for another date
  2. A partial refund
  3. A full refund Correct answer.
  4. A free CD

Explanation

The text says ticket holders will receive a full refund within ten working days. A new ticket, partial refund, or free CD is not mentioned. Therefore the correct answer is a full refund.

Question 37Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The new shopping centre has a cinema on the top floor. Shoppers can park for free for the first two hours.' How long can shoppers park for free?

  1. Two hours Correct answer.
  2. All day
  3. One hour
  4. Three hours

Explanation

The text states that parking is free for the first two hours. One hour is less than the free period, and three hours or all day would exceed it. Therefore two hours is the correct answer.

Question 38Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The cookery course is suitable for beginners. All ingredients are provided, but students should bring their own apron.' What should students bring?

  1. An apron Correct answer.
  2. Ingredients
  3. A cookbook
  4. A friend

Explanation

The text says ingredients are provided but students should bring their own apron. Therefore an apron is the required item. A cookbook or friend is not mentioned, and ingredients are supplied.

Question 39Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The zoo is home to over 200 species of animals. Visitors can watch the penguins being fed at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily.' When can visitors watch the penguins being fed?

  1. Only at 11 a.m.
  2. At 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Correct answer.
  3. At 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
  4. Only at 3 p.m.

Explanation

The text clearly states that penguin feeding times are 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. daily. The other options give incorrect times or suggest only one feeding. Therefore 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. is correct.

Question 40Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The hotel offers a free breakfast between 7 and 10 a.m. Guests who need to leave earlier can ask for a packed breakfast the night before.' What should a guest do to get an early breakfast?

  1. Wait until 7 a.m.
  2. Order room service
  3. Pay extra at reception
  4. Ask the night before Correct answer.

Explanation

The text says guests who need to leave earlier can ask for a packed breakfast the night before. Paying extra or ordering room service is not mentioned. Waiting until 7 a.m. would not help if leaving earlier.

Question 41Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The article argues that cycling to school is better for students' health than going by car. It also notes that cycling saves money on fuel.' What are the two benefits of cycling mentioned?

  1. Environment and time
  2. Safety and fun
  3. Speed and comfort
  4. Health and money Correct answer.

Explanation

The text mentions better health and saving money on fuel as benefits of cycling. Speed, comfort, safety, fun, environment, and time are not mentioned as benefits in the passage. Therefore health and money are the two benefits.

Question 42Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The new smartphone has a longer battery life and a better camera than the previous model. However, it is also more expensive.' What is the disadvantage of the new smartphone?

  1. Higher price Correct answer.
  2. Worse camera
  3. Shorter battery life
  4. Smaller screen

Explanation

The text says the new phone is more expensive, which is a disadvantage. It mentions longer battery life and a better camera as advantages. A smaller screen is not mentioned.

Question 43Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The festival will go ahead rain or shine, so please dress for the weather. There will be food stalls and live music all day.' What does 'rain or shine' mean?

  1. The festival is only on sunny days.
  2. The festival is cancelled if it rains.
  3. The festival takes place whatever the weather. Correct answer.
  4. The festival moves indoors if it rains.

Explanation

The phrase 'rain or shine' means that something will happen regardless of the weather. The text supports this by advising people to dress for the weather. It does not say the festival is cancelled or moved.

Question 44Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The council plans to build a new cycle lane along the main road. Some residents welcome the idea, saying it will make cycling safer. Others worry that it will reduce parking spaces.' What is the residents' concern?

  1. It will reduce parking spaces. Correct answer.
  2. It will cause more traffic.
  3. The cycle lane will be too expensive.
  4. It will make cycling less safe.

Explanation

The text states that some residents worry the cycle lane will reduce parking spaces. Cost, safety, and traffic are not mentioned as concerns. Therefore the concern is about parking spaces.

Question 45Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The study found that students who read for pleasure every day scored higher on vocabulary tests than those who did not. The researchers suggest that schools should encourage daily reading.' What do the researchers suggest?

  1. Schools should encourage daily reading. Correct answer.
  2. Students should read fewer books.
  3. Students should read only at home.
  4. Schools should give more vocabulary tests.

Explanation

The text says the researchers suggest that schools should encourage daily reading. Giving more tests, reading only at home, or reading fewer books are not suggested. Therefore encouraging daily reading is the correct suggestion.

Question 46Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The company's profits rose by 10% last year, mainly due to strong sales of its new electric car. However, the company warns that supply problems could affect production next year.' What caused the profit rise?

  1. Strong sales of the electric car Correct answer.
  2. Increased prices
  3. Lower production costs
  4. Government support

Explanation

The text says profits rose mainly due to strong sales of the new electric car. Lower costs, government support, and increased prices are not mentioned as causes. Therefore strong sales is the correct answer.

Question 47Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The documentary about climate change is both informative and alarming. It presents clear evidence but sometimes uses dramatic music to make its point.' What is the writer's criticism of the documentary?

  1. It is too short.
  2. It is not informative.
  3. It lacks evidence.
  4. It uses dramatic music. Correct answer.

Explanation

The writer says the documentary sometimes uses dramatic music to make its point, which is a criticism. The text also says it is informative and presents clear evidence, so those are not criticisms. Length is not mentioned.

Question 48Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The new policy requires all employees to wear identity badges at all times. The company says this is to improve security, but some staff feel it shows a lack of trust.' What do some staff think about the policy?

  1. It is difficult to follow.
  2. It improves security.
  3. It is too expensive.
  4. It shows a lack of trust. Correct answer.

Explanation

The text says some staff feel the policy shows a lack of trust. Improved security is the company's reason, not the staff's view. Cost and difficulty are not mentioned as staff concerns.

Question 49Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read: 'The author claims that homework has little effect on learning in primary school. She points to studies showing that younger children benefit more from play and sleep. However, she admits that some homework can help older students.' What is the author's overall view?

  1. Homework should be banned completely.
  2. Homework is the main cause of stress.
  3. Homework has little benefit for young children but may help older ones. Correct answer.
  4. Homework is valuable for all ages.

Explanation

The author argues that homework has little effect in primary school but admits it can help older students. This balanced view is reflected in option 1. The text does not say homework is valuable for all ages or should be banned.

Question 50Leesvaardigheid (reading comprehension)

Read this text: 'The school canteen now sells fruit instead of crisps and sweets. The head teacher says this is because healthy food helps students concentrate in lessons. Some students complain that the fruit is more expensive, so the school has decided to lower the price next month.' What is the main reason the school changed the food in the canteen?

  1. To stop students from eating during breaks
  2. To follow a new rule from the government
  3. To make more money from selling food
  4. To help students concentrate better in lessons Correct answer.

Explanation

The text gives the reason directly: the head teacher says healthy food helps students concentrate in lessons. That stated purpose is the main reason for the change. The other details, such as the price complaint, are about a side problem rather than the reason for switching to fruit.