July 24th, 2026
ICFES Reading Practice
Read and write the texts carefully and answer the
questions.
Choose the best
answer (A, B, C or D).
TEXT 1
Too Much Screen Time?
Many teenagers spend several hours every day using
social media. Although these platforms help people communicate and learn new
things, spending too much time online can have negative effects. Some students
sleep less because they stay awake checking their phones. Others compare
themselves to unrealistic images, which may affect their self-esteem.
Experts suggest setting daily limits for social media
use and spending more time doing activities such as exercising, reading, or
talking face-to-face with friends.
Questions
1. What is the main idea of the text?
A. Teenagers should stop using technology completely.
B. Social media has benefits, but excessive use can cause problems.
C. Reading books is more entertaining than using social media.
D. All
teenagers have low self-esteem.
2. According to the text, one consequence of excessive
social media use is:
A. Better academic performance.
B. Sleeping fewer hours.
C. Making more real-life friends.
D.
Learning more languages.
3. The word "limits" is closest in meaning
to:
A. Rules
B. Problems
C. Devices
D. Pictures
TEXT 2
The Power of Small Habits
People often believe that success comes from making
huge changes. However, research shows that small daily habits can produce great
results over time. Reading ten pages every day, walking for twenty minutes, or
learning five new words each morning may not seem important at first. After
several months, these simple actions become significant achievements.
The secret is consistency, not perfection.
Questions
4. What is the author's purpose?
A. To explain why perfection is necessary.
B. To encourage people to develop positive habits.
C. To describe different careers.
D. To criticize people who exercise.
5. Which statement is TRUE according to the text?
A. Only big changes lead to success.
B. Daily habits have no long-term effect.
C. Small actions repeated consistently can create important results.
D. Success depends mainly on talent.
6. The word "consistency" refers to:
A. Doing something regularly.
B. Changing your plans every day.
C. Working very fast.
D. Being perfect all the time.
TEXT 3
A School Recycling Project
Last year, students at Green Valley School started a
recycling campaign. At first, only a few students participated, but after
teachers explained the environmental benefits, more people joined. By the end
of the school year, the project had reduced the amount of waste sent to
landfills by 35%.
The students also discovered that teamwork was just as
important as recycling itself.
Questions
7. Why did more students join the project?
A. They received money.
B. Teachers explained why recycling was important.
C.
Recycling became mandatory.
D. They wanted extra homework.
8. What can be inferred from the last sentence?
A. Recycling only works with expensive equipment.
B. Cooperation helped the project succeed.
C. Students preferred working alone.
D. Teachers completed most of the work.
9. What is the main purpose of the text?
A. To describe a successful environmental initiative.
B. To explain how landfills are built.
C. To compare different schools.
D. To criticize recycling campaigns.
