Reading - Signs & Notices
B1
Cambridge English B1 Exam
Look at the text of each sign. What does it suggest? Select the option that best captures the meaning of the sign.
Mixed Signs & Notices
Sign 1
Staff must wear closed shoes in the kitchen. Sandals are not permitted for safety reasons.
What does this sign suggest?
Kitchen workers have to wear shoes that cover their feet.
Staff must wear sandals in the kitchen to stay safe.
Staff should wear closed shoes only when the floor is wet.
Sign 2
Please keep your ticket until you leave the building. It may be checked at the exit.
What does the text say?
You can leave the building only if you keep the ticket at the exit.
You should hold on to your ticket because you might need to show it when you go out.
Tickets are checked only when you enter the building.
Sign 3
Warning: Wet floor after cleaning. Walk carefully and use the handrail on the stairs.
What does this sign suggest?
Be careful because the floor may be slippery, especially near the stairs.
You must not use the stairs until the floor is completely dry.
The floor is wet only on the stairs after cleaning.
Sign 4
You can return online orders in store within 14 days. Please bring the receipt or order email.
What does the text say?
You can return orders online only after 14 days if you bring the receipt.
You must return all online orders to the store on the same day you buy them.
You are allowed to take internet purchases back to the shop within two weeks if you have proof of purchase.
Sign 5
Cyclists must use the cycle lane. Riding on the pavement is not allowed between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
What does this sign suggest?
Cyclists should avoid the pavement at night because it is dangerous.
Cyclists must use the cycle lane only at 8 a.m. and 6 p.m.
During the day, cyclists have to ride in the bike lane instead of on the pavement.
About Reading Signs & Notices — Cambridge English B1
This Cambridge English B1 Reading Signs & Notices exercise shows short public messages — signs, labels, emails and notes. For each one, choose the option that best explains its meaning.
It tests your understanding of everyday English and the real purpose behind short, functional messages you meet in daily life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Reading Signs & Notices?
You read a short message such as a sign, label or note and choose the option that best explains what it means or wants you to do.
What does it test?
Understanding the purpose and meaning of short, real-world English messages.
Any tips for Signs & Notices?
Ask yourself who wrote the message and why — the correct option matches its real purpose, not just individual words in it.
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What to do
This part of the reading test consists of five images with messages. Each image has 3 possible answer options. What does the notice say?
Read the notices and messages first. Don’t look at the choices until you understand the texts.
Compare each option with the text before choosing your answer. Remember that the wrong, answers might seem to be correct at first, so it is important to read the chosen option again to check that the meanings match.
Strategy
- Read the text and decide what situation it could appear in.
- Look at the images, the design often suggests the correct answer.
- Read the three options.
- Compare each option with the text before choosing an answer.
- Read the chosen option again to be sure it is a right answer.