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 Practice
Sign 1
Attention: This is a quiet carriage. You must not make phone calls or play music without headphones.
What does this sign suggest?
You should speak quietly because the train will arrive soon.
You must make phone calls and play music with headphones in this carriage.
You are expected to stay silent here and avoid calls or loud music.
Sign 2
School visitors: Please sign in at reception and wear your visitor badge at all times.
What does the text say?
Visitors should wear a visitor badge only if a teacher asks them.
Visitors can sign in at reception only when they leave the school.
Visitors have to register at reception and keep a badge on while they are in the school.
Sign 3
Gym rule: You must wipe down machines after use. Cleaning spray is available next to each station.
What does this sign suggest?
After using equipment, you are required to clean it, and the spray is provided nearby.
You should clean the machines only if they look dirty.
You must wipe down machines before use, and the spray is next to each station.
Sign 4
Café notice: Customers may use the Wi‑Fi for 30 minutes. After that, you need to buy something again.
What does the text say?
You can use the internet for half an hour, but longer use requires another purchase.
Customers may use the Wi‑Fi for 30 minutes only if they do not buy anything.
You should buy a drink before you are allowed to use the Wi‑Fi at all.
Sign 5
Roadworks ahead. You should expect delays and drive slowly for the next 2 kilometres.
What does this sign suggest?
You should expect delays only after 2 kilometres, so you can drive fast now.
There may be traffic problems soon, so reduce your speed for the next 2 km.
Roadworks are finished, so you can drive normally for the next 2 kilometres.
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.