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.
School Test Signs
Sign 1
Year 6 English test today. You must arrive by 9:00. Late students may not be allowed to start.
What does this notice say?
You should arrive early because the test will finish at 9:00.
You must arrive by 9:00, so the test starts late for everyone.
You have to be on time for the test, or you might not be able to begin.
Sign 2
Silence, please. Exam in progress. Mobile phones must be switched off in this hall.
What does this sign suggest?
You are required to turn off your phone and keep quiet because a test is happening.
Mobile phones must be switched off, but you can talk quietly.
Silence is only needed outside the hall, not inside.
Sign 3
Before the test, you must write your full name and class on the answer sheet.
What does the notice tell students to do?
Students have to put their personal details on the paper before they begin.
You must write your full name and class after the test.
Students should practise writing their name and class before the test.
Sign 4
No talking during the reading section. If you need help, you should raise your hand.
What does this sign suggest?
You should raise your hand to start talking during the reading section.
You must stay silent while reading, and ask for help by putting your hand up.
No talking during the reading section, so you should ask your friend for help.
Sign 5
Dictionaries are not permitted in this test. You may use only a pencil and an eraser.
What does the text say?
You may use a dictionary, but only if you use a pencil and an eraser too.
Dictionaries are not permitted, so you must bring your own dictionary.
You cannot use a dictionary, and you are allowed to use just a pencil and a rubber.
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.