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.
Hotel Pool Emergency Signs
Sign 1
In an emergency, press the red alarm button by the pool gate and call reception on 0.
What does this sign suggest?
In an emergency, go to the lifeguard station because reception cannot help.
If there is a problem, use the alarm button and contact reception straight away.
Press the red alarm button only to open the pool gate, then call reception on 0.
Sign 2
If you see someone in trouble, do not jump in. Use the rescue pole and shout for help.
What does the text say?
If someone is in trouble, you must stay quiet and wait until staff arrive.
If you see someone in trouble, jump in and use the rescue pole for help.
You should get help and use the rescue equipment instead of entering the water yourself.
Sign 3
Emergency exit: push bar to open. Do not use this door unless the fire alarm is sounding.
What does this sign suggest?
This door is locked during emergencies, so you must use the main entrance.
Push bar to open the door at any time, even if there is no fire alarm.
You can only use this door when there is an emergency and the alarm is on.
Sign 4
First aid kit inside. In case of injury, tell a staff member immediately or call reception on 0.
What does the text say?
If you are injured, you must treat yourself because staff are not allowed to help.
If someone is hurt, you should inform staff at once or phone reception.
In case of injury, take the first aid kit outside and call reception on 0 for permission.
Sign 5
No lifeguard on duty. Children must be supervised at all times. In an emergency, dial 112.
What does this notice tell guests?
No lifeguard on duty means children can swim alone at all times, but dial 112 in an emergency.
A lifeguard is on duty at all times, so you only need to dial 112 for minor problems.
Adults have to watch children constantly, and you should call 112 if there is an emergency.
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.