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.
Beach Hygiene Notices
Sign 1
Please shower before entering the sea. This helps keep the water clean for everyone.
What does this sign suggest?
You must avoid the sea today because the water is not clean enough.
You should wash yourself first before you go into the water, to protect water quality.
Please shower in the sea before you enter the beach to keep the water clean.
Sign 2
Use the bins provided. Do not leave nappies, wipes, or sanitary items on the sand.
What does the text say?
You should only use the bins for nappies, not for other rubbish.
You can leave nappies, wipes, and sanitary items on the sand if you use the bins later.
You must throw these hygiene items away in the bins, not on the beach.
Sign 3
If you feel unwell, please do not swim. Speak to the lifeguard for help.
What does this notice suggest?
You must speak to the lifeguard before every swim.
You shouldn’t go into the water if you are sick, and you can ask the lifeguard for assistance.
If you feel unwell, please swim near the lifeguard for help.
Sign 4
Please use the public toilets. Urinating in the sea is not permitted.
What does this sign suggest?
You have to use the toilets, because peeing in the water is forbidden.
Urinating in the sea is permitted if you are far from other swimmers.
You are allowed to use the public toilets only before 6 p.m.
Sign 5
Rinse your feet at the tap before walking onto the boardwalk to keep it clean and safe.
What does the text say?
You should wash sand off your feet before stepping onto the wooden walkway, so it stays clean and less slippery.
You should rinse your feet only after you have walked along the boardwalk.
You must keep the tap clean and safe by rinsing your feet on the boardwalk.
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.