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.
Travel Transport Debate Signs
Sign 1
Passengers must keep their seat belts fastened during take-off and landing. You may unfasten them when the light goes off.
What does this sign suggest?
You should keep your seat belt on for the whole flight, even when the light is off.
Passengers must fasten their seat belts only when the light goes off.
You have to wear your seat belt at certain times and can remove it when it is safe.
Sign 2
Airport security: Liquids over 100 ml are not permitted in hand luggage. Please pack them in checked baggage.
What does this sign suggest?
You cannot take large bottles through security in your carry-on bag.
Liquids over 100 ml are permitted in hand luggage if they are packed carefully.
You should buy all drinks after security because liquids are always banned.
Sign 3
Motorway service area: Drivers should take a break every two hours. Tired driving can cause serious accidents.
What does this sign suggest?
It is recommended to stop regularly so you don’t drive when you are too tired.
You must stop here every two hours, even if you feel fine.
Drivers should take a break for exactly two hours at this service area.
Sign 4
Car park full. You can wait up to 10 minutes, but engines must be switched off while waiting.
What does this sign suggest?
If you decide to wait, you have to turn off your engine and you can only wait for a short time.
You should leave immediately because waiting is not allowed when the car park is full.
You can wait up to 10 minutes because engines must be switched off in the car park.
Sign 5
Boarding gate closes 20 minutes before departure. Late passengers cannot be accepted, even with a valid ticket.
What does the text say?
The gate closes 20 minutes after departure, so you can still board with a valid ticket.
You should go to another gate if you arrive late because your ticket is still valid.
You need to arrive at the gate early because you won’t be allowed to board if you are late.
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.