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 Exercise
Sign 1
Macalin and Ena: visitors must book an appointment before coming to the office. No walk-ins accepted.
What does this sign suggest?
Visitors must book an appointment after coming to the office; walk-ins are accepted.
You should phone first, but you can still come in without an appointment if it’s urgent.
You have to arrange a visit in advance; you cannot just arrive without booking.
Sign 2
Macalin & Ena Gym: you must wear clean trainers. Outdoor shoes are not allowed on the sports floor.
What does the text say?
You are only permitted to use the gym floor if you have clean sports shoes.
Outdoor shoes are not allowed, so you must train outdoors.
You should wear trainers, but it’s OK to use outdoor shoes if they are dry.
Sign 3
Macalin and Ena Library: you can borrow up to 3 books. Extra books must stay in the library.
What does this notice suggest?
You can borrow 3 books, but you must return them the same day.
You are allowed to take a maximum of three books home; any more cannot be borrowed.
You can borrow as many books as you like if you read the extra ones inside.
Sign 4
Roadworks near Macalin and Ena School: slow down. Children may cross at any time.
What does this sign suggest?
Slow down only if you see a child; otherwise you can drive faster than usual.
Children must cross at any time, so cars can continue at normal speed.
Drivers should reduce speed because children could suddenly cross the road.
Sign 5
Macalin and Ena Café: please queue here. You must wait to be called before you order.
What does this notice say?
Please queue here so you can order immediately without waiting.
Stand in line and don’t order until staff invite you to the counter.
You should call the staff first, and then you can skip the queue.
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.