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.
Fire Safety at the Gym
Sign 1
In case of fire, leave the gym immediately. Do not stop to collect your belongings.
What does this sign suggest?
Do not stop to collect your belongings before you leave the gym in case of fire.
You must take your belongings first so nobody steals them during a fire alarm.
You should exit at once and not waste time taking your things.
Sign 2
Fire exit must be kept clear at all times. Do not place bags, bikes, or equipment in front of it.
What does the text say?
Nothing should block the emergency exit, so keep your items away from it.
You can leave small items near the fire exit if they are easy to move.
You must keep the fire exit clear at all times by putting bags and equipment in front of it.
Sign 3
On hearing the alarm, you must use the stairs. Lifts are not permitted during an evacuation.
What does this notice mean?
When the alarm sounds, take the stairs because the lift cannot be used.
You should wait by the lift until staff arrive to tell you what to do.
You must use the lifts during an evacuation because the alarm is loud.
Sign 4
If you see smoke or flames, press the red alarm button and call reception on 100.
What does the sign suggest?
Activate the alarm and phone reception if you notice a fire.
Call reception on 100 to ask where the red alarm button is.
Press the red alarm button only after reception confirms there is a fire.
Sign 5
Fire drill today at 3 p.m. Please follow staff instructions and leave the building calmly.
What does this notice say?
The building will close at 3 p.m., and you should leave the gym quietly.
Fire drill today at 3 p.m., so you can stay inside if you follow staff instructions.
There will be a practice evacuation at 3 p.m., so listen to staff and exit without panic.
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.