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.
Company Rules & Notices
Sign 1
All staff must wear their ID badge at all times inside the building, including during breaks.
What does this notice say?
Staff must wear their ID badge only during breaks inside the building.
You should carry your ID badge in your bag in case security asks for it.
Employees have to keep their identification visible whenever they are in the building.
Sign 2
For safety, you must not block emergency exits. Keep all corridors clear at all times.
What does this sign suggest?
Emergency exits must be blocked for safety, so keep corridors clear.
You should use the emergency exit only if the corridor is blocked.
You are not allowed to leave items in hallways because exit routes must stay free.
Sign 3
Meeting rooms can be booked online up to two weeks in advance. Please cancel if you no longer need it.
What does the text say?
Meeting rooms can be booked online only two weeks in advance, and you must not cancel.
You have to book meeting rooms in person because online booking is available only in two weeks.
You may reserve a meeting room online before the date, but you should cancel if your plans change.
Sign 4
Visitors are permitted in the office area only if they sign in at reception and wear a visitor pass.
What does this notice mean?
Visitors are permitted in the office area only if they wear reception and sign a visitor pass.
Guests may enter the office space only after registering at reception and using a visitor badge.
Visitors can enter the office area whenever they want as long as an employee is nearby.
Sign 5
Company Wi‑Fi is for work use only. Streaming films or online gaming is not allowed during work hours.
What does this sign suggest?
You must use the office internet for your job, and you cannot use it for entertainment while you are working.
You should avoid using Wi‑Fi because it is slow during work hours.
Company Wi‑Fi is for work use only, so streaming films is allowed during work hours.
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.