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.
Sun Safety Trail Signs
Sign 1
Strong sun today: hikers should wear a hat and apply sunscreen every two hours.
What does this sign suggest?
Hikers must stop hiking every two hours because the sun is strong today.
Hikers should wear a hat and apply sunscreen only once every two hours.
Hikers are advised to protect their skin and head from the sun, and reapply sun cream regularly.
Sign 2
No shade ahead for 3 km. You should carry at least 1 litre of water and sunscreen.
What does the text say?
You should buy water and sunscreen at a shop in 3 km because there is no shade ahead.
No shade ahead for 3 km, so you should carry 3 litres of water and sunscreen.
The next section has no shelter from the sun, so take enough water and sun cream with you.
Sign 3
UV levels are high between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Consider resting in shade during these hours.
What does this sign suggest?
It may be safer to take a break out of the sun around midday because UV radiation is strongest then.
UV levels are high between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., so you must keep walking during these hours.
You should rest in the shade only after 3 p.m. when UV levels are high.
Sign 4
Before leaving the car park, put on sunscreen. There is no safe place to stop on this trail.
What does the notice mean?
You should apply sun cream before you start walking, because you won’t be able to stop safely later.
Before leaving the car park, put on sunscreen only if there is a safe place to stop.
You must return to the car park to put on sunscreen whenever you need more.
Sign 5
Children must wear a sun hat on this exposed path. No exceptions during summer months.
What does the text say?
On this sunny section, kids are required to keep a hat on, especially in summer.
Children must wear a sun hat on this exposed path only during the summer months.
Adults should wear a sun hat on this path, but children can choose in summer.
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.