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 Public Signs
Sign 1
Please leave your bikes outside. Bicycles are not permitted inside the building at any time.
What does this sign suggest?
You should lock your bicycle inside the building so it is safer.
Bicycles are not permitted outside the building at any time.
You must keep your bicycle outside because bikes are not allowed indoors.
Sign 2
Staff only beyond this door. Visitors must wait in the reception area.
What does the text say?
Visitors must wait beyond this door with the staff.
Visitors are not allowed past this door and should stay in reception.
Visitors can go through the door if they wait quietly.
Sign 3
For your safety, you must wear closed shoes in the workshop. Sandals are not allowed.
What does this sign suggest?
For your safety, you must wear sandals in the workshop.
You have to wear shoes that cover your feet; open sandals are forbidden.
You should wear closed shoes only if you are using heavy machines.
Sign 4
Quiet zone: You may study here, but you must not take phone calls in this room.
What does the text say?
You should speak quietly on the phone so you don’t disturb others.
You are allowed to study here, but making calls is not permitted.
Quiet zone: you may take phone calls if you are studying.
Sign 5
Gym members can bring one guest on Saturdays only. Guests must sign in at the desk.
What does this sign suggest?
Members are allowed to bring a single visitor on Saturdays, and the visitor has to register.
Members may bring as many guests as they want on Saturdays if they sign in.
Gym members can bring one guest only if they sign in on Saturdays.
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.