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
Listening room: You must book a seat online before you come. Walk-ins are not accepted.
What does this sign suggest?
You must book a seat online after you come to the listening room.
You should arrive early because walk-ins usually get seats first.
You have to reserve a place in advance if you want to use this room.
Sign 2
Audio library: Headphones can be borrowed at the desk, but you must return them before closing time.
What does the text say?
You must return the desk before closing time to borrow headphones.
You can keep the headphones overnight if you borrowed them from the desk.
If you borrow headphones here, you need to bring them back before the library shuts.
Sign 3
Listening exam practice area: Please do not speak. Use the chat box to ask questions.
What does this sign suggest?
You should ask questions out loud so others can learn too.
You must stay silent here and type your questions instead of talking.
Please speak quietly and use the chat box if you can’t hear.
Sign 4
Language lab: Students are allowed to use the computers only for course listening tasks.
What does the notice tell students?
You may use these computers, but just for listening work for your class.
Students can use the computers only if they bring their own headphones.
Students are allowed to use the computers for any task, including games.
Sign 5
Notice: Listening CDs are for use in the centre only. You can’t take them home.
What does the text say?
You are not permitted to borrow these CDs to use outside the centre.
You can’t take them home, but listening CDs are for use at home only.
You should return the CDs soon because many people want them.
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.