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 Signs Practice
Sign 1
Swimming pool rules: You must shower before entering the water. Please use the showers by the changing rooms.
What does this notice mean?
You must shower before leaving the water and use the changing rooms.
You should shower only if you have been swimming for a long time.
You have to wash yourself before you go into the pool.
Sign 2
Library notice: Food and hot drinks are not permitted. Water bottles are allowed if they have a lid.
What does this sign suggest?
Food and hot drinks are not permitted, so you should bring hot drinks only.
You can bring water, but you must not eat or drink coffee inside.
You are allowed to eat if you only have a small snack.
Sign 3
Gym safety: You must wear clean indoor shoes. Outdoor trainers can damage the floor.
What does the notice tell gym users?
You must wear outdoor trainers because they can damage the floor.
You should wear any shoes as long as you walk carefully.
You have to use shoes that are only for inside the gym.
Sign 4
Car park: Maximum stay 2 hours. Vehicles left longer may be clamped.
What does this sign say?
You can park here for up to two hours, but staying longer could lead to a penalty.
You can park here all day if you return within two hours.
Maximum stay 2 hours means you must stay for exactly two hours.
Sign 5
School trip reminder: Students should bring a packed lunch. There will be no time to buy food at the museum.
What does the message advise students to do?
Students must bring money for lunch because the museum café is open.
It is a good idea to take your own lunch because you won’t be able to purchase food there.
Students should bring a packed lunch, so they can buy food at the museum.
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.