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
School trip tomorrow: students must bring a packed lunch and wear comfortable shoes. Meet at the main gate at 8:15.
What does this notice say?
Students need to bring their own lunch and suitable footwear, and arrive at the main gate at 8:15.
Students should meet at the main gate at 8:15, but they can buy lunch when they arrive.
Students must bring comfortable shoes to the main gate tomorrow at 8:15, and the school will provide lunch.
Sign 2
Gym rule: You must book a class online before arriving. Walk-ins are not accepted, even if there is space.
What does this sign suggest?
Walk-ins are accepted if there is space, but you must book online before arriving.
You have to reserve your place on the website first; you can’t just turn up without a booking.
You should book online to save time, but you can still join a class if you arrive early.
Sign 3
Library notice: Drinks with lids are allowed. Hot drinks and open cups mustn’t be brought into the reading area.
What does the text say?
You may bring a closed drink, but you are not permitted to take hot drinks or open cups into the reading area.
All drinks with lids mustn’t be brought into the reading area, especially hot drinks.
Hot drinks are allowed if they have lids, but open cups mustn’t be brought into the reading area.
Sign 4
Roadworks ahead. Cyclists should use the temporary path on the left and must not enter the closed lane.
What does this sign suggest?
Bike riders are advised to follow the temporary route on the left and are not allowed to ride in the closed lane.
Cyclists should slow down near the roadworks, but they can use the closed lane if they are careful.
Cyclists must use the temporary path on the left because the closed lane is for cyclists only.
Sign 5
Swimming pool: Children under 10 have to be with an adult in the water. Older children may swim alone if they can swim well.
What does this notice say?
Children under 10 may swim alone if they can swim well, but older children have to be with an adult.
Kids below 10 must be accompanied by an adult in the pool, but children aged 10 or more can swim without one if they are strong swimmers.
All children under 10 have to be with an adult in the water, so children over 10 are not allowed to swim alone.
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.