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.
Mountain Trail Weather Notices
Sign 1
Weather warning: Strong winds expected after 2 p.m. Hikers should turn back before the ridge.
What does this sign suggest?
Strong winds are expected after 2 p.m., so hikers must go to the ridge before 2 p.m.
It is safer to return before reaching the high ridge because very windy weather is coming later.
You should turn back because the ridge is closed for repairs this afternoon.
Sign 2
Thunderstorm risk today. If you hear thunder, leave open areas and go down immediately.
What does the text say?
Because of thunderstorms, the trail is open only in the areas with thunder.
If you hear thunder, you can stay in open areas as long as you go down later.
If there is thunder, you should move away from exposed places and descend straight away.
Sign 3
Heavy rain forecast. The river crossing may become unsafe. Do not attempt to cross if water is rising.
What does this notice mean?
Heavy rain forecast means you must cross the river quickly before it starts rising.
The river crossing is unsafe, so it is closed all day even if the water stays low.
You should avoid crossing the river when the water level is going up because it could be dangerous.
Sign 4
Low visibility near the summit. You must stay on the marked path. Do not follow unmarked tracks.
What does this sign suggest?
You should stay near the summit, even if you cannot see the marked path clearly.
Because it may be hard to see, you have to keep to the official trail and avoid other routes.
Low visibility means you must look for the summit markers by following unmarked tracks.
Sign 5
Ice possible on shaded sections. Wear boots with good grip and take extra care on steep steps.
What does the text say?
You should use footwear that won’t slip and be especially careful on steep parts because there may be ice.
Ice is possible on shaded sections, so shaded sections are the only places you should walk.
You must wear new boots, or you are not allowed to use the trail today.
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.