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.
Fire Safety Notices
Sign 1
In case of fire, leave the exhibition immediately. Do not stop to collect coats or bags.
What does this sign suggest?
In case of fire, leave the exhibition immediately and collect coats and bags first.
If there is a fire, you must exit at once and leave your belongings behind.
If there is a fire, you should wait for staff to tell you when to leave.
Sign 2
Fire exit doors must be kept clear at all times. Do not place displays or boxes in front.
What does the text say?
Fire exit doors must be kept clear, so boxes should be placed in front of them.
You should use the fire exit doors only if the main entrance is crowded.
Nothing should block the emergency doors, so keep the area in front of them empty.
Sign 3
If the alarm sounds, you must use the stairs. Lifts are not permitted during evacuation.
What does this notice tell visitors?
You should use the stairs only if the lifts are full.
When evacuating, you have to take the stairs because the lift cannot be used.
If the alarm sounds, you must use the lifts during evacuation.
Sign 4
On arrival, check the nearest emergency exit on your floor. Follow green signs if you must leave.
What does this sign suggest?
You should find the closest escape route when you arrive, so you can leave quickly if needed.
On arrival, check the nearest emergency exit and follow green signs to enter the exhibition.
You must leave the exhibition as soon as you see any green emergency sign.
Sign 5
Do not use candles or any open flames in the exhibition hall. Battery lights are allowed.
What does the text say?
Do not use candles or open flames, so battery lights are not allowed either.
You mustn’t bring anything with a real flame inside, but electric lights are permitted.
You should only use candles in the exhibition hall if you keep them small.
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.