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.
Public Library Notices
Sign 1
Please return all borrowed books by the due date. Late returns will have to pay a small fine.
What does this notice say?
Return books only on the due date, and you will pay a small fine.
You should keep books longer if you are willing to pay a fine.
You need to bring library books back on time, or you will be charged extra money.
Sign 2
Quiet zone: You must keep your voice low. Phone calls should be made outside the reading room.
What does this sign suggest?
You must keep your voice low and make phone calls in the reading room.
You should turn your phone off because phone calls are never allowed in the library.
Speak softly here, and make calls somewhere else, not in this room.
Sign 3
Computers are for library members only. You have to show your card before you can log in.
What does the text say?
Anyone can use the computers if they show a card at the desk.
Only members may use the computers, and they must present a library card first.
Computers are for library members only, so you can log in without showing your card.
Sign 4
Food and hot drinks are not permitted near the shelves. Water bottles are allowed at study tables.
What does this notice mean?
You can have water at the desks, but you must not take food or hot drinks by the book shelves.
You should avoid eating anywhere in the library because it could damage books.
Food and hot drinks are not permitted near the shelves, so water bottles are not allowed at study tables.
Sign 5
Lost property: Items found in the library will be kept for 14 days. After that, they may be donated.
What does this notice tell people?
Items found in the library will be kept for 14 days, so you must donate them after that.
If you lose something, the library will store it for two weeks, then it could be given away.
The library will keep lost items forever, but you should collect them within 14 days.
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.