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.
Playground Rules Signs
Sign 1
Children may use the climbing wall only if an adult is watching. Please wait your turn.
What does this sign suggest?
You can climb here when a grown-up supervises you, and you should take turns.
You must always climb with a friend because it is dangerous to climb alone.
Children may use the climbing wall only when no adult is watching. Please wait your turn.
Sign 2
No scooters on the rubber surface. Scooters are allowed on the path next to the fence.
What does the text say?
You can ride scooters anywhere in the playground if you go slowly.
You must not ride scooters on this soft area, but you can use them on the nearby path.
Scooters are allowed on the rubber surface, but not on the path next to the fence.
Sign 3
Under-5s area: older children must not enter. Parents may bring younger children inside.
What does this sign suggest?
Children who are older than five are not allowed in this area, but adults can take small children in.
Older children must enter the under-5s area, and parents may not go inside.
Only parents are allowed to enter this area, and children must stay outside.
Sign 4
You can borrow balls from the kiosk. You must return them within 30 minutes.
What does the notice tell children?
It is possible to take a ball for a short time, but you have to bring it back within half an hour.
You must buy a ball at the kiosk before you are allowed to play.
You can borrow balls from the kiosk and return them after 30 days.
Sign 5
For safety, children must wear shoes on the swings. Bare feet are not permitted.
What does the text say?
You have to keep your shoes on when using the swings; you are not allowed to swing barefoot.
Children must wear shoes on the swings, so shoes are not permitted there.
You should wear shoes in the playground because the ground might be cold.
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.