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.
Library & Sports Centre Notices
Sign 1
Library computers: You must log out after use. You mustn’t install any software or games.
What does this notice say?
You must log out after use, and you must install software or games.
You should ask a librarian before using the computers, because they may be busy.
You have to sign out when you finish, and you are not allowed to add programs to the computer.
Sign 2
Sports centre studio: Outdoor shoes are not permitted. You must wear clean trainers inside.
What does this sign suggest?
You are not allowed to enter with shoes from outside, and you have to use clean sports shoes.
Outdoor shoes are not permitted, so you must wear outdoor shoes inside.
You don’t have to bring trainers because the sports centre will lend you some.
Sign 3
Quiet zone: You mustn’t take phone calls here. Silent mode is permitted.
What does this notice say?
You are not allowed to make calls in this area, but you may keep your phone on silent.
You mustn’t take phone calls here, so silent mode is not permitted.
You don’t have to use your phone here if you don’t want to.
Sign 4
Library returns: You don’t have to pay today if your fine is under £1. Pay next time.
What does this notice mean?
If you owe less than £1, you are not required to pay now; you can pay on your next visit.
All fines under £1 are cancelled, so you never need to pay them.
You don’t have to pay today if your fine is under £1, so you must pay today.
Sign 5
Swimming pool: Children under 10 must be with an adult. They mustn’t swim alone.
What does this sign suggest?
Children under 10 must be with an adult, so adults mustn’t enter the pool.
Kids below 10 have to be accompanied by an adult, and they are not allowed to swim by themselves.
Children should swim near the side because the pool might be deep.
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.