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.
Trip Planning Messages
Sign 1
Hi Sam, we’re going to Brighton on Saturday. Do you want to come with us? Let me know tonight.
What does this message suggest?
The sender is telling Sam he must go to Brighton because the plan is already fixed.
The sender is going to Brighton tonight and wants Sam to come on Saturday.
The sender is asking Sam to join their trip and reply soon.
Sign 2
Sorry I didn’t reply earlier. How about we take the early train so we have more time there?
What does this message suggest?
The sender is warning that they can’t go unless everyone takes the early train.
The sender apologizes for being late and proposes taking an earlier train.
The sender says they didn’t reply earlier because the early train was cancelled.
Sign 3
Would you like to stay at my cousin’s flat? It’s free, but we have to be quiet after 10 p.m.
What does this message suggest?
The sender says the flat is free only after 10 p.m. if everyone stays quiet.
The sender is asking if the cousin is allowed to stay at the flat during the trip.
The sender offers free accommodation, with a rule about keeping noise down late at night.
Sign 4
I can’t make the trip now—my parents need help this weekend. I’m really sorry. Can we go next month instead?
What does this message suggest?
The sender says their parents need help next month, so the trip must be this weekend.
The sender is inviting their parents to come on the trip next month.
The sender apologizes for cancelling and suggests changing the trip to next month.
Sign 5
Let’s meet at 8 outside the station. If you’re late, text me, because I can’t wait longer than 10 minutes.
What does this message suggest?
The sender arranges a meeting time and asks to be informed if someone will be late.
The sender says you can’t text if you’re late, so you must arrive by 8.
The sender is suggesting everyone should wait at least 10 minutes before texting.
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.