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.
School & Sports Notices
Sign 1
Photography Day: Bring your completed form by Friday. You must wear your school uniform for the photo.
What does this sign suggest?
You ought to return the form by Friday, but you can wear any clothes you like.
You have to hand in the form by Friday and you must be in uniform for the picture.
Bring your completed form by Friday, and you needn't wear your school uniform for the photo.
Sign 2
Sports club trials: Register online by 6 p.m. Wednesday. Players must bring trainers and a water bottle.
What does the text say?
Register online by 6 p.m. Wednesday, and you needn't bring trainers or a water bottle.
You have to sign up online by Wednesday evening and you must bring trainers and water.
You ought to register online, but you can bring your equipment on another day.
Sign 3
Team trials start at 4:00. Arrive 15 minutes early. Shin pads are required; you can't take part without them.
What does this notice suggest?
Arrive 15 minutes early, and you can take part without shin pads.
You should come early, and you must have shin pads or you will not be able to join in.
You ought to arrive early, but shin pads are only recommended, not necessary.
Sign 4
Photo orders: Pay at the office by 3 May. Late payments cannot be accepted.
What does the text say?
You ought to pay by 3 May, but you can still pay later if you explain.
Pay at the office by 3 May, and late payments can be accepted.
You must pay for the photos by 3 May because the school will not take money after that date.
Sign 5
Trial session: Bring your own racket. The club has a few spare ones, but you may have to wait.
What does this sign suggest?
It is better to bring your own racket because there are not enough spare ones for everyone.
You must bring your own racket because the club does not provide any spare ones.
Bring your own racket because the club has a few spare ones and you needn't wait.
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.