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 Entry Rules
Sign 1
Library entry is free, but you must show a photo ID at reception before using the reading rooms.
What does this notice say?
You should bring a photo ID in case you want to borrow books to take home.
You can go into the reading rooms only after you have shown identification at the desk.
Library entry is free, so you must show a photo ID only when you leave the building.
Sign 2
Visitors may use computers for 30 minutes only. After that, you have to book another time slot.
What does this sign suggest?
You should book a computer before you arrive because visitors cannot use them without a booking.
Visitors may use computers for 30 minutes only, so you can stay as long as you like if you don’t book.
You are allowed to use a computer for half an hour, then you must reserve more time if you want to continue.
Sign 3
Quiet zone: phones must be on silent. Calls are not permitted anywhere on this floor.
What does this notice say?
You can make calls here if you speak quietly and keep your phone on silent.
Calls are not permitted anywhere on this floor, so phones must be switched off completely.
You must not make phone calls on this floor, and your phone should be silent.
Sign 4
Children under 14 are allowed in the library only with an adult. Staff may ask for proof of age.
What does the sign suggest?
Children should come with an adult because the library is too busy for young people in the afternoon.
If you are younger than 14, you can enter only when an adult is with you, and you might need to show your age.
Children under 14 are allowed in the library only with an adult, so adults are not allowed to enter alone.
Sign 5
Large bags must be left in the lockers. You can take only a small backpack into the library.
What does this notice say?
Large bags must be left in the lockers, so you can take only a small backpack out of the library.
You should leave your bag in a locker because the library does not have enough space on the tables.
You are not allowed to bring big bags inside; you have to store them and carry only a small bag with you.
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.