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.
Safety Advice at a Historical Site
Sign 1
For your safety, stay behind the rope barriers. Do not climb on the old walls or statues.
What does this sign suggest?
You must wear safety equipment before you climb on the walls and statues.
Stay behind the rope barriers so you can climb on the old walls and statues safely.
You should keep to the marked areas and avoid climbing on the historic structures.
Sign 2
Uneven steps ahead. Please hold the handrail and wear shoes with good grip.
What does the text say?
Uneven steps are ahead, so you must not use the handrail.
The steps are uneven, so the site will provide special shoes for visitors.
Be careful on the steps and use the rail, especially if your shoes could slip.
Sign 3
Keep a safe distance from the edge. Children must be held by the hand near the viewpoint.
What does this sign suggest?
Keep a safe distance from the edge only if children are not held by the hand.
Stay away from the edge, and make sure children are closely supervised at the viewpoint.
Children are not allowed at the viewpoint because it is too dangerous.
Sign 4
Do not touch the displays. Oils from hands can damage the paintings and ancient objects.
What does the text say?
You must not handle the exhibits because touching them can harm them.
You can touch the displays if your hands are clean and dry.
The displays are damaged, so visitors should touch them carefully.
Sign 5
In hot weather, drink water regularly. You should take breaks in the shaded area near the entrance.
What does this sign suggest?
In hot weather, drink water only in the shaded area near the entrance.
The entrance is shaded, so you don’t need to drink water during your visit.
To avoid feeling unwell, keep hydrated and rest in the shade when it’s very warm.
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.