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.
Beach Sun Safety Signs
Sign 1
Strong sun today. Swimmers should apply waterproof sunscreen every 2 hours, even when it’s cloudy.
What does this sign suggest?
Swimmers should apply waterproof sunscreen only when it’s cloudy, every 2 hours.
You should use sunscreen once before swimming, because clouds stop the sun.
People are advised to use water-resistant sun cream regularly, including on cloudy days.
Sign 2
To avoid sunburn, you must wear a hat and UV shirt between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
What does the text say?
You should stay at the beach only from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to avoid sunburn.
You must wear a hat and UV shirt after 3 p.m. to avoid sunburn.
During the middle of the day, sun-protective clothing is required to prevent burning.
Sign 3
Children under 10 must stay in the shade when not swimming. Sun umbrellas are available to rent.
What does this sign suggest?
Children under 10 must stay in the shade only when swimming, and umbrellas are available to rent.
Children should rent a sun umbrella before they are allowed to swim.
Young children are required to keep out of direct sun unless they are in the water, and umbrellas can be rented.
Sign 4
After swimming, you should drink water and reapply sunscreen. Salt water can remove protection.
What does the notice advise swimmers to do?
Hydrate and put on sun cream again after being in the sea because it may wash off.
After swimming, you should drink salt water and reapply sunscreen for extra protection.
You must reapply sunscreen only before swimming, because salt water protects your skin.
Sign 5
UV index is high. You must not stay in direct sun for more than 20 minutes without sunscreen.
What does this sign suggest?
Without sun cream, you should limit your time in the sun to under 20 minutes.
You should avoid the beach all day because the UV index is high.
You must not use sunscreen for more than 20 minutes in direct sun.
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.