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.
Airport Signs & Notices
Sign 1
Security check ahead. Liquids must be in containers of 100 ml or less, inside one clear bag.
What does this sign suggest?
You should pack all liquids in your suitcase because liquids are not allowed at security.
You have to put small liquid bottles in a transparent bag before the security area.
Liquids must be in one clear bag, but containers must be 100 ml or more.
Sign 2
Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure. Passengers must be at the gate on time.
What does the text say?
Boarding closes 15 minutes before departure, so you can arrive at the gate 15 minutes after departure.
You need to arrive at the gate early because they stop letting people board shortly before the flight leaves.
You should go to the gate only when you hear your name called.
Sign 3
No entry beyond this point without a valid boarding pass. Staff may ask to see it.
What does this sign suggest?
You are not allowed to go past here unless you can show a boarding pass.
Staff may ask to see it, so you should keep your boarding pass in your suitcase.
No entry beyond this point, so you must buy a boarding pass at the gate.
Sign 4
Please keep your passport ready. You may be asked to show it at passport control.
What does the text say?
It is a good idea to have your passport available because officers might request it.
You may be asked to show it, so you must give your passport to airport staff at check-in.
Keep your passport ready, which means you can travel without any other documents.
Sign 5
Baggage reclaim: Do not leave bags unattended. Unattended items may be removed for safety.
What does this sign suggest?
Do not leave bags unattended, so you should leave your bags with airport staff.
You must stay with your luggage because bags left alone could be taken away for security reasons.
Unattended items may be removed, which means your bags will be delivered to your home.
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.