Signs | Cambridge English A2 / B1 task guide
Review Signs task tips, common mistakes, and practice steps for Cambridge English A2 / B1, then move into practice, mock exams, and reports.
Signs is a Cambridge English A2 / B1 task. Use this guide to understand what the task checks before moving into practice or a mock exam. Use Yanghaowa practice and reports to turn Signs mistakes into a clear next-step study plan.
What to do
- Read the question carefully and locate evidence in the text.
- Look for paraphrases instead of exact word matches.
- Explain why the other options are wrong during review.
What to avoid
- Do not answer from personal knowledge.
- Do not choose an option only because it repeats a word from the text.
What To Do
The text is usually a notice, sign, message, or short announcement. The point is not translating every word but deciding who should do what in the real situation.
- First identify the situation: school, shop, station, event, or private message.
- Identify the target reader: who it is for, who is warned, or who is limited.
- The option must match the meaning exactly.
Exam Method
Ask three questions: where is it, who must act, and what is required or not allowed?
- Read the short text before rushing to options.
- Paraphrase each option simply before comparing.
- Notice limits such as time, place, price, and people.
Common Score-Losing Traps
Distractors often change only one condition, such as time, person, or permission.
- Do not be fooled by the same keyword.
- Do not confuse advice with requirement, or prohibition with reminder.
- Do not ignore the image or layout clues.
Final Checklist
Finally check whether the option adds, misses, or reverses information.
- Is the target person the same?
- Is the required action the same?
- Are the limits the same?
How To Review After Practice
In review, mark the paraphrase between the text and the correct option.
- Record common sign words such as closed, staff only, booking, collect, and return.
- Write exactly why the wrong option is wrong.
- Practise under time limits to build quick situation recognition.
Continue this task guide in CEQ
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