You have 45 minutes to answer 24 multiple choice Life in the UK Test questions. You need to answer at least 18 out of 24 questions correctly to pass. Answers may be reviewed after each question or at the end of the test. Good luck!
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1. Which TWO are 20th century British discoveries or inventions?
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Correct Answer: Cash machines (ATMs), Cloning a mammal
Explanation: In 1996, two British scientists, Sir Ian Wilmot (1944-) and Keith Campbell (1954-2012), led a team which was the first to succeed in cloning a mammal, Dolly the sheep. In the 1960s, James Goodfellow (1937-) invented the cash-dispensing ATM (automatic teller machine) or 'cashpoint'. The first of these was put into use by Barclays Bank in Enfield, north London in 1967.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century
Explanation: In 1996, two British scientists, Sir Ian Wilmot (1944-) and Keith Campbell (1954-2012), led a team which was the first to succeed in cloning a mammal, Dolly the sheep. In the 1960s, James Goodfellow (1937-) invented the cash-dispensing ATM (automatic teller machine) or 'cashpoint'. The first of these was put into use by Barclays Bank in Enfield, north London in 1967.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century
2. Which of these statements is correct?
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Correct Answer: By 1400 the preferred language of English court was English
Explanation: By 1400, in England, official documents were being written in English, and English had become the preferred language of the royal court and Parliament.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - A distinct identity
Explanation: By 1400, in England, official documents were being written in English, and English had become the preferred language of the royal court and Parliament.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - A distinct identity
3. After the abolition of slavery, more than 2 million migrant came from which TWO countries to replace the freed slaves?
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Correct Answer: China, India
Explanation: After 1833, 2 million Indian and Chinese workers were employed to replace the freed slaves.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The slave trade
Explanation: After 1833, 2 million Indian and Chinese workers were employed to replace the freed slaves.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The slave trade
4. The last successful foreign invasion of England was by which of the following?
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Correct Answer: The Normans led by William
Explanation: The Norman Conquest was the last successful foreign invasion of England and led to many changes in government and social structures in England. Norman French, the language of the new ruling class, influenced the development of the English language as we know it today.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Norman Conquest
Explanation: The Norman Conquest was the last successful foreign invasion of England and led to many changes in government and social structures in England. Norman French, the language of the new ruling class, influenced the development of the English language as we know it today.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Norman Conquest
5. On his escape from the Battle of Worcester, Charles II famously hid inside what?
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Correct Answer: An oak tree
Explanation: Charles II escaped from Worcester, famously hiding in an oak tree on one occasion, and eventually fled to Europe. Parliament now controlled Scotland as well as England and Wales.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Oliver Cromwell and the English republic
Explanation: Charles II escaped from Worcester, famously hiding in an oak tree on one occasion, and eventually fled to Europe. Parliament now controlled Scotland as well as England and Wales.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Oliver Cromwell and the English republic
6. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Thanks to its position as the world's leading industrial nation during the 1800s, Britain was responsible for producing half of the world's coal, iron and cotton cloth.
AThanks to its position as the world's leading industrial nation during the 1800s, Britain was responsible for producing half of the world's coal, iron and cotton cloth.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: British industry led the world in the 19th century. The UK produced more than half of the world's iron, coal and cotton cloth.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Trade and industry
Explanation: British industry led the world in the 19th century. The UK produced more than half of the world's iron, coal and cotton cloth.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Trade and industry
7. Where did Mary Stuart spend most of her childhood?
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Correct Answer: France
Explanation: Much of her childhood was spent in France. When she returned to Scotland, she was the centre of a power struggle between different groups.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots
Explanation: Much of her childhood was spent in France. When she returned to Scotland, she was the centre of a power struggle between different groups.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots
8. What was the Spanish Armada?
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Correct Answer: A fleet of Spanish ships
Explanation: Elizabeth became one of the most popular monarchs in English history, particularly after 1588, when the English defeated the Spanish Armada (a large fleet of ships), which had been sent by Spain to conquer England and restore Catholicism.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
Explanation: Elizabeth became one of the most popular monarchs in English history, particularly after 1588, when the English defeated the Spanish Armada (a large fleet of ships), which had been sent by Spain to conquer England and restore Catholicism.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
9. Where can HMS Victory be visited?
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Correct Answer: Portsmouth
Explanation: Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, London, is a monument to him. His ship, HMS Victory, can be visited in Portsmouth.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - War with France
Explanation: Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square, London, is a monument to him. His ship, HMS Victory, can be visited in Portsmouth.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - War with France
10. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Mary Peters was an author who was later made a Dame in recognition of her work promoting literacy.
AMary Peters was an author who was later made a Dame in recognition of her work promoting literacy.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Born in Manchester, Mary Peters moved to Northern Ireland as a child. She was a talented athlete who won an Olympic gold medal in the pentathlon in 1972. After this, she raised money for local athletics and became the team manager for the women's British Olympic team. She continues to promote sport and tourism in Northern Ireland and was made a Dame of the British Empire in 2000 in recognition of her work.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Problems in the economy in the 1970s
Explanation: Born in Manchester, Mary Peters moved to Northern Ireland as a child. She was a talented athlete who won an Olympic gold medal in the pentathlon in 1972. After this, she raised money for local athletics and became the team manager for the women's British Olympic team. She continues to promote sport and tourism in Northern Ireland and was made a Dame of the British Empire in 2000 in recognition of her work.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Problems in the economy in the 1970s
11. Which TWO famous London buildings are built in the 19th-century 'gothic' style?
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Correct Answer: The Houses of Parliament, St Pancras Station
Explanation: In the 19th century, the medieval 'gothic' style became popular again. As cities expanded, many great public buildings were built in this style. The Houses of Parliament and St Pancras Station were built at this time, as were the town halls in cities such as Manchester and Sheffield.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Architecture
Explanation: In the 19th century, the medieval 'gothic' style became popular again. As cities expanded, many great public buildings were built in this style. The Houses of Parliament and St Pancras Station were built at this time, as were the town halls in cities such as Manchester and Sheffield.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Architecture
12. Which TWO of the following are major horse-racing events in the UK?
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Correct Answer: Scottish Grand National, Royal Ascot
Explanation: Famous horse-racing events include: Royal Ascot, a five-day race meeting in Berkshire attended by members of the Royal Family; the Grand National at Aintree near Liverpool; and the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport - Horse racing
Explanation: Famous horse-racing events include: Royal Ascot, a five-day race meeting in Berkshire attended by members of the Royal Family; the Grand National at Aintree near Liverpool; and the Scottish Grand National at Ayr.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport - Horse racing
13. What awards event celebrates British theatre?
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Correct Answer: The Laurence Olivier Awards
Explanation: The Laurence Olivier Awards take place annually at different venues in London. There are a variety of categories, including best director, best actor and best actress.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Theatre
Explanation: The Laurence Olivier Awards take place annually at different venues in London. There are a variety of categories, including best director, best actor and best actress.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Theatre
14. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
William Blake, Lord Byron and Robert Browning were all famous golfers.
AWilliam Blake, Lord Byron and Robert Browning were all famous golfers.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Poetry was very popular in the 19th century, with poets such as William Blake, John Keats, Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, Alfred Lord Tennyson, and Robert and Elizabeth Browning.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Literature - British poets
Explanation: Poetry was very popular in the 19th century, with poets such as William Blake, John Keats, Lord Byron, Percy Shelley, Alfred Lord Tennyson, and Robert and Elizabeth Browning.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Literature - British poets
15. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The daffodil is the national flower of Wales.
AThe daffodil is the national flower of Wales.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The countries that make up the UK all have flowers which are particularly associated with them and which are sometimes worn on national saints days:
-England - the rose ;
-Scotland - the thistle ;
-Wales - the daffodil ;
-Northern Ireland - the shamrock
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Leisure - Gardening
Explanation: The countries that make up the UK all have flowers which are particularly associated with them and which are sometimes worn on national saints days:
-England - the rose ;
-Scotland - the thistle ;
-Wales - the daffodil ;
-Northern Ireland - the shamrock
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Leisure - Gardening
16. Is it acceptable in the UK to treat people worse because of their sexual orientation?
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Correct Answer: No, it is never acceptable to treat people worse for their sexual orientation
Explanation: Although Britain is one of the world's most diverse societies, there is a set of shared values and responsibilities that everyone can agree with. These values and responsibilities include:
- to treat everyone equally, regardless of sex, race, religion, age, disability, class or sexual orientation
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Your role in the community - Values and responsibilities
Explanation: Although Britain is one of the world's most diverse societies, there is a set of shared values and responsibilities that everyone can agree with. These values and responsibilities include:
- to treat everyone equally, regardless of sex, race, religion, age, disability, class or sexual orientation
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Your role in the community - Values and responsibilities
17. In 1999, what happened to hereditary peers in the House of Lords?
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Correct Answer: They lost their automatic right to attend the House of Lords
Explanation: Since 1999, hereditary peers have lost the automatic right to attend the House of Lords.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government -The House of Lords
Explanation: Since 1999, hereditary peers have lost the automatic right to attend the House of Lords.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government -The House of Lords
18. What happens when a Member of Parliament (MP) dies or resigns?
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Correct Answer: A by-election is held to replace the MP
Explanation: If an MP dies or resigns, there will be a fresh election, called a by-election, in his or her constituency.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and you role - The British constitution - System of government - Elections
Explanation: If an MP dies or resigns, there will be a fresh election, called a by-election, in his or her constituency.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and you role - The British constitution - System of government - Elections
19. Which of these statements is correct?
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Correct Answer: In Northern Ireland all those entitled to vote must complete their own registration form.
Explanation: In Northern Ireland a different system operates. This is called 'individual registration' and all those entitled to vote must complete their own registration form.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Who can vote? - The electoral register
Explanation: In Northern Ireland a different system operates. This is called 'individual registration' and all those entitled to vote must complete their own registration form.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Who can vote? - The electoral register
20. Which TWO of the following are amongst the shared goals of the Commonwealth?
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Correct Answer: Development, Democracy
Explanation: The Commonwealth is an association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The Commonwealth
Explanation: The Commonwealth is an association of countries that support each other and work together towards shared goals in democracy and development.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The Commonwealth
21. Are police obliged to obey the law?
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Correct Answer: Yes, always
Explanation: The police force is a public service that helps and protects everyone, no matter what their background or where they live. Police officers must themselves obey the law. They must not misuse their authority, make a FALSE? statement, be rude or abusive, or commit racial discrimination. If police officers are corrupt or misuse their authority they are severely punished.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Respecting the law - The police and their duties
Explanation: The police force is a public service that helps and protects everyone, no matter what their background or where they live. Police officers must themselves obey the law. They must not misuse their authority, make a FALSE? statement, be rude or abusive, or commit racial discrimination. If police officers are corrupt or misuse their authority they are severely punished.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Respecting the law - The police and their duties
22. Which of the following is not the job of the police?
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Correct Answer: To prosecute someone for debt
Explanation: The job of the police in the UK is to:
-protect life and property ;
-prevent disturbances (also known as keeping the peace) ;
-prevent and detect crime.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and you role - Respecting the law - The police and their duties
Explanation: The job of the police in the UK is to:
-protect life and property ;
-prevent disturbances (also known as keeping the peace) ;
-prevent and detect crime.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and you role - Respecting the law - The police and their duties
23. Which TWO of the following deal with civil disputes?
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Correct Answer: County Court, Sheriff Court
Explanation: County Courts deal with a wide range of civil disputes. These include people trying to get back money that is owed to them, cases involving personal injury, family matters, breaches of contract, and divorce. In Scotland, most of these matters are dealt with in the Sheriff Court.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Civil courts
Explanation: County Courts deal with a wide range of civil disputes. These include people trying to get back money that is owed to them, cases involving personal injury, family matters, breaches of contract, and divorce. In Scotland, most of these matters are dealt with in the Sheriff Court.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Civil courts
24. As well as giving legal advice, solicitors are able to do which TWO of the following?
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Correct Answer: Take action for a client, Represent clients in court
Explanation: Solicitors are trained lawyers who give advice on legal matters, take action for their clients and represent their clients in court.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Legal advice - Solicitors
Explanation: Solicitors are trained lawyers who give advice on legal matters, take action for their clients and represent their clients in court.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Legal advice - Solicitors