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 of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Elizabeth I had very good relations with Parliament.
Explanation: Elizabeth I was very skilled at managing Parliament. During her reign, she was successful in balancing her wishes and views against those of the House of Lords and those of the House of Commons, which was increasingly Protestant in its views.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The rise of the Parliament
Explanation: Elizabeth I was very skilled at managing Parliament. During her reign, she was successful in balancing her wishes and views against those of the House of Lords and those of the House of Commons, which was increasingly Protestant in its views.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The rise of the Parliament
2. Which TWO were associated with King Charles I and parliament during the English Civil War?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Cavaliers, Roundheads
Explanation: Civil war between the king and Parliament could not now be avoided and began in 1642. The country split into those who supported the king (the Cavaliers) and those who supported Parliament (the Roundheads).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The beginning of the English Civil War
Explanation: Civil war between the king and Parliament could not now be avoided and began in 1642. The country split into those who supported the king (the Cavaliers) and those who supported Parliament (the Roundheads).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The beginning of the English Civil War
3. What important event happened in England in 1066?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: The Norman invasion
Explanation: In 1066, an invasion led by William, the Duke of Normandy (in what is now northern France), defeated Harold, the Saxon king of England, at the Battle of Hastings. Harold was killed in the battle. William became king of England and is known as William the Conqueror.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Norman conquest
Explanation: In 1066, an invasion led by William, the Duke of Normandy (in what is now northern France), defeated Harold, the Saxon king of England, at the Battle of Hastings. Harold was killed in the battle. William became king of England and is known as William the Conqueror.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Norman conquest
4. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
There is a dragon on the official flag of Wales.
AThere is a dragon on the official flag of Wales.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: There is also an official Welsh flag, which shows a Welsh dragon.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Union Flag
Explanation: There is also an official Welsh flag, which shows a Welsh dragon.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Union Flag
5. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Wales united with England during the reign of Henry VIII.
AWales united with England during the reign of Henry VIII.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: During the reign of Henry VIII, Wales became formally united with England by the Act for the Government of Wales.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
Explanation: During the reign of Henry VIII, Wales became formally united with England by the Act for the Government of Wales.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
6. What were the names of the TWO main groups in parliament in the early 18th century?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Whigs, Tories
Explanation: There were two main groups in Parliament, known as the Whigs and the Tories.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
Explanation: There were two main groups in Parliament, known as the Whigs and the Tories.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
7. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Charles, king of Scotland, was restored as King Charles II of England in 1660.
Explanation: In May 1660, Parliament invited Charles II to come back from exile in the Netherlands. He was crowned King Charles II of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Restoration
Explanation: In May 1660, Parliament invited Charles II to come back from exile in the Netherlands. He was crowned King Charles II of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Restoration
8. Why was Magna Carta important?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: It limited the power of the monarch.
Explanation: There were few formal limits to the king's power until 1215. In that year, King John was forced by his noblemen to agree to a number of demands. The result was a charter of rights called the Magna Carta (which means the Great Charter).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - Legal and political changes
Explanation: There were few formal limits to the king's power until 1215. In that year, King John was forced by his noblemen to agree to a number of demands. The result was a charter of rights called the Magna Carta (which means the Great Charter).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - Legal and political changes
9. Which TWO are English Civil war battles?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Marston Moor, Naseby
Explanation: The king's army was defeated at the Battles of Marston Moore and Naseby.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Oliver Cromwell and the English republic
Explanation: The king's army was defeated at the Battles of Marston Moore and Naseby.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Oliver Cromwell and the English republic
10. What were 'the Troubles' about?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Disagreement over Ireland becoming one country
Explanation: The conflict between those wishing for full Irish independence and those wishing to remain loyal to the British government is often referred to as 'the Troubles'.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The partition of Ireland
Explanation: The conflict between those wishing for full Irish independence and those wishing to remain loyal to the British government is often referred to as 'the Troubles'.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The partition of Ireland
11. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
British scientists were the first to clone a mammal successfully. The animal was a rabbit.
ABritish scientists were the first to clone a mammal successfully. The animal was a rabbit.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
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.
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.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century
12. Which TWO fought in wars against Napoleon?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: The Duke of Wellington, Admiral Nelson
Explanation: In 1815, the French Wars ended with the defeat of the Emperor Napoleon by the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. Wellington was known as the Iron Duke and later became Prime Minister. Napoleon, who became Emperor of France, continued the war. Britain's navy fought against combined French and Spanish fleets, winning the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Admiral Nelson was in charge of the British fleet at Trafalgar and was killed in the battle.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - War with France
Explanation: In 1815, the French Wars ended with the defeat of the Emperor Napoleon by the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. Wellington was known as the Iron Duke and later became Prime Minister. Napoleon, who became Emperor of France, continued the war. Britain's navy fought against combined French and Spanish fleets, winning the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Admiral Nelson was in charge of the British fleet at Trafalgar and was killed in the battle.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - War with France
13. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
In 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, Admiral Nelson defeated the German fleet.
AIn 1805 at the Battle of Trafalgar, Admiral Nelson defeated the German fleet.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Britain's navy fought against combined French and Spanish fleets, winning the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - War with France
Explanation: Britain's navy fought against combined French and Spanish fleets, winning the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - War with France
14. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The Union Flag comprises of four crosses, one for each part of the United Kingdom.
AThe Union Flag comprises of four crosses, one for each part of the United Kingdom.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The flag combined crosses associated with England, Scotland and Ireland. It is still used today as the official flag of the UK.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Union Flag
Explanation: The flag combined crosses associated with England, Scotland and Ireland. It is still used today as the official flag of the UK.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Union Flag
15. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The Industrial Revolution was the rapid development of industry in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Explanation: The Industrial Revolution was the rapid development of industry in Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
Explanation: The Industrial Revolution was the rapid development of industry in Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
16. Which TWO are plays by William Shakespeare?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream
Explanation: His most famous plays include A Midsummer Night's Dream, Hamlet, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.
Reference:
Explanation: His most famous plays include A Midsummer Night's Dream, Hamlet, Macbeth and Romeo and Juliet.
Reference:
17. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: In 1588 the English defeated a Spanish invasion fleet of 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
18. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The 'Divine Rights of Kings' meant that the king was appointed by God.
Explanation: James I and his son Charles I both believed in the 'Divine Right of Kings': the idea that the king was directly appointed by God to rule.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The rise of the Parliament
Explanation: James I and his son Charles I both believed in the 'Divine Right of Kings': the idea that the king was directly appointed by God to rule.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The rise of the Parliament
19. What type of government was formed after the General Election of 2010?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Coalition
Explanation: In May 2010, and for the first time in the UK since February 1974, no political party won an overall majority in the General Election. The Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties formed a coalition and the leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, became Prime Minister.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Coalition government 2010 onwards
Explanation: In May 2010, and for the first time in the UK since February 1974, no political party won an overall majority in the General Election. The Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties formed a coalition and the leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, became Prime Minister.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Coalition government 2010 onwards
20. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Mary, Queen of Scots was a cousin of Queen Elizabeth I.
Explanation: Mary was Elizabeth I's cousin and hoped that Elizabeth might help her, but Elizabeth suspected Mary of wanting to take over the English throne, and kept her a prisoner for 20 years.
Reference: Chapter 3: Along and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots
Explanation: Mary was Elizabeth I's cousin and hoped that Elizabeth might help her, but Elizabeth suspected Mary of wanting to take over the English throne, and kept her a prisoner for 20 years.
Reference: Chapter 3: Along and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots
21. Which stories are associated with Geoffrey Chaucer?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: The Canterbury Tales
Explanation: In the years leading up to 1400, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a series of poems in English about a group of people going to Canterbury on a pilgrimage. The people decided to tell each other stories on the journey, and the poems describe the travellers and some of the stories they told. This collection of poems is called The Canterbury Tales.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - A distinct identity
Explanation: In the years leading up to 1400, Geoffrey Chaucer wrote a series of poems in English about a group of people going to Canterbury on a pilgrimage. The people decided to tell each other stories on the journey, and the poems describe the travellers and some of the stories they told. This collection of poems is called The Canterbury Tales.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - A distinct identity
22. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: In the 18th century two political groups emerged, the Whigs and the Tories.
Explanation: There were two main groups in Parliament, known as the Whigs and the Tories.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
Explanation: There were two main groups in Parliament, known as the Whigs and the Tories.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
23. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The 'Restoration' refers to the re-establishment of Catholicism as the official Church in the 17th century.
AThe 'Restoration' refers to the re-establishment of Catholicism as the official Church in the 17th century.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: In May 1660, Parliament invited Charles II to come back from exile in the Netherlands. He was crowned King Charles II of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Charles II made it clear that he had 'no wish to go on his travels again'. He understood that he could not always do as he wished but would sometimes need to reach agreement with Parliament. Generally, Parliament supported his policies. The Church of England again became the established official Church. Both Roman Catholics and Puritans were kept out of power.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Restoration
Explanation: In May 1660, Parliament invited Charles II to come back from exile in the Netherlands. He was crowned King Charles II of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Charles II made it clear that he had 'no wish to go on his travels again'. He understood that he could not always do as he wished but would sometimes need to reach agreement with Parliament. Generally, Parliament supported his policies. The Church of England again became the established official Church. Both Roman Catholics and Puritans were kept out of power.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Restoration
24. Fighting broke out between colonists in North America and British forces in the late 18th century. What did 13 colonies declare in 1776?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Independence
Explanation: In 1776, 13 American colonies declared their independence, stating that people had a right to establish their own governments.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The American War of Independence
Explanation: In 1776, 13 American colonies declared their independence, stating that people had a right to establish their own governments.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The American War of Independence