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. In 1348 a third of the populations of England, Wales and Scotland died as a result of which plague?
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Correct Answer: The Black Death
Explanation: In 1348, a disease, probably a form of plague, came to Britain. This was known as the Black Death. One third of the population of England died and a similar proportion in Scotland and Wales.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - The Black death
Explanation: In 1348, a disease, probably a form of plague, came to Britain. This was known as the Black Death. One third of the population of England died and a similar proportion in Scotland and Wales.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - The Black death
2. What did St Augustine and St Columba do during the Anglo-Saxon period?
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Correct Answer: They were early Christian missionaries
Explanation: Missionaries from Ireland spread the religion in the north. The most famous of these were St Patrick, who would become the patron saint of Ireland, and St Columba, who founded a monastery on the island of Iona, off the coast of what is now Scotland. St Augustine led missionaries from Rome, who spread Christianity in the south.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Anglo-Saxons
Explanation: Missionaries from Ireland spread the religion in the north. The most famous of these were St Patrick, who would become the patron saint of Ireland, and St Columba, who founded a monastery on the island of Iona, off the coast of what is now Scotland. St Augustine led missionaries from Rome, who spread Christianity in the south.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Anglo-Saxons
3. Who became Prime Minister in May 2010?
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Correct Answer: David Cameron
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
4. Textile and engineering firms recruited workers from which TWO countries after the Second World War?
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Correct Answer: India, Pakistan
Explanation: Textile and engineering firms from the north of England and the Midlands sent agents to India and Pakistan to find workers. For about 25 years, people from the West Indies, India, Pakistan and (later) Bangladesh travelled to work and settle in Britain.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Migration in post-war Britain
Explanation: Textile and engineering firms from the north of England and the Midlands sent agents to India and Pakistan to find workers. For about 25 years, people from the West Indies, India, Pakistan and (later) Bangladesh travelled to work and settle in Britain.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Migration in post-war Britain
5. Which of the following is a famous Stone Age site in the UK?
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Correct Answer: Stonehenge
Explanation: One of these monuments, Stonehenge, still stands in what is now the English county of Wiltshire.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain
Explanation: One of these monuments, Stonehenge, still stands in what is now the English county of Wiltshire.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain
6. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The declaration of rights read at the coronation of William and Mary meant the monarch could no longer raise taxes or administer justice.
Explanation: At the coronation of William and Mary, a Declaration of Rights was read. This confirmed that the king would no longer be able to raise taxes or administer justice without agreement from Parliament. The balance of power between monarch and Parliament had now permanently changed.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
Explanation: At the coronation of William and Mary, a Declaration of Rights was read. This confirmed that the king would no longer be able to raise taxes or administer justice without agreement from Parliament. The balance of power between monarch and Parliament had now permanently changed.
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: During Queen Elizabeth I's reign, English settlers began to colonise the eastern coast of North America.
Explanation: In Elizabeth I's time, English settlers first began to colonise the eastern coast of America.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Exploration, poetry and drama
Explanation: In Elizabeth I's time, English settlers first began to colonise the eastern coast of America.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Exploration, poetry and drama
8. Which TWO political parties formed the coalition government in 2010?
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Correct Answer: Conservatives, Liberal Democrats
Explanation: 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: 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
9. Which of the following is a British innovation?
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Correct Answer: The Turing machine
Explanation: A Turing machine is a theoretical mathematical device invented by Alan Turing (1912-54), a British mathematician, in the 1930s. The theory was influential in the development of computer science and the modern-day computer.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century
Explanation: A Turing machine is a theoretical mathematical device invented by Alan Turing (1912-54), a British mathematician, in the 1930s. The theory was influential in the development of computer science and the modern-day computer.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century
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. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Isaac Newton is a famous musician from the 18th century.
AIsaac Newton is a famous musician from the 18th century.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: His most famous published work was Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (''Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy'), which showed how gravity applied to the whole universe.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Restoration
Explanation: His most famous published work was Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica (''Mathematical Principles of Natural Philosophy'), which showed how gravity applied to the whole universe.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Restoration
12. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Richard Arkwright developed efficient and profitable factories.
Explanation: Arkwright is particularly remembered for the efficient and profitable way that he ran his factories.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
Explanation: Arkwright is particularly remembered for the efficient and profitable way that he ran his factories.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
13. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
A public vote in 2002 decided that Winston Churchill was the Greatest Briton of all time.
AA public vote in 2002 decided that Winston Churchill was the Greatest Briton of all time.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: He remains a much-admired figure to this day, and in 2002 was voted the greatest Briton of all time by the public.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th Century - The Second World War
Explanation: He remains a much-admired figure to this day, and in 2002 was voted the greatest Briton of all time by the public.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th Century - The Second World War
14. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The threat of Viking attack caused the people in the north to unite, and the term Scotland was used to describe that country.
AThe threat of Viking attack caused the people in the north to unite, and the term Scotland was used to describe that country.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: In the north, the threat of attack by Vikings had encouraged the people to unite under one king, Kenneth MacAlpin. The term Scotland began to be used to describe that country.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Vikings
Explanation: In the north, the threat of attack by Vikings had encouraged the people to unite under one king, Kenneth MacAlpin. The term Scotland began to be used to describe that country.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Vikings
15. There was growth in British film, fashion and music during the 1960s. Which TWO of these were very popular sixties British pop groups?
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Correct Answer: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones
Explanation: Two well-known pop music groups at the time were The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Social change in the 1960s
Explanation: Two well-known pop music groups at the time were The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Social change in the 1960s
16. The UK has what kind of monarchy?
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Correct Answer: Constitutional
Explanation: The laws passed after the Glorious Revolution are the beginning of what is called 'constitutional monarchy'.
Reference: The laws passed after the Glorious Revolution are the beginning of what is called 'constitutional monarchy'.
Explanation: The laws passed after the Glorious Revolution are the beginning of what is called 'constitutional monarchy'.
Reference: The laws passed after the Glorious Revolution are the beginning of what is called 'constitutional monarchy'.
17. How old was Edward VI when he died?
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Correct Answer: 15
Explanation: Henry VIII was succeeded by his son Edward VI, who was strongly Protestant. During his reign, the Book of Common Prayer was written to be used in the Church of England. A version of this book is still used in some churches today. Edward died at the age of 15 after ruling for just over six years, and his half-sister Mary became queen.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
Explanation: Henry VIII was succeeded by his son Edward VI, who was strongly Protestant. During his reign, the Book of Common Prayer was written to be used in the Church of England. A version of this book is still used in some churches today. Edward died at the age of 15 after ruling for just over six years, and his half-sister Mary became queen.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
18. What were The Canterbury Tales?
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Correct Answer: A Series of poems
Explanation: 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: 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
19. Which TWO wars was England involved in during the Middle Ages?
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Correct Answer: Crusades, Hundred Years War
Explanation: Many knights took part in the Crusades, in which European Christians fought for control of the Holy Land. English kings also fought a long war with France, called the Hundred Years War (even though it actually lasted 116 years).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - War at home and abroad
Explanation: Many knights took part in the Crusades, in which European Christians fought for control of the Holy Land. English kings also fought a long war with France, called the Hundred Years War (even though it actually lasted 116 years).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - War at home and abroad
20. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: A free press means that what is written in newspapers is free from government control.
Explanation: This was also an important time for the development of a free press (newspapers and other publications which are not controlled by the government).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
Explanation: This was also an important time for the development of a free press (newspapers and other publications which are not controlled by the government).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
21. Following the introduction of the Bill of Rights, monarchs were required to ask Parliament to renew funding for which TWO of the following each year?
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Correct Answer: Navy, Army
Explanation: Every year the monarch had to ask Parliament to renew funding for the army and the navy.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
Explanation: Every year the monarch had to ask Parliament to renew funding for the army and the navy.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
22. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The Bill of Rights confirmed the rights of Parliament and limits of the king's power.
AThe Bill of Rights confirmed the rights of Parliament and limits of the king's power.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The Bill of Rights, 1689, confirmed the rights of Parliament and the limits of the king's power.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
Explanation: The Bill of Rights, 1689, confirmed the rights of Parliament and the limits of the king's power.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
23. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The Industrial Revolution is the name given to the rapid development of industry that began in the 18th century.
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
24. Which TWO are influential British bands?
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Correct Answer: The Rolling Stones, The Beatles
Explanation: Two well-known pop music groups at the time were The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Social change in the 1960s
Explanation: Two well-known pop music groups at the time were The Beatles and The Rolling Stones.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Social change in the 1960s