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. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Before 1215 there were no laws to limit the power of the king of England.
ABefore 1215 there were no laws to limit the power of the king of England.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
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). The Magna Carta established the idea that even the king was subject to the law.
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). The Magna Carta established the idea that even the king was subject to the law.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - Legal and political changes
2. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Britain has never been at war with France.
ABritain has never been at war with France.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: During the 18th century, Britain fought a number of wars with France.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - War with France
Explanation: During the 18th century, Britain fought a number of wars with France.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - War with France
3. Dunkirk is associated with which TWO events?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: The rescue of 300,000 men, Small boats coming to the rescue
Explanation: Many civilian volunteers in small pleasure and fishing boats from Britain helped the Navy to rescue more than 300,000 men from the beaches around Dunkirk. Although many lives and a lot of equipment were lost, the evacuation was a success and meant that Britain was better able to continue the fight against the Germans.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The Second World War
Explanation: Many civilian volunteers in small pleasure and fishing boats from Britain helped the Navy to rescue more than 300,000 men from the beaches around Dunkirk. Although many lives and a lot of equipment were lost, the evacuation was a success and meant that Britain was better able to continue the fight against the Germans.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The Second World War
4. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The Reform Act of 1832 increased the number of voters.
Explanation: The Reform Act of 1832 had greatly increased the number of people with the right to vote
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The right to vote
Explanation: The Reform Act of 1832 had greatly increased the number of people with the right to vote
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The right to vote
5. What was the name given to supporters of King Charles I during the Civil War?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Cavaliers
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
6. Which TWO were introduced before the First World War (1914)?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Free school meals, State retirement pension
Explanation: It was also a time of social progress. Financial help for the unemployed, old-age pensions and free school meals were just a few of the important measures introduced.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The First World War
Explanation: It was also a time of social progress. Financial help for the unemployed, old-age pensions and free school meals were just a few of the important measures introduced.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The First World War
7. Which product did the UK produce over half the world's supply in the 19th century?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Cotton cloth
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 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 Industry
8. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
In 1707 the kingdoms of England and Scotland were united.
AIn 1707 the kingdoms of England and Scotland were united.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The Act of Union, known as the Treaty of Union in Scotland, was therefore agreed in 1707, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Act or Treaty of Union in Scotland
Explanation: The Act of Union, known as the Treaty of Union in Scotland, was therefore agreed in 1707, creating the Kingdom of Great Britain.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Act or Treaty of Union in Scotland
9. Which TWO are 20th century British discoveries or inventions?
AB
C
D
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
10. During the 17th Century, many people left Britain and Ireland to settle in which of the following places?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: America
Explanation: This was a time when many people left Britain and Ireland to settle in new colonies in America and elsewhere, but others came to live in Britain.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - A growing population
Explanation: This was a time when many people left Britain and Ireland to settle in new colonies in America and elsewhere, but others came to live in Britain.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - A growing population
11. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
During the Victorian period the British Empire became the largest empire the world has ever seen.
ADuring the Victorian period the British Empire became the largest empire the world has ever seen.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: During the Victorian period, the British Empire grew to cover all of India, Australia and large parts of Africa. It became the largest empire the world has ever seen, with an estimated population of more than 400 million people.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The British empire
Explanation: During the Victorian period, the British Empire grew to cover all of India, Australia and large parts of Africa. It became the largest empire the world has ever seen, with an estimated population of more than 400 million people.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The British empire
12. Which TWO of the following were major welfare changes introduced from 1945 to 1950?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: National Health Services (NHS), A social security system for all
Explanation: In 1948, Aneurin (Nye) Bevan, the Minister for Health, led the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS), which guaranteed a minimum standard of health care for all, free at the point of use.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - The welfare state
Explanation: In 1948, Aneurin (Nye) Bevan, the Minister for Health, led the establishment of the National Health Service (NHS), which guaranteed a minimum standard of health care for all, free at the point of use.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - The welfare state
13. What special type of windows did many cathedrals built in the Middle Ages have?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Stained glass
Explanation: Several of the cathedrals had windows of stained glass, telling stories about the Bible and Christian saints. The glass in York Minister is a famous example.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - A distinct identity
Explanation: Several of the cathedrals had windows of stained glass, telling stories about the Bible and Christian saints. The glass in York Minister is a famous example.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - A distinct identity
14. What was Isambard Kingdom Brunel famous for designing and building?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Bridges
Explanation: He was an engineer who built tunnels, bridges, railway lines and ships.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Trade Industry
Explanation: He was an engineer who built tunnels, bridges, railway lines and ships.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Trade Industry
15. Who won the English Civil War in 1646?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Parliament
Explanation: The king's army was defeated at the Battles of Marston Moore and Naseby. By 1646, it was clear that Parliament had won the war.
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. By 1646, it was clear that Parliament had won the war.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Oliver Cromwell and the English republic
16. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The Battle of Britain in 1940 was fought in the skies.
Explanation: The Germans waged an air campaign against Britain, but the British resisted with their fighter planes and eventually won the crucial aerial battle against the Germans, called 'the Battle of Britain', in the summer of 1940.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The Second World War
Explanation: The Germans waged an air campaign against Britain, but the British resisted with their fighter planes and eventually won the crucial aerial battle against the Germans, called 'the Battle of Britain', in the summer of 1940.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The Second World War
17. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: George and Robert Stephenson were famous pioneers of railway engines.
Explanation: Just before Victoria came to the throne, the father and son George and Robert Stephenson pioneered the railway engine and a major expansion of the railways took place in the Victorian period.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Trade industry
Explanation: Just before Victoria came to the throne, the father and son George and Robert Stephenson pioneered the railway engine and a major expansion of the railways took place in the Victorian period.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Trade industry
18. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The Roman army left England after 400 years to defend other parts of their Empire.
Explanation: The Roman army left Britain in AD 410 to defend other parts of the Roman Empire and never returned.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Anglo-Saxons
Explanation: The Roman army left Britain in AD 410 to defend other parts of the Roman Empire and never returned.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Anglo-Saxons
19. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The Civil War between Charles I and Parliament in the mid-17th century led to Oliver Cromwell becoming king of England.
AThe Civil War between Charles I and Parliament in the mid-17th century led to Oliver Cromwell becoming king of England.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: England declared itself a republic, called the Commonwealth. It no longer had a monarch. For a time, it was not totally clear how the country would be governed. For now, the army was in control.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Oliver Cromwell and the English republic
Explanation: England declared itself a republic, called the Commonwealth. It no longer had a monarch. For a time, it was not totally clear how the country would be governed. For now, the army was in control.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Oliver Cromwell and the English republic
20. Which English king led his army to victory at the Battle of Agincourt?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Henry V
Explanation: One of the most famous battles of the Hundred Years War was the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, where King Henry V's vastly outnumbered English army defeated the French. The English left France in the 1450s.
Reference: The Middle Ages - War at home and abroad
Explanation: One of the most famous battles of the Hundred Years War was the Battle of Agincourt in 1415, where King Henry V's vastly outnumbered English army defeated the French. The English left France in the 1450s.
Reference: The Middle Ages - War at home and abroad
21. Why is Henry VIII an important English monarch?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: He broke from the Church of Rome.
Explanation: Henry VIII was most famous for breaking away from the Church of Rome and marrying six times.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
Explanation: Henry VIII was most famous for breaking away from the Church of Rome and marrying six times.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
22. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The Swinging Sixties was a period of social change.
Explanation: The decade of the 1960s was a period of significant social change. It was known as 'the Swinging Sixties'.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Social change in the 1960s
Explanation: The decade of the 1960s was a period of significant social change. It was known as 'the Swinging Sixties'.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Social change in the 1960s
23. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
In 1921 a treaty gave independence to the south of Ireland.
AIn 1921 a treaty gave independence to the south of Ireland.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: In 1921 a peace treaty was signed and in 1922 Ireland became two countries.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The partition of Ireland
Explanation: In 1921 a peace treaty was signed and in 1922 Ireland became two countries.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The partition of Ireland
24. Which TWO are associated with Sir Francis Drake?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: The Spanish Armada, Sailing around the world
Explanation: Sir Francis Drake, one of the commanders in the defeat of the Spanish Armada, was one of the founders of England's naval tradition. His ship, the Golden Hind, was one of the first to sail right around ('circumnavigate') the world.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Exploration, poetry and drama
Explanation: Sir Francis Drake, one of the commanders in the defeat of the Spanish Armada, was one of the founders of England's naval tradition. His ship, the Golden Hind, was one of the first to sail right around ('circumnavigate') the world.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Exploration, poetry and drama