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. What happened in 1215 to change the powers of the king?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Magna Carta
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
2. Which TWO were great thinkers of the Enlightenment?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Adam Smith, David Hume
Explanation: Many of the great thinkers of the Enlightenment were Scottish. Adam Smith developed ideas about economics which are still referred to today. David Hume's ideas about human nature continue to influence philosophers.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Enlightenment
Explanation: Many of the great thinkers of the Enlightenment were Scottish. Adam Smith developed ideas about economics which are still referred to today. David Hume's ideas about human nature continue to influence philosophers.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Enlightenment
3. Who invaded England in 1066?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: William of Normandy
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.
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.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Norman Conquest
4. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Margaret Thatcher was the longest-serving UK Prime Minister of the 20th century.
AMargaret Thatcher was the longest-serving UK Prime Minister of the 20th century.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: She was the longest-serving Prime Minister of the 20th century, remaining in office until 1990.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Conservative government from 1979 to 1997
Explanation: She was the longest-serving Prime Minister of the 20th century, remaining in office until 1990.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Conservative government from 1979 to 1997
5. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The Highland Clearances occurred in Scotland.
Explanation: A process began which became known as the 'Highland Clearances'. Many Scottish landlords destroyed individual small farms (known as 'crofts') to make space for large flocks of sheep and cattle.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The rebellion of the clans
Explanation: A process began which became known as the 'Highland Clearances'. Many Scottish landlords destroyed individual small farms (known as 'crofts') to make space for large flocks of sheep and cattle.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The rebellion of the clans
6. What was the Beveridge Report of 1942 about?
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C
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Correct Answer: Establishing a welfare state
Explanation: It recommended that the government should find ways of fighting the five 'Giant Evils' of Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor and Idleness and provided the basis of the modern welfare state.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - The welfare state
Explanation: It recommended that the government should find ways of fighting the five 'Giant Evils' of Want, Disease, Ignorance, Squalor and Idleness and provided the basis of the modern welfare state.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - The welfare state
7. Which TWO points about slavery are correct?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Quakers set up the first anti-slavery groups., William Wilberforce was a leading abolitionist.
Explanation: The first formal anti-slavery groups were set up by the Quakers in the late 1700s, and they petitioned Parliament to ban the practice. William Wilberforce, an evangelical Christian and a member of Parliament, also played an important part in changing the law. Along with other abolitionists (people who supported the abolition of slavery), he succeeded in turning public opinion against the slave trade.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The slave trade
Explanation: The first formal anti-slavery groups were set up by the Quakers in the late 1700s, and they petitioned Parliament to ban the practice. William Wilberforce, an evangelical Christian and a member of Parliament, also played an important part in changing the law. Along with other abolitionists (people who supported the abolition of slavery), he succeeded in turning public opinion against the slave trade.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The slave trade
8. Which country did Germany invades in 1939 that led to the UK declaring war on Germany?
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C
D
Correct Answer: Poland
Explanation: The British government tried to avoid another war. However, when Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, Britain and France declared war in order to stop his aggression.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The Second World War
Explanation: The British government tried to avoid another war. However, when Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, Britain and France declared war in order to stop his aggression.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The Second World War
9. Hadrian's Wall was built to keep out whom?
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C
D
Correct Answer: The Picts
Explanation: Areas of what is now Scotland were never conquered by the Romans, and the Emperor Hadrian built a wall in the north of England to keep out the Picts (ancestors of the Scottish people).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Romans
Explanation: Areas of what is now Scotland were never conquered by the Romans, and the Emperor Hadrian built a wall in the north of England to keep out the Picts (ancestors of the Scottish people).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Romans
10. Dylan Thomas was a famous writer and poet from which country?
AB
C
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Correct Answer: Wales
Explanation: Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - The welfare state
Explanation: Dylan Thomas was a Welsh poet and writer.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - The welfare state
11. Which colonies of British Empire decided to declare their independence in 1776?
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C
D
Correct Answer: American
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
12. Which TWO groups contested the Wars of the Roses in the 15th century?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: House of Lancaster, House of York
Explanation: In 1455, a civil war was begun to decide who should be king of England. It was fought between the supporters of two families: the House of Lancaster and the House of York.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - The Wars of the Roses
Explanation: In 1455, a civil war was begun to decide who should be king of England. It was fought between the supporters of two families: the House of Lancaster and the House of York.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - The Wars of the Roses
13. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
During the Great Depression of the 1930s the UK had high levels of employment.
ADuring the Great Depression of the 1930s the UK had high levels of employment.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: However, in 1929, the world entered the 'Great Depression' and some parts of the UK suffered mass unemployment.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The inter-war period
Explanation: However, in 1929, the world entered the 'Great Depression' and some parts of the UK suffered mass unemployment.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The inter-war period
14. Which TWO genres is William Shakespeare famous for writing?
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C
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Correct Answer: Poems, Plays
Explanation: Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He was a playwright and actor and wrote many poems and plays.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Exploration, poetry and drama
Explanation: Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He was a playwright and actor and wrote many poems and plays.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Exploration, poetry and drama
15. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Catherine Howard was the sixth wife of Henry VIII
ACatherine Howard was the sixth wife of Henry VIII
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Catherine Howard - Catherine was a cousin of Anne Boleyn. She was also accused of taking lovers and executed.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
Explanation: Catherine Howard - Catherine was a cousin of Anne Boleyn. She was also accused of taking lovers and executed.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
16. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: James VI of Scotland was related to Queen Elizabeth I of England.
Explanation: Elizabeth I never married and so had no children of her own to inherit her throne. When she died in 1603 her heir was her cousin James VI of Scotland.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - James VI and I
Explanation: Elizabeth I never married and so had no children of her own to inherit her throne. When she died in 1603 her heir was her cousin James VI of Scotland.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - James VI and I
17. Which TWO are 20th-century British discoveries or invention?
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C
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Correct Answer: World Wide Web, Television
Explanation: The television was developed by Scotsman John Logie Baird (1888-1946) in the 1920s.; The inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee (1955-), is British.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century
Explanation: The television was developed by Scotsman John Logie Baird (1888-1946) in the 1920s.; The inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir Tim Berners-Lee (1955-), is British.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century
18. What happened to Margaret Thatcher in 1979 to make her famous in UK history?
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C
D
Correct Answer: She became the first woman Prime Minister.
Explanation: Following the Conservative victory in the General Election in 1979, Margaret Thatcher became the first woman Prime Minister of the UK.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Conservative government from 1979 to 1997
Explanation: Following the Conservative victory in the General Election in 1979, Margaret Thatcher became the first woman Prime Minister of the UK.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Conservative government from 1979 to 1997
19. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Shakespeare wrote 'To be or not to be'.
Explanation: Lines from his plays and poems which are often still quoted include:
-Once more unto the breach (Henry V) ;
-To be or not to be (Hamlet) ;
-A rose by any other name(Romeo and Juliet) ;
-All the world's a stage (As you like it) ;
-The darling buds of May (Sonnet 18- Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer's Day).
Reference: Chapter : A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Exploration, poetry and drama
Explanation: Lines from his plays and poems which are often still quoted include:
-Once more unto the breach (Henry V) ;
-To be or not to be (Hamlet) ;
-A rose by any other name(Romeo and Juliet) ;
-All the world's a stage (As you like it) ;
-The darling buds of May (Sonnet 18- Shall I Compare Thee To A Summer's Day).
Reference: Chapter : A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Exploration, poetry and drama
20. Who did Henry VIII marry after the execution of Anne Boleyn?
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C
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Correct Answer: Jane Seymour
Explanation: Jane Seymour - Henry married Jane after Anne's execution. She gave Henry the son he wanted, Edward, but she died shortly after the birth.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
Explanation: Jane Seymour - Henry married Jane after Anne's execution. She gave Henry the son he wanted, Edward, but she died shortly after the birth.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
21. The enlightenment led to major development in which TWO areas?
AB
C
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Correct Answer: Politics, Science
Explanation: During the 18th century, new ideas about politics, philosophy and science were developed. This is often called 'the Enlightenment'.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Enlightenment
Explanation: During the 18th century, new ideas about politics, philosophy and science were developed. This is often called 'the Enlightenment'.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Enlightenment
22. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The First World War ended at 11.00am on 11 November 1918.
AThe First World War ended at 11.00am on 11 November 1918.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The First World War ended at 11.00 am on 11th November 1918 with victory for Britain and its allies.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The First World War
Explanation: The First World War ended at 11.00 am on 11th November 1918 with victory for Britain and its allies.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The First World War
23. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Britain and Germany developed Concorde, a passenger supersonic aircraft
ABritain and Germany developed Concorde, a passenger supersonic aircraft
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Britain and France developed Concorde, the world's only supersonic passenger aircraft.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century
Explanation: Britain and France developed Concorde, the world's only supersonic passenger aircraft.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century
24. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The War of the Roses was between the houses of Lancaster and York.
Explanation: In 1455, a civil war was begun to decide who should be king of England. It was fought between the supporters of two families: the House of Lancaster and the House of York.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - The Wars of the Roses
Explanation: In 1455, a civil war was begun to decide who should be king of England. It was fought between the supporters of two families: the House of Lancaster and the House of York.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - The Wars of the Roses