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 famous British composers?
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Correct Answer: Ralph Vaughan Williams, Henry Purcell
Explanation: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) wrote music for orchestras and choirs. He was strongly influenced by traditional English folk music. Classical music has been popular in the UK for many centuries. ; Henry Purcell (1659-95)was the organist at Westminster Abbey.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Music
Explanation: Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) wrote music for orchestras and choirs. He was strongly influenced by traditional English folk music. Classical music has been popular in the UK for many centuries. ; Henry Purcell (1659-95)was the organist at Westminster Abbey.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Music
2. Who wrote the novel Lucky Jim?
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Correct Answer: Sir Kingsley Arnis
Explanation: Sir Kingsley Amis (1922-95) was an English novelist and poet. He wrote more than 20 novels. The most well known is Lucky Jim.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Literature - Notable authors and writers
Explanation: Sir Kingsley Amis (1922-95) was an English novelist and poet. He wrote more than 20 novels. The most well known is Lucky Jim.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Literature - Notable authors and writers
3. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Women in Britain make up about half of the workforce.
Explanation: Women in Britain today make up about half of the workforce.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - An equal society
Explanation: Women in Britain today make up about half of the workforce.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - An equal society
4. Which UK city hosted the 2012 Paralympics Games?
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Correct Answer: London
Explanation: The Paralympic Games for 2012 were also hosted in London.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport
Explanation: The Paralympic Games for 2012 were also hosted in London.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport
5. What sport is played in the UEFA Champions League?
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Correct Answer: Football
Explanation: Many of the best players in the world play in the Premier League. Many UK teams also compete in competitions such as the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Champions League, against other teams from Europe.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport - Football
Explanation: Many of the best players in the world play in the Premier League. Many UK teams also compete in competitions such as the UEFA (Union of European Football Associations) Champions League, against other teams from Europe.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport - Football
6. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Cardiff, Swansea and Newport are cities in England.
ACardiff, Swansea and Newport are cities in England.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Cardiff, Swansea and Newport are cities in Wales.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - Cities of the UK
Explanation: Cardiff, Swansea and Newport are cities in Wales.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - Cities of the UK
7. How old do you have to be to buy alcohol in the UK?
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Correct Answer: 18
Explanation: To buy alcohol in a pub or night club you must be 18 or over, but people under that age may be allowed in some pubs with an adult.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Leisure - Pubs and night clubs
Explanation: To buy alcohol in a pub or night club you must be 18 or over, but people under that age may be allowed in some pubs with an adult.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Leisure - Pubs and night clubs
8. Which famous religious building has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place for 17 monarchs?
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Correct Answer: Westminster Abbey
Explanation: Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of 17 monarchs.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Religion - Patron saints' days
Explanation: Westminster Abbey has been the coronation church since 1066 and is the final resting place of 17 monarchs.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Religion - Patron saints' days
9. George Fredrick Handel, the German-born composer who became a British citizen, wrote which of the following?
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Correct Answer: Music for the Royal Fireworks
Explanation: The German-born composer George Frederick Handel (1685-1759) spent many years in the UK and became a British citizen in 1727. He wrote the Water Music for King George I and Music for the Royal Fireworks for his son, George II. Both these pieces continue to be very popular.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Music
Explanation: The German-born composer George Frederick Handel (1685-1759) spent many years in the UK and became a British citizen in 1727. He wrote the Water Music for King George I and Music for the Royal Fireworks for his son, George II. Both these pieces continue to be very popular.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Music
10. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Population growth in the UK has been faster in recent years, thanks in part to migration and longer life expectancy.
APopulation growth in the UK has been faster in recent years, thanks in part to migration and longer life expectancy.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Population growth has been faster in more recent years. Migration into the UK and longer life expectancy have played a part in population growth.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - Population
Explanation: Population growth has been faster in more recent years. Migration into the UK and longer life expectancy have played a part in population growth.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - Population
11. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
UK population growth has been faster in recent years.
AUK population growth has been faster in recent years.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Population growth has been faster in more recent years.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - Population
Explanation: Population growth has been faster in more recent years.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - Population
12. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Some people rent land away from home called an allotment, where they can grow fruit and vegetables.
ASome people rent land away from home called an allotment, where they can grow fruit and vegetables.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: A lot of people have gardens at home and will spend their free time looking after them. Some people rent additional land called 'an allotment', where they grow fruit and vegetables.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Leisure - Gardening
Explanation: A lot of people have gardens at home and will spend their free time looking after them. Some people rent additional land called 'an allotment', where they grow fruit and vegetables.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Leisure - Gardening
13. Which annual flower show in London exhibits garden designs from around the world?
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Correct Answer: Chelsea
Explanation: The annual Chelsea Flower Show showcases garden design from Britain and around the world.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Architecture
Explanation: The annual Chelsea Flower Show showcases garden design from Britain and around the world.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Architecture
14. William Shakespeare wrote a number of sonnets. What is a sonnet?
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Correct Answer: A poem of fourteen lines with a particular rhyme scheme
Explanation: Shakespeare wrote many sonnets (poems which must be 14 lines long) and some longer poems.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Literature - British poets
Explanation: Shakespeare wrote many sonnets (poems which must be 14 lines long) and some longer poems.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Literature - British poets
15. When is Boxing Day?
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Correct Answer: The day after Christmas Day
Explanation: Boxing Day is the day after Christmas Day and is a public holiday.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and tradition - The main Christian festivals
Explanation: Boxing Day is the day after Christmas Day and is a public holiday.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and tradition - The main Christian festivals
16. Which TWO of the following are famous British landmarks?
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Correct Answer: The London Eye, The Eden Project
Explanation: The London Eye is situated on the southern bank of the River Thames and is a Ferris wheel that is 443 feet (135 metres) tall. It was originally built as part of the UK's celebration of the new millennium and continues to be an important part of New Year celebrations. ; The Eden Project is located in Cornwall, in the south west of England. Its biomes, which are like giant greenhouses, house plants from all over the world. The Eden Project is also a charity which runs environmental and social projects internationally.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Places of interest - UK landmarks
Explanation: The London Eye is situated on the southern bank of the River Thames and is a Ferris wheel that is 443 feet (135 metres) tall. It was originally built as part of the UK's celebration of the new millennium and continues to be an important part of New Year celebrations. ; The Eden Project is located in Cornwall, in the south west of England. Its biomes, which are like giant greenhouses, house plants from all over the world. The Eden Project is also a charity which runs environmental and social projects internationally.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Places of interest - UK landmarks
17. What is New Year's Eve called in Scotland?
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Correct Answer: Hogmanay
Explanation: New Year, 1 January, is a public holiday. People usually celebrate on the night of 31 December (called New Year's Eve). In Scotland, 31 December is called Hogmanay and 2 January is also a public holiday. For some Scottish people, Hogmanay is a bigger holiday than Christmas.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - Other festivals and traditions
Explanation: New Year, 1 January, is a public holiday. People usually celebrate on the night of 31 December (called New Year's Eve). In Scotland, 31 December is called Hogmanay and 2 January is also a public holiday. For some Scottish people, Hogmanay is a bigger holiday than Christmas.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - Other festivals and traditions
18. Who wrote musicals such as Cats, The Phantom of the Opera and Evita?
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Correct Answer: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Explanation: More recently, Andrew Lloyd Webber has written the music for shows which have been popular throughout the world, including, in collaboration with Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, and also Cats and The Phantom of the Opera.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Theatre
Explanation: More recently, Andrew Lloyd Webber has written the music for shows which have been popular throughout the world, including, in collaboration with Tim Rice, Jesus Christ Superstar and Evita, and also Cats and The Phantom of the Opera.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Theatre
19. Which of these is not a Christmas tradition in the UK?
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Correct Answer: Having a barbeque
Explanation: Christmas is celebrated in a traditional way. People usually spend the day at home and eat a special meal, which often includes roast turkey, Christmas pudding and mince pies. They give gifts, send cards and decorate their houses. Christmas is a special time for children. Very young children believe that Father Christmas (also known as Santa Claus) brings them presents during the night before Christmas Day. Many people decorate a tree in their home.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - The main Christian festivals
Explanation: Christmas is celebrated in a traditional way. People usually spend the day at home and eat a special meal, which often includes roast turkey, Christmas pudding and mince pies. They give gifts, send cards and decorate their houses. Christmas is a special time for children. Very young children believe that Father Christmas (also known as Santa Claus) brings them presents during the night before Christmas Day. Many people decorate a tree in their home.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - The main Christian festivals
20. Which of these statements is correct?
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Correct Answer: The Wimbledon Championships are associated with tennis.
Explanation: Modern tennis evolved in England in the late 19th century. The first tennis club was founded in Leamington Spa in 1872. The most famous tournament hosted in Britain is The Wimbledon Championships, which takes place each year at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. It is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and the only 'Grand Slam' event played on grass.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport - Tennis
Explanation: Modern tennis evolved in England in the late 19th century. The first tennis club was founded in Leamington Spa in 1872. The most famous tournament hosted in Britain is The Wimbledon Championships, which takes place each year at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. It is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and the only 'Grand Slam' event played on grass.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport - Tennis
21. The Battle of the Boyne is celebrated with a bank holiday in which country?
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Correct Answer: Northern Ireland
Explanation: In Northern Ireland, the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in July is also a public holiday.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - Bank holidays
Explanation: In Northern Ireland, the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in July is also a public holiday.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - Bank holidays
22. When were the first professional football clubs formed?
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Correct Answer: 19th Century
Explanation: Football is the UK's most popular sport. It has a long history in the UK and the first professional football clubs were formed in the late 19th century.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport - Football
Explanation: Football is the UK's most popular sport. It has a long history in the UK and the first professional football clubs were formed in the late 19th century.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport - Football
23. Which work of music did Benjamin Britten not write?
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Correct Answer: The Planets
Explanation: More recently, important composers include Gustav Hoist (1874¬-1934) whose work includes The Planets, a suite of pieces themed around the planets of the solar system. He adapted Jupiter, part of the Planets suite, as the tune for I vow to thee my country, a popular hymn in British churches.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Music
Explanation: More recently, important composers include Gustav Hoist (1874¬-1934) whose work includes The Planets, a suite of pieces themed around the planets of the solar system. He adapted Jupiter, part of the Planets suite, as the tune for I vow to thee my country, a popular hymn in British churches.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Music
24. Which film was directed by Alfred Hitchcock?
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Correct Answer: The 39 Steps
Explanation: The 39 Steps 119351, directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Leisure - British film industry - Some famous British films
Explanation: The 39 Steps 119351, directed by Alfred Hitchcock
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Leisure - British film industry - Some famous British films