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 20th-century British discoveries or inventions?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Hovercraft, Penicillin
Explanation: Sir Christopher Cockerell (1910-99), a British inventor, invented the hovercraft in the 1950s. (Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century). Born in Scotland, Fleming moved to London as a teenager and later qualified as a doctor. He was researching influenza (the 'flu') in 1928 when he discovered penicillin.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The Second World War
Explanation: Sir Christopher Cockerell (1910-99), a British inventor, invented the hovercraft in the 1950s. (Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century). Born in Scotland, Fleming moved to London as a teenager and later qualified as a doctor. He was researching influenza (the 'flu') in 1928 when he discovered penicillin.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The Second World War
2. Which TWO of the following were important 20th-century inventors?
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C
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Correct Answer: Alan Turing, Tim Berners-Lee
Explanation: A Turing machine is a theoretical mathematical device invented by Alan Turing (1912-54), a British mathematician, in the 1930s; The inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir Tin 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: A Turing machine is a theoretical mathematical device invented by Alan Turing (1912-54), a British mathematician, in the 1930s; The inventor of the World Wide Web, Sir Tin Berners-Lee (1955-), is British
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century
3. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Commercial expansion and prosperity of the 19th century were sustained in part by the booming slave trade.
ACommercial expansion and prosperity of the 19th century were sustained in part by the booming slave trade.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: This commercial expansion and prosperity was sustained in part by the booming slave trade. While slavery was illegal within Britain itself, by the 18th century it was a fully established overseas industry, dominated by Britain and the American colonies.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The slave trade
Explanation: This commercial expansion and prosperity was sustained in part by the booming slave trade. While slavery was illegal within Britain itself, by the 18th century it was a fully established overseas industry, dominated by Britain and the American colonies.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The slave trade
4. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Margaret Thatcher was the UK's first female Prime Minister.
Explanation: Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first woman Prime Minister, led the Conservative government from 1979 to 1990. The government made structural changes to the economy through the privatisation of nationalised industries and imposed legal controls on trade union powers.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Conservative government from 1979 to 1997
Explanation: Margaret Thatcher, Britain's first woman Prime Minister, led the Conservative government from 1979 to 1990. The government made structural changes to the economy through the privatisation of nationalised industries and imposed legal controls on trade union powers.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Conservative government from 1979 to 1997
5. Which of these reasons best explains why town planning laws were tightened in the early 20th century?
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C
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Correct Answer: To prevent the further development of slums
Explanation: Various laws were passed to improve safety in the workplace; town planning rules were tightened to prevent the further development of slums; and better support was given to mothers and their children after divorce or separation.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The First World War
Explanation: Various laws were passed to improve safety in the workplace; town planning rules were tightened to prevent the further development of slums; and better support was given to mothers and their children after divorce or separation.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The First World War
6. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The leaders of the Easter uprising were executed under military law.
Explanation: Irish Nationalists were not willing to wait and in 1916 there was an uprising (the Easter Rising) against the British in Dublin. The leaders of the uprising were executed under military law.
Reference: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The partition of Ireland
Explanation: Irish Nationalists were not willing to wait and in 1916 there was an uprising (the Easter Rising) against the British in Dublin. The leaders of the uprising were executed under military law.
Reference: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The partition of Ireland
7. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Britain had colonies in southern Africa in the 19th century.
ABritain had colonies in southern Africa in the 19th century.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Britain gained control over Canada, and the East India Company, originally set up to trade, gained control of large parts of India. Colonies began to be established in southern Africa.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
Explanation: Britain gained control over Canada, and the East India Company, originally set up to trade, gained control of large parts of India. Colonies began to be established in southern Africa.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
8. During the English Civil War, in which TWO battles was Charles I's army defeated?
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C
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Correct Answer: Battle of Naseby, Battle of Marston Moor
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
9. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The BBC began the world's first regular television service in 1936.
AThe BBC began the world's first regular television service in 1936.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: The BBC started radio broadcasts in 1922 and began the world's first regular television service in 1936.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The inter-war period
Explanation: The BBC started radio broadcasts in 1922 and began the world's first regular television service in 1936.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The inter-war period
10. What event is remembered on November 5th every year?
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C
D
Correct Answer: A plot to blow up the House of Parliament in 1605
Explanation: Bonfire Night, 5 November, is an occasion when people in Great Britain set off fireworks at home or in special displays. The origin of this celebration was an event in 1605, when a group of Catholics led by Guy Fawkes failed in their plan to kill the Protestant king with a bomb in the Houses of Parliament.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and Traditions - Other festivals and traditions
Explanation: Bonfire Night, 5 November, is an occasion when people in Great Britain set off fireworks at home or in special displays. The origin of this celebration was an event in 1605, when a group of Catholics led by Guy Fawkes failed in their plan to kill the Protestant king with a bomb in the Houses of Parliament.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and Traditions - Other festivals and traditions
11. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
In the UK, 1 April is a day when people play jokes on each.
AIn the UK, 1 April is a day when people play jokes on each.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: April Fool's Day, 1 April, is a day when people play jokes on each other until midday. The television and newspapers often have stories that are April Fool jokes.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - Other festivals and Traditions
Explanation: April Fool's Day, 1 April, is a day when people play jokes on each other until midday. The television and newspapers often have stories that are April Fool jokes.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - Other festivals and Traditions
12. Which of the following is a traditional food associated with Scotland?
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C
D
Correct Answer: Haggis
Explanation: Scotland: Haggis - a sheep's stomach stuffed with offal, suet, onions and oatmeal.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Leisure - Cooking and food - Traditional foods
Explanation: Scotland: Haggis - a sheep's stomach stuffed with offal, suet, onions and oatmeal.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Leisure - Cooking and food - Traditional foods
13. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Thomas Chippendale was an 18th- century designer of furniture.
Explanation: Britain has produced many great designers, from Thomas Chippendale (who designed furniture in the 18th century) to Clarice cliff (who designed Art Deco ceramics) to Sir Terence Conran (a 20th-century interior designer). Leading fashion designers of recent years include Mary Quant, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Fashion and design
Explanation: Britain has produced many great designers, from Thomas Chippendale (who designed furniture in the 18th century) to Clarice cliff (who designed Art Deco ceramics) to Sir Terence Conran (a 20th-century interior designer). Leading fashion designers of recent years include Mary Quant, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Fashion and design
14. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The House of Commons may overrule the Houser of Lords
Explanation: The House of Commons has powers to overrule the House of Lords, but these are not used often.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - British constitution - System of government - The House of Lords
Explanation: The House of Commons has powers to overrule the House of Lords, but these are not used often.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - British constitution - System of government - The House of Lords
15. West Germany, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Italy formed the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 along with which other country?
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C
D
Correct Answer: Belgium
Explanation: The European Union (EU), originally called the European Economic Community (EEC), was set up by six western European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) who signed the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 1957.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The European Union
Explanation: The European Union (EU), originally called the European Economic Community (EEC), was set up by six western European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) who signed the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 1957.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The European Union
16. The Northern Ireland Assembly makes decisions in which TWO of the following areas?
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C
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Correct Answer: The environment, Agriculture
Explanation: The Northern Ireland Assembly can make decisions on issues such as:
-education ;
-agriculture ;
-the environment ;
-health ;
-social services.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Devolved administrations - The Northern Ireland Assembly
Explanation: The Northern Ireland Assembly can make decisions on issues such as:
-education ;
-agriculture ;
-the environment ;
-health ;
-social services.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Devolved administrations - The Northern Ireland Assembly
17. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Forcing another person to marry is a criminal offence in the UK.
AForcing another person to marry is a criminal offence in the UK.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Forcing another person to marry is a criminal offence.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Fundamental principles - Forced marriage
Explanation: Forcing another person to marry is a criminal offence.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Fundamental principles - Forced marriage
18. What TWO actions can a judge take if a public body is not respecting someone's legal rights?
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C
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Correct Answer: Order them to change their practices, Order them to pay compensation
Explanation: If judges find that a public body is not respecting someone's legal rights, they can order that body to change its practices and/or pay compensation.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - The judiciary
Explanation: If judges find that a public body is not respecting someone's legal rights, they can order that body to change its practices and/or pay compensation.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - The judiciary
19. The Welsh Assembly and the Scottish Parliament were formed in which year?
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Correct Answer: 1999
Explanation: Since 1997, some powers have been devolved from the central government to give people in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland more control over matters that directly affect them. There has been a Welsh Assembly and a Scottish Parliament since 1999.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Devolved administrations
Explanation: Since 1997, some powers have been devolved from the central government to give people in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland more control over matters that directly affect them. There has been a Welsh Assembly and a Scottish Parliament since 1999.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Devolved administrations
20. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
A mayor is always elected.
AA mayor is always elected.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: MPs are elected through a system called 'first past the post'. In each constituency, the candidate who gets the most votes is elected. The government is usually formed by the party that wins the majority of constituencies. If no party wins a majority, two parties may join together to form a coalition.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - Elections
Explanation: MPs are elected through a system called 'first past the post'. In each constituency, the candidate who gets the most votes is elected. The government is usually formed by the party that wins the majority of constituencies. If no party wins a majority, two parties may join together to form a coalition.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - Elections
21. In which city is the Scottish Parliament based?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Edinburgh
Explanation: The Scottish Parliament was formed in 1999. It sits in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Devolved administrations - The Scottish Parliament
Explanation: The Scottish Parliament was formed in 1999. It sits in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Devolved administrations - The Scottish Parliament
22. A poll card includes which TWO pieces of information?
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Correct Answer: The date of the election, Where the polling station or polling place is located
Explanation: People vote in elections at places called polling stations, or polling places in Scotland. Before the election you will be sent a poll card. This tells you where your polling station or polling place is and when the election will take place.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and you role - The government - Where to vote
Explanation: People vote in elections at places called polling stations, or polling places in Scotland. Before the election you will be sent a poll card. This tells you where your polling station or polling place is and when the election will take place.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and you role - The government - Where to vote
23. Which of the following is a document that sets out fundamental rights or freedoms?
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C
D
Correct Answer: The Habeas Corpus Act
Explanation: Britain has a long history of respecting an individual's rights and ensuring essential freedoms. These rights have their roots in Magna Carta, the Habeas Corpus Act and the Bill of Rights of 1689
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Fundamental principles
Explanation: Britain has a long history of respecting an individual's rights and ensuring essential freedoms. These rights have their roots in Magna Carta, the Habeas Corpus Act and the Bill of Rights of 1689
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Fundamental principles
24. West Germany, France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands and Italy formed the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957 along with which other country?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Belgium
Explanation: The European Union (EU), originally called the European Economic Community (EEC), was set up by six western European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) who signed the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 1957.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The European Union
Explanation: The European Union (EU), originally called the European Economic Community (EEC), was set up by six western European countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands) who signed the Treaty of Rome on 25 March 1957.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The European Union