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 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
2. Charles I was unwilling to reach an agreement with Parliament. Following his defeat in the Civil War, What happened to him?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: He was executed
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. Charles was held prisoner by the parliamentary army. He was still unwilling to reach any agreement with Parliament and in 1649 he was executed.
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. Charles was held prisoner by the parliamentary army. He was still unwilling to reach any agreement with Parliament and in 1649 he was executed.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Oliver Cromwell and the English republic
3. In what way was Elizabeth I skilled at managing Parliament?
AB
Correct Answer: She established a balance between Catholics and protestants
Explanation: Elizabeth did not ask about people's real beliefs. She succeeded in finding a balance between the views of Catholics and the more extreme Protestants. In this way, she avoided any serious religious conflict within England.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
Explanation: Elizabeth did not ask about people's real beliefs. She succeeded in finding a balance between the views of Catholics and the more extreme Protestants. In this way, she avoided any serious religious conflict within England.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
4. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The Domesday Book no longer exists. It was destroyed at the end of the Norman Conquest.
AThe Domesday Book no longer exists. It was destroyed at the end of the Norman Conquest.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The people who lived there, who owned the land and what animals they owned were also listed. This was called Domesday Book. It still exists today and gives a picture of society in England just after the Norman Conquest.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Norman Conquest
Explanation: The people who lived there, who owned the land and what animals they owned were also listed. This was called Domesday Book. It still exists today and gives a picture of society in England just after the Norman Conquest.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Norman Conquest
5. Henry VIII had six wives. What was the name of his first wife?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Catherine of Aragon
Explanation: Catherine of Aragon- Catherine was a Spanish princess. She and Henry had a number of children but only one, Mary, survived. When Catherine was too old to give him another child, Henry decided to divorce her, hoping that another wife would give him a son to be his heir.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
Explanation: Catherine of Aragon- Catherine was a Spanish princess. She and Henry had a number of children but only one, Mary, survived. When Catherine was too old to give him another child, Henry decided to divorce her, hoping that another wife would give him a son to be his heir.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
6. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
At the beginning of the 'Middle Ages', England ruled Ireland.
AAt the beginning of the 'Middle Ages', England ruled Ireland.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: At the beginning of the Middle Ages, Ireland was an independent country.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - War at home and abroad
Explanation: At the beginning of the Middle Ages, Ireland was an independent country.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - War at home and abroad
7. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
King Henry I was on the throne at the time of Magna Carta.
AKing Henry I was on the throne at the time of Magna Carta.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
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
8. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: James I and Charles I believed in the 'Divine Right of Kings' and that they could rule without the approval of Parliament
Explanation: James I and his son Charles I were less skilled politically. Both believed in the 'Divine Right of Kings': the idea that the king was directly appointed by God to rule. They thought that the king should be able to act without having to seek approval from Parliament.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The rise of Parliament
Explanation: James I and his son Charles I were less skilled politically. Both believed in the 'Divine Right of Kings': the idea that the king was directly appointed by God to rule. They thought that the king should be able to act without having to seek approval from Parliament.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The rise of Parliament
9. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: In 1789 there was a revolution in France and the new French government declared war on Britain.
Explanation: In 1789, there was a revolution in France and the new French government soon declared war on Britain.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - War with France
Explanation: In 1789, there was a revolution in France and the new French government soon declared war on Britain.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - War with France
10. In 1913, the British government promised Home Rule for Ireland. Which group within Ireland threatened to resist this move by force?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: The protestants in the north
Explanation: In 1913, the British government promised 'Home Rule' for Ireland. The proposal was to have a self-governing Ireland with its own parliament but still part of the UK. A Home Rule Bill was introduced in Parliament. It was opposed by the Protestants in the north of Ireland, who threatened to resist Home Rule by force.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The partition of Ireland
Explanation: In 1913, the British government promised 'Home Rule' for Ireland. The proposal was to have a self-governing Ireland with its own parliament but still part of the UK. A Home Rule Bill was introduced in Parliament. It was opposed by the Protestants in the north of Ireland, who threatened to resist Home Rule by force.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The partition of Ireland
11. Which TWO of the following names may be given to the day before Lent starts?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day
Explanation: The day before Lent starts is called Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - The main Christmas festival
Explanation: The day before Lent starts is called Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - The main Christmas festival
12. Which TWO religions celebrate Diwali?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Sikhs, Hindus
Explanation: Diwali normally falls in October or November and lasts for five days. It is often called the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and the gaining of knowledge. There are different stories about how the festival came about. There is a famous celebration of Diwali in Leicester.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - Other religious festivals
Explanation: Diwali normally falls in October or November and lasts for five days. It is often called the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and the gaining of knowledge. There are different stories about how the festival came about. There is a famous celebration of Diwali in Leicester.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - Other religious festivals
13. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Most people live in the countryside in the UK.
AMost people live in the countryside in the UK.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Most people live in towns and cities but much of Britain is still countryside. Many people continue to visit the countryside for holidays and for leisure activities such as walking, camping and fishing.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - The nations of the UK
Explanation: Most people live in towns and cities but much of Britain is still countryside. Many people continue to visit the countryside for holidays and for leisure activities such as walking, camping and fishing.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - The nations of the UK
14. During which part of the year are pantomime productions staged in theatres?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Christmas
Explanation: Many theatres produce a pantomime at Christmas time.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Theatre
Explanation: Many theatres produce a pantomime at Christmas time.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Theatre
15. Who are TWO famous British film directors?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Ridley Scott, Sir Alfred Hitchcock
Explanation: British studios flourished in the 1930s. Eminent directors included Sir Alexander Korda and Sir Alfred Hitchcock, who later left for Hollywood and remained an important film director until his death in 1980. During the Second World War, British movies (for example, In Which We Serve) played an important part in boosting morale. Later, British directors including Sir David Lean and Ridley Scott found great success both in the UK and internationally.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Leisure - Films - British film industry
Explanation: British studios flourished in the 1930s. Eminent directors included Sir Alexander Korda and Sir Alfred Hitchcock, who later left for Hollywood and remained an important film director until his death in 1980. During the Second World War, British movies (for example, In Which We Serve) played an important part in boosting morale. Later, British directors including Sir David Lean and Ridley Scott found great success both in the UK and internationally.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Leisure - Films - British film industry
16. For which TWO types of literature is William Shakespeare famous for?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Sonnets, Plays
Explanation: As well as plays, Shakespeare wrote many sonnets (poems which must be 14 lines long) and some longer poems. As Protestant ideas spread, a number of poets wrote poems inspired by their religious views.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Literature - British poets
Explanation: As well as plays, Shakespeare wrote many sonnets (poems which must be 14 lines long) and some longer poems. As Protestant ideas spread, a number of poets wrote poems inspired by their religious views.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Literature - British poets
17. At what age can you vote in a General Election in the UK?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: 18
Explanation: The present voting age of 18 was set in 1969 and (with a few exceptions) all UK-born and naturalised adult citizens have the right to vote.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Who can vote?
Explanation: The present voting age of 18 was set in 1969 and (with a few exceptions) all UK-born and naturalised adult citizens have the right to vote.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Who can vote?
18. What if a Member of Parliament (MP) dies or resigns, what is the election called held to replace them?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: By-election
Explanation: If an MP dies or resigns, there will be a fresh election, called a by-election, in his or her constituency.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - Elections
Explanation: If an MP dies or resigns, there will be a fresh election, called a by-election, in his or her constituency.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - Elections
19. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The public can attend debates in the House of Commons.
Explanation: The public can listen to debates in the Palace of Westminster from public galleries in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Visiting Parliament and the devolved administrations - The UK Parliament
Explanation: The public can listen to debates in the Palace of Westminster from public galleries in both the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Visiting Parliament and the devolved administrations - The UK Parliament
20. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The UK is a member of NATO.
Explanation: The UK is also a member of NATO.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
Explanation: The UK is also a member of NATO.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)
21. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
You can serve on a jury up to the age of 80.
AYou can serve on a jury up to the age of 80.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Anyone who is on the electoral register and is aged 18 to 70 can be asked to do this.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - How you can support your community - Jury service
Explanation: Anyone who is on the electoral register and is aged 18 to 70 can be asked to do this.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - How you can support your community - Jury service
22. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: All acts of Parliament are made in the monarch's name.
Explanation: All Acts of Parliament are made in her name.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - The monarchy
Explanation: All Acts of Parliament are made in her name.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - The monarchy
23. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Proceedings in Parliament are broadcast on television
Explanation: Proceedings in Parliament are broadcast on television and published in official reports called Hansard.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - The media and government
Explanation: Proceedings in Parliament are broadcast on television and published in official reports called Hansard.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - The media and government
24. Causing trouble whilst drinking in public can result in which TWO of the following from the police?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Arrest, A fine
Explanation: Examples of criminal laws are:
- Drinking in public: some places have alcohol-free zones where you cannot drink in public. The police can also confiscate alcohol or move young people on from public places. You can be fined or arrested.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Respecting the law - The law in the UK
Explanation: Examples of criminal laws are:
- Drinking in public: some places have alcohol-free zones where you cannot drink in public. The police can also confiscate alcohol or move young people on from public places. You can be fined or arrested.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Respecting the law - The law in the UK