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 the following is a fundamental principle of British life?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Individual liberty
Explanation: The fundamental principles of British life include:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
- Participation in community life.
Reference: Chapter 1: The values and principles of the UK
Explanation: The fundamental principles of British life include:
- Democracy
- The rule of law
- Individual liberty
- Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
- Participation in community life.
Reference: Chapter 1: The values and principles of the UK
2. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
In 1588 the English fleet defeated a large French fleet of ships that intended to land an army in England.
AIn 1588 the English fleet defeated a large French fleet of ships that intended to land an army in England.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Elizabeth became one of the most popular monarchs in English history, particularly after 1588, when the English defeated the Spanish Armada (a large fleet of ships), which had been sent by Spain to conquer England and restore Catholicism.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
Explanation: Elizabeth became one of the most popular monarchs in English history, particularly after 1588, when the English defeated the Spanish Armada (a large fleet of ships), which had been sent by Spain to conquer England and restore Catholicism.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
3. During the 'Great Depression' of the 1930s, which TWO major new industries developed?
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C
D
Correct Answer: Aviation, Automobile
Explanation: The traditional heavy industries such as shipbuilding were badly affected but new industries - including the automobile and aviation industries - developed.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The inter-war period
Explanation: The traditional heavy industries such as shipbuilding were badly affected but new industries - including the automobile and aviation industries - developed.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The inter-war period
4. Dylan Thomas was a famous writer and poet from which country?
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C
D
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
5. 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
6. 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
7. Which of the following statements is NOT correct?
AB
Correct Answer: D-Day was allied operation that attacked German forces in France by advancing through Spain.
Explanation: On 6 June 1944, allied forces landed in Normandy (this event is often referred to as 'D-Day'). Following victory on the beaches of Normandy, the allied forces pressed on through France and eventually into Germany. The Allies comprehensively defeated Germany in May 1945.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The Second World War
Explanation: On 6 June 1944, allied forces landed in Normandy (this event is often referred to as 'D-Day'). Following victory on the beaches of Normandy, the allied forces pressed on through France and eventually into Germany. The Allies comprehensively defeated Germany in May 1945.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The Second World War
8. The Industrial Revolution saw the rapid growth of which of the following in the 18th and 19th centuries?
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C
D
Correct Answer: Industry
Explanation: The Industrial Revolution was the rapid development of industry in Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
Explanation: The Industrial Revolution was the rapid development of industry in Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
9. Where did Mary Stuart spend most of her childhood?
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C
D
Correct Answer: France
Explanation: Much of her childhood was spent in France. When she returned to Scotland, she was the centre of a power struggle between different groups.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots
Explanation: Much of her childhood was spent in France. When she returned to Scotland, she was the centre of a power struggle between different groups.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots
10. When was the first Union Flag created?
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C
D
Correct Answer: 1606
Explanation: The Welsh dragon does not appear on the Union Flag because, when the first Union Flag was created in 1606 from the flags of Scotland and England, the Principality of Wales was already united with England.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Union Flag
Explanation: The Welsh dragon does not appear on the Union Flag because, when the first Union Flag was created in 1606 from the flags of Scotland and England, the Principality of Wales was already united with England.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Union Flag
11. Which TWO wars was England involved in during the Middle Ages?
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C
D
Correct Answer: Crusades, Hundred Years War
Explanation: Many knights took part in the Crusades, in which European Christians fought for control of the Holy Land. English kings also fought a long war with France, called the Hundred Years War (even though it actually lasted 116 years).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - War at home and abroad
Explanation: Many knights took part in the Crusades, in which European Christians fought for control of the Holy Land. English kings also fought a long war with France, called the Hundred Years War (even though it actually lasted 116 years).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - War at home and abroad
12. Sir Chris Hoy is a famous sportsman in which event or sport?
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C
D
Correct Answer: Cycling
Explanation: Sir Chris Hoy (1976-) is a Scottish cyclist who has won six gold and one silver Olympic medals. He has also won 11 world championship titles.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport - Notable British sportsmen and women
Explanation: Sir Chris Hoy (1976-) is a Scottish cyclist who has won six gold and one silver Olympic medals. He has also won 11 world championship titles.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport - Notable British sportsmen and women
13. On which date is St Patrick's Day celebrated?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: 17 March
Explanation: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have a national saint, called a patron saint. Each saint has a special day:
-1 March: St David's Day, Wales ;
-17 March: St Patrick's Day, Northern Ireland ;
-23 April. St George's Day, England ;
-30 November: St Andrew's Day, Scotland.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Religeon - Patron saints' days
Explanation: England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have a national saint, called a patron saint. Each saint has a special day:
-1 March: St David's Day, Wales ;
-17 March: St Patrick's Day, Northern Ireland ;
-23 April. St George's Day, England ;
-30 November: St Andrew's Day, Scotland.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Religeon - Patron saints' days
14. Which TWO are famous British composers?
AB
C
D
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
15. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The UK has a declining elderly population.
AThe UK has a declining elderly population.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: People in the UK are living longer than ever before. This is due to improved living standards and better health care. There are now a record number of people aged 85 and over. This has an impact on the cost of pensions and health care.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society -The UK today - Cities of the UK - Population - An ageing population
Explanation: People in the UK are living longer than ever before. This is due to improved living standards and better health care. There are now a record number of people aged 85 and over. This has an impact on the cost of pensions and health care.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society -The UK today - Cities of the UK - Population - An ageing population
16. The National Assembly makes laws for Wales in 20 areas. It does not make laws in which of the following areas?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Economic policy
Explanation: The Assembly has the power to make laws for Wales in 20 areas, including:
-education and training ;
-health and social services ;
-economic development ;
-housing
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Devolved administrations - The Welsh government
Explanation: The Assembly has the power to make laws for Wales in 20 areas, including:
-education and training ;
-health and social services ;
-economic development ;
-housing
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Devolved administrations - The Welsh government
17. What is a jury made up of?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: People randomly chosen from the electoral register
Explanation: As well as getting the right to vote, people on the electoral register are randomly selected to serve on a jury.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - How you can support your community - Jury service
Explanation: As well as getting the right to vote, people on the electoral register are randomly selected to serve on a jury.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - How you can support your community - Jury service
18. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The civil service is politically neutral.
Explanation: They are chosen on merit and are politically neutral - they are not political appointees.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - The Civil service
Explanation: They are chosen on merit and are politically neutral - they are not political appointees.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - The Civil service
19. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
You must always tell a canvasser how you intend to vote.
AYou must always tell a canvasser how you intend to vote.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Political parties are particularly busy at election times. Members work hard to persuade people to vote for their candidates - for instance, by handing out leaflets in the street or by knocking on people's doors and asking for their support. This is called 'canvassing'. You don't have to tell a canvasser how you intend to vote if you don't want to.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - How you can support your community - Supporting political parties
Explanation: Political parties are particularly busy at election times. Members work hard to persuade people to vote for their candidates - for instance, by handing out leaflets in the street or by knocking on people's doors and asking for their support. This is called 'canvassing'. You don't have to tell a canvasser how you intend to vote if you don't want to.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - How you can support your community - Supporting political parties
20. What did hereditary peers lose in 1999?
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C
D
Correct Answer: The automatic right to sit in the House of Lords
Explanation: Since 1999, hereditary peers have lost the automatic right to attend the House of Lords. They now elect a few of their number to represent them in the House of Lords.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - The House of Lords
Explanation: Since 1999, hereditary peers have lost the automatic right to attend the House of Lords. They now elect a few of their number to represent them in the House of Lords.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - System of government - The House of Lords
21. Income tax is not paid on which of the following forms of income?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: Money you win on the lottery
Explanation: People in the UK have to pay tax on their income, which includes:
-wages from paid employment ;
-profits from self-employment ;
-taxable benefits ;
-pensions ;
-income from property, savings and dividends.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Taxation - Income tax
Explanation: People in the UK have to pay tax on their income, which includes:
-wages from paid employment ;
-profits from self-employment ;
-taxable benefits ;
-pensions ;
-income from property, savings and dividends.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Taxation - Income tax
22. Someone wishing to stand as a candidate for election as an MP would need to be how old?
AB
C
D
Correct Answer: 18
Explanation: Anyone aged 18 or over can stand for election as an MP but they are unlikely to win unless they have been nominated to represent one of the major political parties.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - The party system
Explanation: Anyone aged 18 or over can stand for election as an MP but they are unlikely to win unless they have been nominated to represent one of the major political parties.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - The party system
23. The Northern Ireland Assembly makes decisions in which TWO of the following areas?
AB
C
D
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
24. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The Council of Europe has the power to make laws, which are binding in member states.
AThe Council of Europe has the power to make laws, which are binding in member states.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The Council of Europe is separate from the EU. It has 47 member countries, including the UK, and is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights in those countries. It has no power to make laws but draws up conventions and charters, the most well-known of which is the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, usually called the European Convention on Human Rights.
Reference: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The Council of Europe
Explanation: The Council of Europe is separate from the EU. It has 47 member countries, including the UK, and is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights in those countries. It has no power to make laws but draws up conventions and charters, the most well-known of which is the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, usually called the European Convention on Human Rights.
Reference: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The Council of Europe