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. To apply for UK citizenship or permanent residency, which TWO things do you need?
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Correct Answer: An ability to speak and read English, A good understanding of life in the UK
Explanation: To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to:
- speak and read English
- have a good understanding of life in the UK.
Reference: Chapter 1: The values and principles of the UK - Becoming a permanent resident
Explanation: To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to:
- speak and read English
- have a good understanding of life in the UK.
Reference: Chapter 1: The values and principles of the UK - Becoming a permanent resident
2. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
During the Victorian period the British Empire became the largest empire the world has ever seen.
ADuring the Victorian period the British Empire became the largest empire the world has ever seen.
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: During the Victorian period, the British Empire grew to cover all of India, Australia and large parts of Africa. It became the largest empire the world has ever seen, with an estimated population of more than 400 million people.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The British empire
Explanation: During the Victorian period, the British Empire grew to cover all of India, Australia and large parts of Africa. It became the largest empire the world has ever seen, with an estimated population of more than 400 million people.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The British empire
3. Which TWO genres is William Shakespeare famous for writing?
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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
4. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: During the Industrial Revolution, canals were built to link the factories to cities and ports.
Explanation: Better transport links were needed to transport raw materials and manufactured goods. Canals were built to link the factories to towns and cities and to the ports, particularly in the new industrial areas in the middle and north of England.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
Explanation: Better transport links were needed to transport raw materials and manufactured goods. Canals were built to link the factories to towns and cities and to the ports, particularly in the new industrial areas in the middle and north of England.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
5. What was the main source of employment in the UK before the Industrial Revolution?
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Correct Answer: Agriculture
Explanation: Before the 18th century, agriculture was the biggest source of employment in Britain. There were many cottage industries, where people worked from home to produce goods such as cloth and lace.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
Explanation: Before the 18th century, agriculture was the biggest source of employment in Britain. There were many cottage industries, where people worked from home to produce goods such as cloth and lace.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
6. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The Canterbury Tales was one of the first books to be printed by William Caxton
AThe Canterbury Tales was one of the first books to be printed by William Caxton
B
Correct Answer: TRUE
Explanation: This collection of poems is called The Canterbury Tales. It was one of the first books to be printed by William Caxton, the first person in England to print books using a printing press.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - A distinct identity
Explanation: This collection of poems is called The Canterbury Tales. It was one of the first books to be printed by William Caxton, the first person in England to print books using a printing press.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - A distinct identity
7. Who gave the throne to her Protestant son, James VI?
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Correct Answer: Mary, Queen of Scots
Explanation: Mary was suspected of involvement and fled to England. She gave her throne to her Protestant son, James VI of Scotland.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots
Explanation: Mary was suspected of involvement and fled to England. She gave her throne to her Protestant son, James VI of Scotland.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots
8. During the First World War, the British fought against countries including Germany, the Ottoman Empire and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. What was this alliance known as?
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Correct Answer: The Central Powers
Explanation: The Allies fought against the Central Powers - mainly Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire and later Bulgaria.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The First World War
Explanation: The Allies fought against the Central Powers - mainly Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire and later Bulgaria.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The First World War
9. Pumpkins, lit with candles, are used to celebrate which tradition?
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Correct Answer: Halloween
Explanation: Halloween, 31 October, is an ancient festival and has roots in the pagan festival to mark the beginning of winter. Young people will often dress up in frightening costumes to play 'trick or treat'. People give them treats to stop them playing tricks on them. A lot of people carve lanterns out of pumpkins and put a candle inside.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - Other festivals and traditions
Explanation: Halloween, 31 October, is an ancient festival and has roots in the pagan festival to mark the beginning of winter. Young people will often dress up in frightening costumes to play 'trick or treat'. People give them treats to stop them playing tricks on them. A lot of people carve lanterns out of pumpkins and put a candle inside.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and traditions - Other festivals and traditions
10. 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
11. Which TWO are famous British fashion designers?
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Correct Answer: Vivienne Westwood, Mary Quant
Explanation: 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: 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
12. What are the titles of TWO novels by Charles Dickens?
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Correct Answer: Great Expectations, Oliver Twist
Explanation: Charles Dickens (1812-70) wrote a number of very famous novels, including Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. You will hear references in everyday talk to some of the characters in his books, such as Scrooge (a mean person) or Mr Micawber (always hopeful).
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Literature - Notable authors and writers
Explanation: Charles Dickens (1812-70) wrote a number of very famous novels, including Oliver Twist and Great Expectations. You will hear references in everyday talk to some of the characters in his books, such as Scrooge (a mean person) or Mr Micawber (always hopeful).
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Literature - Notable authors and writers
13. In everyday language people may say, 'rain stopped play'. With which sport is this phrase associated?
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Correct Answer: Cricket
Explanation: You may come across expressions such as 'rain stopped play', 'batting on a sticky wicket', 'playing a straight bat', 'bowled a googly' or 'it's just not cricket', which have passed into everyday usage.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport - Cricket
Explanation: You may come across expressions such as 'rain stopped play', 'batting on a sticky wicket', 'playing a straight bat', 'bowled a googly' or 'it's just not cricket', which have passed into everyday usage.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Sport - Cricket
14. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Boys in the UK leave school with better qualification than girls.
ABoys in the UK leave school with better qualification than girls.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: On average, girls leave school with better qualifications than boys.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - An equal society
Explanation: On average, girls leave school with better qualifications than boys.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - An equal society
15. 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
16. Which organisation was founded in 1895 and now has over 61,000 volunteers helping to preserve important buildings, the countryside and the coastline?
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Correct Answer: The National Trust
Explanation: The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three volunteers. There are now more than 61,000 volunteers helping to keep the organisation running.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Places of interest
Explanation: The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three volunteers. There are now more than 61,000 volunteers helping to keep the organisation running.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Places of interest
17. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: Big Ben refers to the great bell of the clock at the Houses of Parliament.
Explanation: Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the Houses of Parliament in London. Many people call the clock Big Ben as well. The clock is over 150 years old and is a popular tourist attraction.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Places of interest - UK landmarks
Explanation: Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the Houses of Parliament in London. Many people call the clock Big Ben as well. The clock is over 150 years old and is a popular tourist attraction.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Places of interest - UK landmarks
18. Which TWO are Christian groups?
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Correct Answer: Roman Catholics, Baptists
Explanation: Other Protestant Christian groups in the UK are Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians and Quakers. There are also other denominations of Christianity, the biggest of which is Roman Catholic.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Religion - Christian churches
Explanation: Other Protestant Christian groups in the UK are Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians and Quakers. There are also other denominations of Christianity, the biggest of which is Roman Catholic.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Religion - Christian churches
19. Who wrote the piece of music, Balthazar's Feast?
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Correct Answer: Sir William Walton
Explanation: Sir William Walton (1902-83) wrote a wide range of music, from film scores to opera. He wrote marches for the coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II but his best-known works are probably Façade, which became a ballet, and Balthazar's Feast, which is intended to be sung by a large choir.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Music
Explanation: Sir William Walton (1902-83) wrote a wide range of music, from film scores to opera. He wrote marches for the coronations of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II but his best-known works are probably Façade, which became a ballet, and Balthazar's Feast, which is intended to be sung by a large choir.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Music
20. After Protestants, which is the biggest denomination of Christianity in the UK?
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Correct Answer: Roman Catholics
Explanation: There are also other denominations of Christianity, the biggest of which is Roman Catholic.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Religion - Christian churches
Explanation: There are also other denominations of Christianity, the biggest of which is Roman Catholic.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Religion - Christian churches
21. Which TWO of the following describe the purpose of the UN Security Council?
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Correct Answer: To recommend action during an international crisis, To recommend action where is a threat to peace
Explanation: There are 15 members on the UN Security Council, which recommends action when there are international crises and threats to peace.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The United Nations
Explanation: There are 15 members on the UN Security Council, which recommends action when there are international crises and threats to peace.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international institutions - The United Nations
22. How are local authorities funded?
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Correct Answer: By central government funding and by taxation
Explanation: Towns, cities and rural areas in the UK are governed by democratically elected councils, often called 'local authorities'. Some areas have both district and county councils, which have different functions. Most large towns and cities have a single local authority. Local authorities provide a range of services in their areas. They are funded by money from central government and by local taxes.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Local government
Explanation: Towns, cities and rural areas in the UK are governed by democratically elected councils, often called 'local authorities'. Some areas have both district and county councils, which have different functions. Most large towns and cities have a single local authority. Local authorities provide a range of services in their areas. They are funded by money from central government and by local taxes.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Local government
23. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
All Acts of Parliament are made in the name of the Prime Minister.
AAll Acts of Parliament are made in the name of the Prime Minister.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The Queen has important ceremonial roles, such as the opening of the new parliamentary session each year. On this occasion the Queen makes a speech which summarises the government's policies for the year ahead. 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: The Queen has important ceremonial roles, such as the opening of the new parliamentary session each year. On this occasion the Queen makes a speech which summarises the government's policies for the year ahead. 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
24. How many members does a jury have in England?
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Correct Answer: 12
Explanation: In England, Wales and Northern Ireland a jury has 12 members, and in Scotland a jury has 15 members.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Crown Courts and Sheriff Court
Explanation: In England, Wales and Northern Ireland a jury has 12 members, and in Scotland a jury has 15 members.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of the courts - Crown Courts and Sheriff Court