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!

Tests Taken

Last Score

Average Score

Your Progress

List of questions in above test (quick view). Click question box to reveal correct answer.
1. For which TWO reasons is Henry VIII remembered?
A Broke away from the Church of Rome
B Had seven sons
C Horse racing
D Married six times
Correct Answer: Broke away from the Church of Rome, Married six times
Explanation: Henry VIII was most famous for breaking away from the Church of Rome and marrying six times.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
2. Which of these statements is correct?
A The Reform Act of 1832 increased the number of electors.
B The Reform Act of 1832 increased the power of the House of Lords.
Correct Answer: The Reform Act of 1832 increased the number of electors.
Explanation: The Reform Act of 1832 had greatly increased the number of people with the right to vote.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The right to vote
3. The Bill of Rights of 1689 limited whose powers?
A Judges
B Parliament
C The Church
D The king
Correct Answer: The king
Explanation: The Bill of Rights, 1689, confirmed the rights of Parliament and the limits of the king's power.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
4. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Shakespeare was a great English playwright
A FALSE
B TRUE
Correct Answer: TRUE
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
5. Which of these statements is correct?
A The 'Divine Right of Kings' was the view held by many English monarchs that they could seize lands belonging to the nobility as they wished.
B The 'Divine Rights of Kings' was the view held by many English monarchs that they were directly appointed by God to rule.
Correct Answer: The 'Divine Rights of Kings' was the view held by many English monarchs that they were directly appointed by God to rule.
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
6. Who were Elizabeth I's parents?
A Henry VII and Elizabeth of York
B Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
C Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon
D Henry VIII and Jane Seymour
Correct Answer: Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn
Explanation: Mary was a devout Catholic and persecuted Protestants (for this reason, she became known as 'Bloody Mary'). Mary also died after a short reign and the next monarch was her half-sister, Elizabeth, the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
7. During the 16th century, which TWO factors predominantly let to a bloody rebellion by the Irish chieftains?
A Extreme poverty and famine
B High taxes on landowners
C The imposing of English laws on land inheritance
D The imposing of Protestantism
Correct Answer: The imposing of English laws on land inheritance, The imposing of Protestantism
Explanation: In Ireland, however, attempts by the English to impose Protestantism (alongside efforts to introduce the English system of laws about the inheritance of land) led to rebellion from the Irish chieftains, and much brutal fighting followed.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
8. The First World War ended in victory for Britain and its allies. At what exact time and date in 1918 did the war officially end?
A 10am on 10 October
B 11am on 11 November
C 6am on 6 June
D 8am on 8 August
Correct Answer: 11am on 11 November
Explanation: The First World War ended at 11.00 am on 11th November 1918 with victory for Britain and its allies.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The 20th century - The First World War
9. George and Robert Stepson are famous for pioneering what?
A The aeroplane
B The electric light bulb
C The railway engine
D The telephone
Correct Answer: The railway engine
Explanation: Just before Victoria came to the throne, the father and son George and Robert Stephenson pioneered the railway engine and a major expansion of the railways took place in the Victorian period.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Trade Industry
10. Which TWO political parties formed the coalition government in 2010?
A Communists
B Conservatives
C Labour
D Liberal Democrats
Correct Answer: Conservatives, Liberal Democrats
Explanation: The Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties formed a coalition and the leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, became Prime Minister.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Coalition government 2010 onwards
11. Which of these statements is correct?
A Richard Arkwright developed efficient and profitable factories.
B Richard Arkwright developed new farming methods in the UK.
Correct Answer: Richard Arkwright developed efficient and profitable factories.
Explanation: Arkwright is particularly remembered for the efficient and profitable way that he ran his factories.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The Industrial Revolution
12. Which of these statements is correct?
A A free press means newspapers are given out free of charge.
B A free press means that what is written in newspapers is free from government control.
Correct Answer: A free press means that what is written in newspapers is free from government control.
Explanation: This was also an important time for the development of a free press (newspapers and other publications which are not controlled by the government).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - Constitutional monarchy — the Bill of Rights
13. Which TWO of the following are famous British authors?
A Gustav Holst
B J K Rowling
C Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
D Sir Steve Redgrave
Correct Answer: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, J K Rowling
Explanation: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (1859-1930) was a Scottish doctor and writer. He was best known for his stories about Sherlock Holmes, who was one of the first fictional detectives. J K Rowling (1965-) wrote the Harry Potter series of children's books, which have enjoyed huge international success. She now writes fiction for adults as well.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and Culture - Literature - Notable authors and writers
14. What is the capital city of Northern Ireland?
A Belfast
B Dublin
C Edinburgh
D The Pale
Correct Answer: Belfast
Explanation: Northern Ireland, The capital city of Northern Ireland is Belfast
Reference: A modern, thriving society - The UK today - Cities of the UK
15. What sport is played in the UEFA Champions League?
A Cricket
B Football
C Rugby
D Tennis
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
16. Which TWO of the following are famous British landmarks?
A Albert Square
B The Eden Project
C The London Eye
D The Smithsonian
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
17. The Archbishop of Canterbury can most accurately be described as what?
A The administrative leader of the Church of England
B The financial leader of the Church of England
C The political leader of the Church of England
D The spiritual leader of the Church of England
Correct Answer: The spiritual leader of the Church of England
Explanation: The monarch is the head of the Church of England. The spiritual leader of the Church of England is the Archbishop of Canterbury.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern thriving society - Religion - Christian churches
18. Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state for which TWO of the following?
A Iceland
B Many Commonwealth countries
C The European Union
D The United Kingdom
Correct Answer: The United Kingdom, Many Commonwealth countries
Explanation: Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state of the UK. She is also the monarch or head of state for many countries in the Commonwealth.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution - The monarchy
19. How old must you be to ride a moped in the UK?
A 16
B 18
C 21
D 25
Correct Answer: 16
Explanation: You need to be at least 16 years old to ride a moped, and there are other age requirements and special tests for driving large vehicles. 
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Driving
20. Which TWO of the following would you contact for legal advice?
A A local councillor
B A solicitor
C The Citizens Advice Bureau
D Your local member of Parliament (MP)
Correct Answer: A solicitor, The Citizens Advice Bureau
Explanation: Solicitors are trained lawyers who give advice on legal matters, take action for their clients and represent their clients in court. The Citizens Advice Bureau (www.citizensadvice.org.uk) can give you names of local solicitors and which areas of law they specialise in.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of courts - Legal advice - Solicitors
21. What TWO values are upheld by the Commonwealth association of countries?
A Communism
B Democracy
C Rule of law
D Violence
Correct Answer: Rule of law, Democracy
Explanation: The Commonwealth is based on the core values of democracy, good government and the rule of law. 
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and International institutions - The Commonwealth
22. What is one of the roles of school governors and school boards?
A Giving teacher ideas of lesson plan
B Marking students' homework
C Serving food and drink in the canteen
D Setting the strategic direction of the school
Correct Answer: Setting the strategic direction of the school
Explanation: Governors and school boards have an important part to play in raising school standards. They have three key roles:
-setting the strategic direction of the school ;
-ensuring accountability ;
-monitoring and evaluating school performance.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - How you can support your community - Helping in schools - School governors and school boards
23. Which of these statements is correct?
A It costs £15 per person to visit the Houses of Parliament to watch debates.
B It is free to visit the House of Parliament to watch debates.
Correct Answer: It is free to visit the House of Parliament to watch debates.
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 - The government - Visiting Parliament and the devolved administrations - The UK Parliament
24. Which of the following countries does not belong to the Commonwealth?
A Canada
B Germany
C Ghana
D Singapore
Correct Answer: Germany
Explanation: The Queen is the ceremonial head of the Commonwealth, which currently has 54 member states (see table). 
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The UK and international Institutions - The Commonwealth