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. What did St Augustine and St Columba do during the Anglo-Saxon period?
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Correct Answer: They were early Christian missionaries
Explanation: Missionaries from Ireland spread the religion in the north. The most famous of these were St Patrick, who would become the patron saint of Ireland, and St Columba, who founded a monastery on the island of Iona, off the coast of what is now Scotland. St Augustine led missionaries from Rome, who spread Christianity in the south.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Anglo-Saxons
Explanation: Missionaries from Ireland spread the religion in the north. The most famous of these were St Patrick, who would become the patron saint of Ireland, and St Columba, who founded a monastery on the island of Iona, off the coast of what is now Scotland. St Augustine led missionaries from Rome, who spread Christianity in the south.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Early Britain - The Anglo-Saxons
2. Which TWO are 20th century British discoveries or inventions?
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Correct Answer: Cash machines (ATMs), Cloning a mammal
Explanation: In 1996, two British scientists, Sir Ian Wilmot (1944-) and Keith Campbell (1954-2012), led a team which was the first to succeed in cloning a mammal, Dolly the sheep. In the 1960s, James Goodfellow (1937-) invented the cash-dispensing ATM (automatic teller machine) or 'cashpoint'. The first of these was put into use by Barclays Bank in Enfield, north London in 1967.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century
Explanation: In 1996, two British scientists, Sir Ian Wilmot (1944-) and Keith Campbell (1954-2012), led a team which was the first to succeed in cloning a mammal, Dolly the sheep. In the 1960s, James Goodfellow (1937-) invented the cash-dispensing ATM (automatic teller machine) or 'cashpoint'. The first of these was put into use by Barclays Bank in Enfield, north London in 1967.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Some great British inventions of the 20th century
3. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: George and Robert Stephenson were famous pioneers of railway engines.
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 - Trade industry
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 - Trade industry
4. The term 'suffragettes' is associated with which group of people?
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Correct Answer: Women
Explanation: They formed the women's suffrage movement and became known as 'suffragettes'.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The right to vote
Explanation: They formed the women's suffrage movement and became known as 'suffragettes'.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The right to vote
5. What happened in 1215 to change the powers of the king?
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Correct Answer: Magna Carta
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).
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).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - Legal and political changes
6. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: The Highland Clearances occurred in Scotland.
Explanation: A process began which became known as the 'Highland Clearances'. Many Scottish landlords destroyed individual small farms (known as 'crofts') to make space for large flocks of sheep and cattle.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The rebellion of the clans
Explanation: A process began which became known as the 'Highland Clearances'. Many Scottish landlords destroyed individual small farms (known as 'crofts') to make space for large flocks of sheep and cattle.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - A global power - The rebellion of the clans
7. Who or what were the 'clans'?
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Correct Answer: Prominent families in Scotland and Ireland
Explanation: In the north of Scotland and Ireland, land was owned by members of the 'clans' (prominent families).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - The Black Death
Explanation: In the north of Scotland and Ireland, land was owned by members of the 'clans' (prominent families).
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Middle Ages - The Black Death
8. During the early 1970s, Britain admitted 28,000 people of Indian origin who had been forced to leave where?
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Correct Answer: Uganda
Explanation: Even so, during the early 1970s, Britain admitted 28,000 people of Indian origin who had been forced to leave Uganda.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Social change in the 1960s
Explanation: Even so, during the early 1970s, Britain admitted 28,000 people of Indian origin who had been forced to leave Uganda.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Social change in the 1960s
9. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
In 1690. Following his unsuccessful attempt to regain his throne in Ireland, James II fled back to the Netherlands
AIn 1690. Following his unsuccessful attempt to regain his throne in Ireland, James II fled back to the Netherlands
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: William defeated James II at the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland in 1690, an event which is still celebrated by some in Northern Ireland today. William re-conquered Ireland and James fled back to France.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Glorious Revolution
Explanation: William defeated James II at the Battle of the Boyne in Ireland in 1690, an event which is still celebrated by some in Northern Ireland today. William re-conquered Ireland and James fled back to France.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - The Glorious Revolution
10. Who became queen after the death of Edward VI?
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Correct Answer: His half-sister Mary
Explanation: Edward died at the age of 15 after ruling for just over six years, and his half-sister Mary became queen.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history -The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
Explanation: Edward died at the age of 15 after ruling for just over six years, and his half-sister Mary became queen.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history -The Tudors and Stuarts - Religious conflicts
11. Which of these sectors was not nationalised by the post-war Labour government?
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Correct Answer: Farming
Explanation: The government took into public ownership (nationalised) the railways, coal mines and gas, water and electricity supplies.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - The welfare state
Explanation: The government took into public ownership (nationalised) the railways, coal mines and gas, water and electricity supplies.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - The welfare state
12. A conflict in which of these areas in the 1990s involved British troops?
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Correct Answer: The former Republic of Yugoslavia
Explanation: Throughout the 1990s, Britain played a leading role in coalition forces involved in the liberation of Kuwait, following the Iraqi invasion in 1990, and the conflict in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq
Explanation: Throughout the 1990s, Britain played a leading role in coalition forces involved in the liberation of Kuwait, following the Iraqi invasion in 1990, and the conflict in the Former Republic of Yugoslavia.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq
13. Which of these statements is correct?
AB
Correct Answer: During the Elizabethan period, English settlers began to colonise America
Explanation: In Elizabeth I's time, English settlers first began to colonise the eastern coast of America.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Exploration, poetry and drama
Explanation: In Elizabeth I's time, English settlers first began to colonise the eastern coast of America.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - The Tudors and Stuarts - Exploration, poetry and drama
14. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Mary Peters was an author who was later made a Dame in recognition of her work promoting literacy.
AMary Peters was an author who was later made a Dame in recognition of her work promoting literacy.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Born in Manchester, Mary Peters moved to Northern Ireland as a child. She was a talented athlete who won an Olympic gold medal in the pentathlon in 1972. After this, she raised money for local athletics and became the team manager for the women's British Olympic team. She continues to promote sport and tourism in Northern Ireland and was made a Dame of the British Empire in 2000 in recognition of her work.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Problems in the economy in the 1970s
Explanation: Born in Manchester, Mary Peters moved to Northern Ireland as a child. She was a talented athlete who won an Olympic gold medal in the pentathlon in 1972. After this, she raised money for local athletics and became the team manager for the women's British Olympic team. She continues to promote sport and tourism in Northern Ireland and was made a Dame of the British Empire in 2000 in recognition of her work.
Reference: Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history - Britain since 1945 - Problems in the economy in the 1970s
15. Who built the Tower of London?
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Correct Answer: William the Conqueror
Explanation: The White Tower in the Tower of London is an example of a Norman castle keep, built on the orders of William the Conqueror
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Architecture
Explanation: The White Tower in the Tower of London is an example of a Norman castle keep, built on the orders of William the Conqueror
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Architecture
16. Which TWO festivals or traditions are held in November each year?
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Correct Answer: Bonfire Night, Remembrance Day
Explanation: Bonfire Night, 5 November, is an occasion when people in Great Britain set off fireworks at home or in special displays. ; Remembrance Day, 11 November, commemorates those who died fighting for the UK and its allies.
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. ; Remembrance Day, 11 November, commemorates those who died fighting for the UK and its allies.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Customs and Traditions - Other festivals and traditions
17. Which TWO of the following are UK landmarks?
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Correct Answer: The London Eye, Edinburgh Castle
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. The Castle is a dominant feature of the skyline in Edinburgh, Scotland. It has a long history, dating back to the early Middle Ages.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Places of interest - UK landmarks
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. The Castle is a dominant feature of the skyline in Edinburgh, Scotland. It has a long history, dating back to the early Middle Ages.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Places of interest - UK landmarks
18. Who wrote poem She Walks in Beauty?
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Correct Answer: Lord Byron
Explanation: She walks in beauty, like the night, Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright, Meet in her aspect and her eyes'(Lord Byron, 1788-1824 - She Walks in Beauty)
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Literature - British poets
Explanation: She walks in beauty, like the night, Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that's best of dark and bright, Meet in her aspect and her eyes'(Lord Byron, 1788-1824 - She Walks in Beauty)
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Arts and culture - Literature - British poets
19. At which of the following famous UK landmarks would you find biomes?
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Correct Answer: The Eden Project
Explanation: 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.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Places of interest - UK landmarks
Explanation: 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.
Reference: Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society - Places of interest - UK landmarks
20. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
The British constitute is contained in a single written document.
AThe British constitute is contained in a single written document.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: The British constitution is not written down in any single document, and therefore it is described as 'unwritten'.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution
Explanation: The British constitution is not written down in any single document, and therefore it is described as 'unwritten'.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The British constitution
21. Which TWO types of case are held in Country Courts?
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Correct Answer: Breaches of contract, Divorce
Explanation: County Courts deal with a wide range of civil disputes. These include people trying to get back money that is owed to them, cases involving personal injury, family matters, breaches of contract, and divorce.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of courts - Civil courts
Explanation: County Courts deal with a wide range of civil disputes. These include people trying to get back money that is owed to them, cases involving personal injury, family matters, breaches of contract, and divorce.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - The role of courts - Civil courts
22. What happens at a polling station or polling place?
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Correct Answer: People vote in elections
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 your 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 your role - The government - Where to vote
23. A vehicle more than three years old must pass an MOT test every year. What does MOT stand for?
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Correct Answer: Ministry of Transport
Explanation: You must also have valid motor insurance. It is a serious criminal offence to drive without insurance. If your vehicle is over three years old, you must take it for a Ministry of Transport (MOT) test every year.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Driving
Explanation: You must also have valid motor insurance. It is a serious criminal offence to drive without insurance. If your vehicle is over three years old, you must take it for a Ministry of Transport (MOT) test every year.
Reference: Chapter 5: The UK government, the law and your role - Driving
24. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?
Adult citizens of other EU states may vote in General Elections.
AAdult citizens of other EU states may vote in General Elections.
B
Correct Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Adult citizens of the UK, and citizens of the Commonwealth and the Irish Republic who are resident in the UK, can vote in all public elections. Adult citizens of other EU states who are resident in the UK can vote in all elections except General Elections
Reference: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Who can vote?
Explanation: Adult citizens of the UK, and citizens of the Commonwealth and the Irish Republic who are resident in the UK, can vote in all public elections. Adult citizens of other EU states who are resident in the UK can vote in all elections except General Elections
Reference: The UK government, the law and your role - The government - Who can vote?