UK & World News

  • 28 January 2013, 11:58

New British Citizenship Test - Take The Quiz

Changes to the Life in the UK citizenship test, which must be taken by all migrants wanting to settle permanently in Britain, have been unveiled.

The Home Office said the revised exam, which is being introduced in March, will focus less on the practicalities of daily living in Britain and more on the nation's culture and past, with topics such as sport, music and key historical facts featuring heavily.

For example, while foreigners will be expected to know British history stretching back to the Stone Age, through to the Romans, Norman Conquest and the Magna Carta, they will also be tested on last year's Olympics and "Britons' unique sense of humour and satire".

The Two Ronnies and Monty Python are even on the syllabus, according to the Guardian, while British cultural and artistic heritage, from the music of composer Henry Purcell to the worldwide influence of the Beatles and Andrew Lloyd Webber, and the nation's national parks all feature in the 45-minute test.

Foreign nationals will also be asked about the nation's artistic achievements, Britain's love of gardening and garden design and the work of influential architects including Christopher Wren and Norman Foster.

Questions on literary masterpieces by poets and authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Jane Austen and Wilfred Owen, as well as the lives of some of Britain's most celebrated writers, scientists and politicians, from William Shakespeare and Robert Burns to Isaac Newton and Winston Churchill also feature.

Ministers said the exam and its accompanying handbook, released today, will cover events and people "who have contributed to making Britain great".

Immigration minister Mark Harper said: "We've stripped out mundane information about water meters, how to find train timetables, and using the internet.

"The new book rightly focuses on values and principles at the heart of being British. Instead of telling people how to claim benefits it encourages participation in British life."

More than 150,000 Life in the UK tests were taken nationally last year, including 77,000 in London.

:: Take the test. Here are some of the possible questions and multiple choice answers:

1. Which landmark is a prehistoric monument which still stands in the English county of Wiltshire?

A) Stonehenge

B) Hadrian's Wall

C) Offa's Dyke

D) Fountains Abbey

2. What is the name of the admiral who died in a sea battle in 1805 and has a monument in Trafalgar Square, London?

A) Cook

B) Drake

C) Nelson

D) Raleigh

3. In 1801, a new version of the official flag of the United Kingdom was created. What is it often called?

A) The British Standard

B) The Royal Banner

C) The St George Cross

D) The Union Jack

4. Who is the Patron Saint of Scotland?

A) St Andrew

B) St David

C) St George

D) St Patrick

5. What flower is traditionally worn by people on Remembrance Day?

A) Poppy

B) Lily

C) Daffodil

D) Iris

6. Which of these sporting events was hosted in London in 2012?

A) The Commonwealth Games

B) Cricket World Cup

C) European Football Championship

D) Paralympic Games

7. At her Jubilee in 2012, how many years as Queen did Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II celebrate?

A) 25

B) 40

C) 50

D) 60

8. The second largest party in the House of Commons is usually known by what name?

A) The Senate

B) The Opposition

C) The Lords

D) The Other Side

9. From what age can you be asked to serve on a jury?

A) 16

B) 18

C) 21

D) 25

10. What is the title given to the person who chairs the debates in the House of Commons?

A) The Speaker

B) The Chairman

C) The Leader of the House

D) The Prime Minister

Answers: you need 75% to pass

1. A 2. C 3. D 4. A 5. A 6. D 7. D 8. B 9. B 10.A

what do you think?

first 20 comments

jimmy jelly1979

10:51am on 28/1/2013

i would of thought it better to ask them A. how long before you put in a claim for benefits , and B. how much will you be sending home ?

Score: 48
2 replies

Dr_MonicaKh

2:34pm on 28/1/2013

Given the fact that there is a notorious list of indigenous claimants

Score: 23

Name witheld

8:07pm on 28/1/2013

This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.

Score: 6

stevie may

11:26am on 28/1/2013

Being able to speak & understand English would be a start, especially for those who intend to find work here driving taxis

Score: 36
1 reply

Gordon Berry

12:34pm on 28/1/2013

Certainly a good start and absolutely essential

Score: 24

Paul Scott

12:13pm on 28/1/2013

First basic test can you speak English, if you can't you fail and can not apply for citizenship for ten years. Then rounding up illegal immigrants would be easier as well because they could not prentend they don't understand when being questioned by immigration official's.

Score: 35
14 replies

peter brady

3:24pm on 28/1/2013

Can you punctuate? It's 'officials' not 'official's' Do you understand the difference? (And I won't start on you verb subject agreement)

Score: 25

Gordon Wright

3:51pm on 28/1/2013

You are a fine one to talk Peter. There are one or two mistakes in your post. Missing comma after the word "punctuate" Missing comma after the word "difference". Additionally, when I went to school, one never started a sentence with the word "and". Also, what does you verb subject agreement mean?. Put your own house in order first Headmaster.........

Score: 21

peter brady

4:00pm on 28/1/2013

You can't have a comma after a question mark, duh!

Score: 22

Viv hanshall

4:06pm on 28/1/2013

'First basic test can you speak English . . .' Can you punctuate? ' 'Immigration official's' Try again.

Score: 13

Robert Hare

4:07pm on 28/1/2013

we all knew what paul meant. If you have nothing better to do then pick on peoples spelling and punctuation,you need to get out more. A LOT MORE!!

Score: 23

Maresha Williams

4:10pm on 28/1/2013

' . . . better to do then pick on peoples spelling and punctuation, . . . .' It's 'people's' not 'peoples' My word the dummies are out in force today.

Score: 20

peter brady

4:14pm on 28/1/2013

Paul Scott claims that immigrants must face the 'first basic test' and be able to speak English. And then he makes punctuation mistakes that would embarrass an eight year old. That's risible.

Score: 21

davenlesley

4:21pm on 28/1/2013

Gordon. Don't waste your time with our two resident EU commissars of the English language. It never ceases to amaze me as to why they make such an issue of it.

Score: 17

davenlesley

4:26pm on 28/1/2013

Robert. And so say all of us. I agree that skills in English is important but this petty nit picking is pathetic especially from 2 people who can discuss in a lucid & articulate manner

Score: 16

Gordon Wright

4:31pm on 28/1/2013

Simply because they have run out of arguments Dave and as you rightly say, have resorted to nit picking.........

Score: 15

Gordon Wright

4:42pm on 28/1/2013

Dave, Regarding the two resident commissars, I'm sorry but I simply cannot resist winding them up. It seems they have a new friend called Maresha now who also likes to snipe at people's spelling and grammar. What truly small minded people they must be.........

Score: 12

Gordon Wright

4:53pm on 28/1/2013

Maresha, Missing comma after "my word".............

Score: 11

davenlesley

4:57pm on 28/1/2013

Gordon. It must send them bananas when people start writing in the same way as they text which is mostly gobbledygook to me anyway.

Score: 13

Paul Scott

6:55pm on 28/1/2013

This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.

Score: 1

david

12:37pm on 28/1/2013

WHAT A JOKE they will just buy the answers and still get into a country... with to many people in it already ..when will this GOV waken up its people we want out the place not more in....FACT IS LONDON IS FULL OF PEOPLE RIPPING OF THE SYSTEM AND MAKING MILLIONS.and the rest of use has to pay the bill..

Score: 27
2 replies

Dr_MonicaKh

3:11pm on 28/1/2013

Erm, given the list of indigenous folks mistreated the 'system?'

Score: 18

Name witheld

8:12pm on 28/1/2013

This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.

Score: 11

mark

12:42pm on 28/1/2013

"More than 150,000 Life in the UK tests were taken nationally last year, including 77,000 in London." I would be more interested in knowing how many were refused entry and actually left the UK for failing the test.

Score: 24

john byrne

12:45pm on 28/1/2013

I would like to see a contract signed with any immigrants (EU or not), that is enforced. It should simply state that if found guilty of breaking UK laws where a jail sentence is normally applicable then the immigrant gives up any right to settle in the UK and any assets are forfeit to compensate the victims if appropriate or paid directly to the government.

Score: 27

Dene Leyland

1:04pm on 28/1/2013

Anything that reduces illegal immigration is welcome, but I suppose I'm hoping in vain that the powers will kick out some of the numb-nuts that our schools allow to leave full time education being unable to answer some of the questions proposed.

Score: 24
1 reply

Louisa Gieldon

5:23pm on 28/1/2013

Children fail at school for many reasons Dene. We are not all born with the same academic prowess or given the same attention by our education system, but that does not mean we cannot have a useful role in society.

Score: 12

John Andrew

1:15pm on 28/1/2013

1/ They need to have a rolling questionaire not a static one , 2/ If they have not acquired the english language to a 75% level after 2yrs so then all benefits etc are stopped after 2 yrs 3/ If there Country has become stable, then they will required to return to it ,if the above conditions have not been met

Score: 24
2 replies

peter brady

3:27pm on 28/1/2013

This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.

Score: 6

Gordon Wright

3:53pm on 28/1/2013

Pay no attention, Mr Brady loves to nit pick.........

Score: 11

happymike CHESTER

1:45pm on 28/1/2013

I am amused that some people on here want English spoken first as most English people working living abroad don`t speak that countries language it is a bit hypocritical Yes I believe people from abroad should integrate with the people living here stop catering to their culture.

Score: 25
3 replies

davenlesley

4:07pm on 28/1/2013

HMC.That British people living abroad should learn the host countries language is undeniable but many are too lazy. Similarly people arriving to settle in the UK should learn English. We waste far too much time & money pandering to those who can't. It drives me mad to see so many council leaflets offering editions in almost 20 other languages. You are in England so speak English or do without

Score: 11

Louisa Gieldon

5:19pm on 28/1/2013

I agree that people should integrate with the country and the people they settle in. That applies to the British working abroad as well as to migrant workers coming to this country. But i see nothing wrong in a few basic leaflets to help people out until they master the language in their new country.

Score: 15

davenlesley

5:40pm on 28/1/2013

Louisa. A few basic leaflets. Everything that drops thru the letterbox from the council has the offer of editions in a multitude of languages, even the recycling timetable.

Score: 12

Clifford Loveland

1:50pm on 28/1/2013

It's a step in the right direction but other factors such as putting this country first and taking an oath of loyalty,dress as the British do,and generally blend in with the people of the nation

Score: 25
3 replies

Dr_MonicaKh

2:48pm on 28/1/2013

Dictating what folks wear sounds absurd.

Score: 19

Louisa Gieldon

5:15pm on 28/1/2013

It is absurd and takes away any credence from your arguement. By the way, please explain just how the British do dress, as i see an awful lot of variation when i go out Clifford.

Score: 13

Louisa Gieldon

6:40pm on 28/1/2013

Sorry but eleven of you voted Clifford a "thumbs up", so please make yourself known to me and explain what "British" dress is. I am dying to hear so i can dress appropriately in future

Score: 12

sunshine

1:54pm on 28/1/2013

Thank goodness it is an advance on the dribble that the Labour Party produced

Score: 21
1 reply

John Mechelen

2:33pm on 28/1/2013

Well said sunshine,but it should be made harder,and i hope the tests are conducted in this language and not there own.

Score: 15

TIM x

1:57pm on 28/1/2013

Silly if you ask me as Britons are in the minority already now in their own country :-D

Score: 27
2 replies

Dr_MonicaKh

2:49pm on 28/1/2013

Cynical comment given the the majority population

Score: 20

Name witheld

8:13pm on 28/1/2013

This comment has been removed for violations of our Terms and Conditions.

Score: 12

Mike Anon

2:45pm on 28/1/2013

Simple enough test. That will not sort the immigration problem out though. It's not UK Citizenship that is the problem it's (a) the number of immigrants & (b) the number of illegal immigrants. Neither of these groups will be taking the UK Citizenship tests anytime soon! This test is yet another government smoke screen & jobs for some 'no marks' department to prepare the so called test.

Score: 21

Angharad Fennell

3:34pm on 28/1/2013

So they could google a: this quiz with the answers b: the answers....seems pointless to put it on the net for all to access whenever they want??

Score: 11

RayMcGlynn

3:58pm on 28/1/2013

Will the Interpreters be filling in the answers ?

Score: 13

Lorgar Aurelian

4:05pm on 28/1/2013

They should also do this in every school. Seems harder than what they do now.

Score: 10

Maresha Williams

4:08pm on 28/1/2013

I am reminded of that pop ditty from yesteryear . . . . 'Gordon is a m+ron, Gordon is a m+ron'

Score: 19
1 reply

Gordon Wright

4:35pm on 28/1/2013

Oh dear, oh dear, is that the best you can do?? Really, I expected better than that from a person of your education. Please note, I have missed the comma after the quetion mark just to please Peter............

Score: 14

shirley sutton

4:45pm on 28/1/2013

Just ban them coming in til country back on its feet and kick out all ten illegals as soon as they get here too many foreigners here

Score: 20
1 reply

Louisa Gieldon

6:37pm on 28/1/2013

Are there as many as ten "illegals" in the country Shirley?

Score: 15

Brian Quinn

4:59pm on 28/1/2013

One of the questions should be spell 'oesophagus'. That would sort the wheat from the chaff.

Score: 13
1 reply

movvi

8:36pm on 28/1/2013

Ah, indeed, Brian. Most Brits couldn't spell it though! I was on a course for existing English teachers recently and there was a fun spelling test of words people apparently can't spell, like diarrhoea, accommodation and community. I was horrified at the results...

Score: 7

movvi

8:40pm on 28/1/2013

Cripes. Apart from Geoff Chaucer, Austen and Wilfred Owen, most of the stuff on the list was a bit of a mystery to me. Then I looked at the actual questions and saw that the test is only about the most superficial or obvious points of the topics. I got full marks! Any donkey could pass that if I can because most of it is to do with England and I only really go there for airports or to see my Uncle Stan! Ha ha ha.

Score: 8
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