Life in the UK 2019 Test

Life in the UK Test

3RD EDITION - MAY 2019

THE COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE

OFFICIAL STUDY MATERIAL

+ REVISION GUIDE

+ 12 COMPLETE TEST OFFICIAL STYLE

OVER 300 QUESTIONS

First published September 2016

Third Edition May 2019

ISBN: 978-1-911538-18-9

Copyright © 2019 Dux Publishing. All rights reserved.

Dux Publishing is an imprint of Dux Enterprises Limited

All rights reserved. Apart from any permitted use under UK copyright law, no part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information, storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher or under licence from the Copyright Licensing Agency Limited. Further details of such licenses (for reprographic reproduction) may be obtained from the Copyright Licensing Agency Ltd, Saffron House, 6-10 Kirby Street, London EC1N 8TS.

The author and publisher of this Book and the accompanying materials have used their best efforts in preparing this eBook. The author and publisher make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents of this eBook. The information contained in this eBook is strictly for educational purposes. Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in this eBook, you are taking full responsibility for your actions. The author and publisher disclaim any warranties (express or implied), merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The author and publisher shall in no event be held liable to any party for any direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of this material, which is provided as is, and without warranties. As always, the advice of a competent legal, tax, accounting or other professional should be sought. The author and publisher do not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any sites listed or linked to in this eBook. All links are for information purposes only and are not warranted for content, accuracy or any other implied or explicit purpose.

Substantial material in this guide is crown copyright and has been obtained from the government publication Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (ISBN 978-0-11-341340-9). This information is reproduced with the permission of The National Archives under the Open Government License.

Table of Content

What is this guide about? 5

The values and principles of the UK 1

The Life in the UK test 3

First step: Study British customs, traditions and history 3

Second step: Book the test 3

Third step: Take the test 4

Cancellation 4

The test itself 4

How to use this book 6

Plan your learning 6

Memory 7

Confidence 8

Final words 9

OFFICIAL COURSE

A long and illustrious history 13

Early Britain 13

The Middle Ages 16

The Tudors and Stuarts 18

A global power 24

The 20th century 33

Britain since 1945 37

A modern, thriving society 47

The UK today 47

Religion 50

Customs and traditions 51

Sport 53

Arts and culture 56

Leisure 62

Places of interest 67

The UK government, the law and your role 71

The development of British democracy 71

The British constitution 72

The government 76

Who can vote? 79

The UK and international institutions 82

The European Union 83

Respecting the law 85

The role of the courts 87

Fundamental principles 90

Driving 93

Your role in the community 93

How you can support your community 94

Looking after the environment 97

REVISION NOTES

Monarchs 102

English Kings 102

Norman Kings 103

Plantagenet Kings 103

Monarchs of England and Wales 103

House of Lancaster 103

House of York 104

The Tudors 104

The Stuarts 104

The Commonwealth 104

The Restoration 105

The Hanovarians 105

House of Windsor 105

Key Dates 106

Important people 111

UK population 113

TESTS

Test 1 119

Test 2 125

Test 3 131

Test 4 137

Test 5 143

Test 6 149

Test 7 155

Test 8 161

Test 9 167

Test 10 173

Test 11 179

Test 12 185

Answers 192

What is this guide about?

Are you looking to become a British citizen or to settle in the UK? Then if you are aged between 18 and 65 you will need to pass the Life in the UK test.

The test consists of many questions about the history of the UK, the country’s traditions and customs as well as the rules of modern politics and institutions. You probably bought the book to study at your own pace, but if you are anything like me, you will prefer short notes, straight to the point and holding only the important facts without too much wording. This is exactly what I offer you in this guide: the facts, key dates and the information you need to go the test centre in confidence.

Third Edition 2019

Following the referendum of June 2016, the UK will no longer be part of the European Union (EU). The sections relating to the EU in the book have been updated, but please note the following points (this is not about politics, but about passing the test itself).

As of April 2019, the UK is a member of the EU and nothing has changed.

When the UK leaves the EU (Potentially by 31st October 2019), certain legislations may be affected and parts of this book will become erroneous.

Therefore, please do remember that any questions on Europe or the EU will consider the current position of the UK, not the future one. For instance, if you are asked whether the UK was part of the EU, in April 2019 the correct answer is still YES.

The values and principles of the UK

British society is founded on fundamental values and principles which all those living in the UK should respect and support. These values are reflected in the responsibilities, rights and privileges of being a British citizen or permanent resident of the UK. They are based on history and traditions and are protected by law, customs and expectations. There is no place in British society for extremism or intolerance.

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.

As part of the citizenship ceremony, new citizens pledge to uphold these values.

The pledge is:

‘I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.’

The citizenship ceremony alos request the new British citizen to take either an Oath of allegiance or an Affirmation of allegiance. By the Oath, you swear by Almighty God whereas with the Affirmation, you solemnly, sincerely and truly declare your allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second, her Heirs and Successors, according to law.

Flowing from the fundamental principles are responsibilities and freedoms which are shared by all those living in the UK and which we expect all residents to respect.

In return, the UK offers:

freedom of belief and religion

freedom of speech

freedom from unfair discrimination

a right to a fair trial

a right to join in the election of a government.

The Life in the UK test

No matter how much you already know about the UK, you will need to sit and pass the test as part of your application to live in the UK. To maximise your chances to pass you may buy the book and study it either alone, online, in classes, or with a personal teacher. Then, when you are ready you can sit the exam and hopefully pass.

Remember, you do not need to pass the test

if you are under 18 or over 64.

If you have already passed the test once, you do not need to sit again. For instance, if you have already passed the test to become settled in the UK and are now applying for citizenship, you do not need to sit the test again.

These are the three steps to ensure the best chances of success:

STUDY – BOOK – TAKE

First step: Study British customs, traditions and history

There is no secret here, a test is a test! The more you prepare for it, the greater your chances of success. In this guide, I provide some additional revision lists to help you prepare. You can carry it all with you in your kindle, on your phone, everywhere you want but be careful, you will not be allowed to take it to the test centre!

In the next few pages, I will give you some tips on the best way to prepare using this book and other resources.

But remember that ultimately, you know better than anyone else how you prefer to learn and memorise things.

Second step: Book the test

You must book the test at the very least three days in advance. I would suggest you book it several weeks in advance. This way, it gives you time to study but also a deadline. If you have a tendency to wait until last minute, you may never book the test at all. If you put a date in your calendar, then you know you need to be ready for that date. You can only book the test online! To book a test you need an email address, a debit or credit card, and a valid ID. If going online or using an email address is an issue, your local library, a university, or even a friend might help you with this part of the process.

Book the test here:

https://www.lituktestbooking.co.uk/lituk-web/

There are 60 official centres throughout the UK and you need to choose one close to where you live. You can choose among the five closest to you. Do not select another one as you may not be accepted on the day. The test will cost £50 independently of date and location. Be careful there is no refund so make sure you are making the correct booking and that you actually turn up on the day!

If you have any disabilities or special requirements, you should mention this at the time of booking the test. For any issue, there is a phone helpline available during the week (see Resources).

Third step: Take the test

The test takes place in a room where no book or assistance materials are allowed. You will need to rely solely on your knowledge and memory. You cannot bring anyone with you. If you travelled with your children for instance, they will have to wait for you outside. Likewise, watches and electronic devices including phones are not accepted in the test room. There are lockers where you can securely leave these devices. Be careful, you will be searched on arrival, and cheating is a serious offence, which would not only void your test, but could also severely limit your application for settlement or citizenship.

When you arrive at the test centre, make sure you bring the following:

The ID that you used to book the test online

A proof of address less than 3 months old that shows your name and postcode

Cancellation

It is possible to cancel the test at least three days prior to the booked date. You can cancel online following the same process as you did to book it.

The test itself

There are 24 randomly selected questions about British traditions, history, and customs. You will have 45 minutes to reply to all of them. To be successful you will need to score 75% or more; meaning you must answer at least 18 of the 24 questions correctly. If you fail, you must wait seven days before you can sit and try again. There is no limitation to the amount of times you can sit the test, but you must pay the £50 fee every time.

24 random questions

45 minutes

75% score (= 18 correct answers)

Type of questions

There are four types of questions. See the example below.

1. One choice

The question lists four possible options, only one is correct.

2. Multiple choice

The question lists four options, and at least two can be correct.

3. True or false

The question is a statement that is either true or false.

4. Find the correct statement

The question lists two statements, but only one is correct.

On which day is Saint George celebrated?

A. 22nd November

B. 21st April

C. 23rd April

D. 1st March

Answer: C

Which TWO of the following group are British Athletes?

A. Winston Churchill

B. Mo Farrah

C. Richard Branson

D. Dame Kelly Holmes

Answer: B and D

Is the following statement true or false?

The Prime Minister is appointed by the Parliament every 5 years.

A. TRUE

B. FALSE

Answer: B

Which of the following statement is correct?

A. The Wars of the Roses confirmed the independence of Scotland

B. The Wars of the Roses established Henry Tudor on the throne of England

Answer: B

How to use this book

A few tips on learning the material, and passing the test.

The Life in the UK Test is no different from many other tests. As you enter the room and sit at the computer to answer the 24 questions, what you need can be summarised in two words: memory and confidence.

Memory is essential for success. The test is first and foremost a test of memory; it will ask you to find answers to questions based on the knowledge you have retained. For instance, if you are asked about the battle of Bosworth, you will need to remember it was fought in 1485. It Saw the end of the Wars of Roses, the death of Richard III and the start of the Tudor dynasty by the accession to the throne of Henry VII. All this requires memory.

Confidence is also crucial in making you successful. The last thing you want during the test is to panic and forget names or get confused in the dates.

I will now give you a few tips for both.

Before I start, let me remind you of a single truth: