Life in the UK Test

4th EDITION - February 2020

THE COMPLETE STUDY GUIDE

OFFICIAL STUDY MATERIAL

+ REVISION GUIDE

+ 12 COMPLETE TESTS OFFICIAL STYLE

OVER 300 QUESTIONS

First published September 2016

Fourth Edition February 2020

ISBN: 978-1-911538-22-6

Copyright © 2020 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 6

The Life in the UK test 7

How to use this book 10

OFFICIAL COURSE MATERIAL

A long and illustrious history 17

Early Britain 17

The Middle Ages 20

The Tudors and Stuarts 23

A global power 29

The 20th century 39

Britain since 1945 42

A modern, thriving society 53

The UK today 53

Religion 55

Customs and traditions 57

Sport 59

Arts and culture 63

Leisure 69

Places of interest 73

The UK government, the law and your role 81

The development of British democracy 81

The British constitution 82

The government 86

Who can vote? 90

The UK and international institutions 93

The European Union 93

Respecting the law 94

The role of the courts 97

Fundamental principles 100

Taxation 101

Driving 103

Your role in the community 103

How you can support your community 104

Looking after the environment 107

REVISION NOTES

Monarchs 112

English Kings 112

Norman Kings 113

Plantagenet Kings 113

Monarchs of England and Wales 113

House of Lancaster 113

House of York 114

The Tudors 114

The Stuarts 114

The Commonwealth 114

The Restoration 115

The Hanovarians 115

House of Windsor 115

Key Dates 116

Important people 121

UK population 123

TESTS

Official style tests 125

Test 1 127

Test 2 132

Test 3 137

Test 4 142

Test 5 147

Test 6 152

Test 7 157

Test 8 162

Test 9 167

Test 10 172

Test 11 177

Test 12 182

Answers to tests 187

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.

Fourth Edition 2020

Following the referendum in June 2016, the UK has decided to leave 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).

On Friday the 31st January 2020, the United Kingdom officially left the European Union. The following 11 months will see a transition period during which very little change will be noticeable. The UK and the EU will use this time to attempt and agree a trade deal.

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 also 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 of passing, 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 though, 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.

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.

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

On which day is Saint George celebrated?

A. 22nd November

B. 21st April

C. 23rd April

D. 1st March

Answer: C

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: hard work pays off. Don’t listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. To pass an exam requires you to work at it. Learn, practice, spend some time revising what you know, and you will give yourself the best chances to pass.

Plan your learning

It is a simple trick that works well for many people: create a plan of action before you start learning. Get a deadline, cut the book in chunks of work, establish a routine, include intermediary milestones, test yourself at various points, check that you are on track, etc.

Regular bite size

Learn a little and often. Only a few people manage