Think you’re ready to officially become British?
Thom Brooks, author of Becoming British, has assembled the below questions, based on the Life in the United Kingdom handbook.
The ‘Life in the UK’ test, which British citizenship hopefuls must take, requires you to answer 75 per cent (in this case, twelve questions) correctly to pass.
So, put the kettle on, make yourself a nice cup of tea (not too much milk!) and see how British you really are… Answers are at the bottom of the page!
Question 1
In 1999, what happened to hereditary peers in the House of Lords?
A – Their numbers were greatly increased
B – Their salaries were stopped
C – Women were allowed to inherit their titles
D – They lost their automatic right to attend the House of Lords
Question 2
Why is 1918 an important date in the history of women’s rights?
A – The first divorce laws were introduced
B – Women were given the right to vote
C – Equal pay laws were passed
D – Women were made legally responsible for their children
Question 3
Which TWO are examples of civil law?
A – Disputes between landlords and tenants
B – Carrying a weapon
C – Discrimination in the workplace
D – Selling tobacco
Question 4
Which of the following statements is correct?
A – Magistrates usually work unpaid and do not need legal qualifications
B – Magistrates must be specially trained legal experts who have been solicitors for three years
Question 5
Which language was spoken by people during the Iron Age?
A – Latin
B – Celtic
C – English
D – Anglo-Saxon
Question 6
Which TWO religions celebrate Diwali?
A – Buddhists
B – Hindus
C – Christians
D – Sikhs
Question 7
Which of the following statements is correct?
A – The Speaker of the House of Commons remains a Member of Parliament (MP) after election as Speaker
B – The Speaker of the House of Commons has to give up being an MP when elected Speaker
Question 8
When walking your dog in a public place, what must you ensure?
A – That your dog wears a special dog coat
B – That your dog never strays more than 3 metres away from you
C – That you dog does not come into contact with other dogs
D – That your dog wears a collar showing the name and address of the owner
Question 9
Which of the following statements is correct?
A – Halloween is a modern American festival that has recently become popular in the UK
B – Halloween has its roots in an ancient pagan festival marking the beginning of winter
Question 10
For approximately how many years did the Romans stay in this country?
A – 50 years
B – 100 years
C – 400 years
D – 600 years
Question 11
Which of the following statements is correct?
A – After the age of 70, drivers must renew their licence[s] every three years
B – After the age of 70, drivers must renew their licence[s] every five years
Question 12
Which TWO are 20th-century British discoveries or inventions?
A – Cloning a mammal
B – Cash machines (ATMs)
C – Mobile phones
D – Walkmans
Question 13
How many people serve on a jury in Scotland?
A – 8
B – 11
C – 15
D – 20
Question 14
What is the highest-value note issued as British currency?
A – £20
B – £70
C – £50
D – £100
Question 15
Which of the following statements is correct?
A – James VI of Scotland was related to Queen Elizabeth I of England
B – James VI of Scotland was not related to Queen Elizabeth I of England
Question 16
Which of the following statements is correct?
A – If your driving licence is from a country in the European Union you can drive in the UK for as long as your licence is valid
B – If your driving licence is from a country in the European Union you have to apply for a UK licence in order to drive
The correct answers are below – remember, you need 12 (75 per cent) correct to pass!
Question 1 = D; Question 2 = B; Question 3 = A and C; Question 4 = A; Question 5 = B; Question 6 = B and D; Question 7 = A; Question 8 = D; Question 9 = B; Question 10 = C; Question 11 = A; Question 12 = A and B; Question 13 = C; Question 14 = C; Question 15 = A; Question 16 = A
Becoming British by Thom Brooks is available in paperback and eBook from 24 May.