Every term, defined

Life in the UK Test glossary

241 terms from Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition), each linked back to the chapter it comes from.

1

1960s: The 1960s was a period of significant social change known as the Swinging Sixties; Decolonisation, migration and the 1960s

4

40 days before Easter: The 40 days before Easter are known as Lent; Christian festivals

A

All Acts of Parliament: All Acts of Parliament are made in the monarch's name; The monarchy
All public elections: All public elections are open to adult UK citizens, and to resident citizens of Ireland and the Commonwealth; Voting, standing for office and visiting Parliament
Ambassadors and high commissioners: Ambassadors and high commissioners are received, visiting heads of state entertained, and state visits made overseas; The monarchy
Anglo-Saxon king at Sutton Hoo: The Anglo-Saxon king at Sutton Hoo was buried with treasure and armour in a ship covered by a mound of earth; The Anglo-Saxons
Anne Boleyn: Anne Boleyn was English and the mother of Elizabeth, and was executed at the Tower of London; The six wives of Henry VIII
Anne of Cleves: Anne of Cleves was a German princess whom Henry VIII married for political reasons and divorced soon after; The six wives of Henry VIII
Appointment of life peers: Appointment of life peers is made by the monarch, advised by the Prime Minister; The House of Commons and the House of Lords
April Fool's Day: April Fool's Day is 1 April, when people play jokes on each other until midday; Other festivals and bank holidays
Areas of what: Areas of what is now Scotland were never conquered by the Romans; The Romans
Around 20 senior MPs: Around 20 senior MPs are made departmental ministers by the Prime Minister; The Prime Minister, the cabinet and the opposition
Auld Lang Syne: Auld Lang Syne is sung when people celebrate the New Year, called Hogmanay in Scotland; The rebellion of the clans and the Enlightenment
Axis powers: The Axis powers were fascist Germany and Italy and the Empire of Japan; The Second World War

B

Balance: Balance is required by law of radio and television coverage of the parties, rival viewpoints receiving equal time; Voting, standing for office and visiting Parliament
Battle of Hastings: The Battle of Hastings is commemorated in the Bayeux Tapestry, which can still be seen in France; The Norman Conquest
Battle of the Boyne: The Battle of the Boyne is still celebrated by some in Northern Ireland today; A Catholic king and the Glorious Revolution
Beatles and The Rolling Stones: The Beatles and The Rolling Stones were two well-known pop music groups of the 1960s; Decolonisation, migration and the 1960s
Being democratically elected: Being democratically elected is what makes the Commons the weightier of the two chambers; The House of Commons and the House of Lords
Belfast: Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland; Capital cities and geography
Big Ben: Big Ben is properly the nickname of the great bell in the clock at London's Houses of Parliament; Landmarks and places of interest
Biomes of the Eden Project: The biomes of the Eden Project are like giant greenhouses and house plants from all over the world; Landmarks and places of interest
Black Death: The Black Death was one of the worst disasters ever to strike Britain; Feudalism and the Black Death
Bonfire Night: Bonfire Night is 5 November, when people in Great Britain set off fireworks; Other festivals and bank holidays
Bonnie Prince Charlie: Bonnie Prince Charlie was the grandson of James II; The rebellion of the clans and the Enlightenment
Boudicca: Boudicca was the queen of the Iceni in what is now eastern England and fought against the Romans; The Romans
Britain: Britain was a republic for 11 years; Cromwell and the English republic
British Academy Film Awards: The British Academy Film Awards are hosted by BAFTA and are the British equivalent of the Oscars; Arts, culture and leisure
British constitution: The British constitution is not written down in any single document and is therefore described as unwritten; The British constitution
Britons pulling together under adversity: Britons pulling together under adversity are still described by the phrase 'the Blitz spirit'; The Second World War
Bronze Age homes: Bronze Age homes were roundhouses, and the dead went into tombs called round barrows; Early Britain
Bus drivers: Bus drivers were recruited through centres opened in the West Indies; Decolonisation, migration and the 1960s

C

Cabinet membership: Cabinet membership is the Prime Minister's to appoint, along with many senior public appointments; The Prime Minister, the cabinet and the opposition
Canterbury Tales: The Canterbury Tales was one of the first books to be printed by William Caxton; A distinct identity and the Wars of the Roses
Cardiff: Cardiff is the capital city of Wales; Capital cities and geography
Carrying any weapon at all: Carrying any weapon at all is a criminal offence, self-defence being no excuse; Criminal and civil law
Catherine Howard: Catherine Howard was a cousin of Anne Boleyn and was executed; The six wives of Henry VIII
Catherine of Aragon: Catherine of Aragon was a Spanish princess and the mother of Mary; The six wives of Henry VIII
Catherine Parr: Catherine Parr was a widow who married Henry VIII late in his life and survived him; The six wives of Henry VIII
Central Powers: The Central Powers were mainly Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire and later Bulgaria; The First World War
Chancellor of the Exchequer: The Chancellor of the Exchequer is responsible for the economy; The Prime Minister, the cabinet and the opposition
Charles I: Charles I was executed in 1649; Cromwell and the English republic
Charles II: Charles II was crowned King of England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland; The Restoration
Chartists: The Chartists were campaigners who presented petitions to Parliament demanding the vote for the working classes; Ireland in the 19th century and the right to vote
Chocolate Easter eggs: Chocolate Easter eggs are often given as presents at Easter as a symbol of new life; Christian festivals
Christmas Eve: Christmas Eve is 24 December; Christian festivals
Civil law: Civil law is used to settle disputes between individuals or groups; Criminal and civil law
Civil servants: Civil servants are accountable to ministers, are chosen on merit and are politically neutral; Parties, pressure groups, the civil service and local government
Conditions for war: Conditions for war were set by nationalism, rising militarism, imperialism, and Europe's major powers dividing into two camps; The First World War
Council of Europe: The Council of Europe is responsible for the protection and promotion of human rights in its member countries; The UK and international institutions
Country: A country is governed by a set of principles, and that set is its constitution; The British constitution
Coventry: Coventry was almost totally destroyed in the Blitz; The Second World War
Culloden in 1746: Culloden in 1746 was where George II's army beat Bonnie Prince Charlie; The rebellion of the clans and the Enlightenment
Currency in the UK: The currency in the UK is the pound sterling, with the symbol £; Money, languages and traditional food

D

Danelaw: The Danelaw was the name for the eastern and northern area where many Viking invaders settled; The Vikings
Day before Lent starts: The day before Lent starts is called Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day; Christian festivals
Decisions on government policies: Decisions on government policies are made by the Prime Minister and cabinet; The monarchy
Diwali: Diwali is often called the Festival of Lights and is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs; Other religious festivals
Duke of Wellington: The Duke of Wellington was known as the Iron Duke and later became Prime Minister; The American War of Independence and war with France
During Hannukah a candle: During Hannukah a candle is lit each day on a stand of eight candles called a menorah; Other religious festivals

E

Edinburgh: Edinburgh is the capital city of Scotland; Capital cities and geography
Edinburgh Castle: Edinburgh Castle is looked after by Historic Scotland and dates back to the early Middle Ages; Landmarks and places of interest
Edward VI: Edward VI was strongly Protestant and during his reign the Book of Common Prayer was written for use in the Church of England; Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I
Electing members of the Commons: Electing members of the Commons was open to only a small part of the population; Magna Carta and the rise of Parliament
Electoral register: The electoral register is updated every year in September or October; Voting, standing for office and visiting Parliament
Elizabeth I: Elizabeth I was the daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn; Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I
Elizabeth Tower: Elizabeth Tower is the name given to the clock tower, honouring the 2012 Diamond Jubilee; Landmarks and places of interest
Emmeline Pankhurst: Emmeline Pankhurst was born in Manchester in 1858 and set up the Women's Franchise League in 1889; Ireland in the 19th century and the right to vote
English: English was in use for official documents by 1400, and preferred at the royal court and in Parliament; A distinct identity and the Wars of the Roses
Enlightenment: The Enlightenment was a period in the 18th century when new ideas about politics, philosophy and science were developed; The rebellion of the clans and the Enlightenment
European Economic Community: The European Economic Community was founded in 1957 by Italy, France, West Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and the Netherlands; The 1970s onwards, Thatcher, Blair and Brexit
Event: The event was called the Glorious Revolution because there was no fighting in England; A Catholic king and the Glorious Revolution

F

Father Christmas: Father Christmas is also known as Santa Claus; Christian festivals
Father's Day: Father's Day is the third Sunday in June; Other festivals and bank holidays
First to split the atom: First to split the atom were scientists under New-Zealand-born Ernest Rutherford, at Manchester and later Cambridge; Allied victory and post-war reform
First World War dead: First World War dead were the original focus of Remembrance Day, that war having ended on 11 November 1918; Other festivals and bank holidays
Florence Nightingale: Florence Nightingale was born in Italy to English parents and trained as a nurse in Germany at the age of 31; Victorian trade, industry and the Crimean War
Flower associated with England: The flower associated with England is the rose; Patron saints
Flower associated with Northern Ireland: The flower associated with Northern Ireland is the shamrock; Patron saints
Flower associated with Scotland: The flower associated with Scotland is the thistle; Patron saints
Flower associated with Wales: The flower associated with Wales is the daffodil; Patron saints
For some Scottish people Hogmanay: For some Scottish people Hogmanay is a bigger holiday than Christmas; Other festivals and bank holidays
Foreign Secretary: The Foreign Secretary is responsible for managing relationships with foreign countries; The Prime Minister, the cabinet and the opposition
Franchise: The franchise means the number of people who had the right to vote; The development of British democracy
Freed slaves: Freed slaves were replaced after 1833 by 2 million Indian and Chinese workers; The slave trade and its abolition
From 1695 newspapers: From 1695 newspapers were allowed to operate without a government licence; The Bill of Rights and constitutional monarchy

G

George Frederick Handel: George Frederick Handel was German-born and became a British citizen in 1727; Arts, culture and leisure
Giant's Causeway: The Giant's Causeway is located on the north-east coast of Northern Ireland; Landmarks and places of interest
Good Friday Agreement: The Good Friday Agreement was signed in 1998; The 1970s onwards, Thatcher, Blair and Brexit
Good Friday and Easter Monday: Good Friday and Easter Monday are both public holidays; Christian festivals
Graham Greene and Evelyn Waugh: Graham Greene and Evelyn Waugh were prominent writers between the wars; The partition of Ireland and the inter-war years

H

Habeas corpus: Habeas corpus is Latin for 'you must present the person in court'; The Restoration
Haggis: Haggis is a traditional Scottish food, a sheep's stomach stuffed with offal, suet, onions and oatmeal; Money, languages and traditional food
Hannukah: Hannukah is in November or December and is celebrated for eight days; Other religious festivals
Harold: Harold was killed at the Battle of Hastings; The Norman Conquest
Henry Purcell: Henry Purcell was the organist at Westminster Abbey and developed a British style distinct from that elsewhere in Europe; Arts, culture and leisure
HM Revenue & Customs: HM Revenue & Customs is the government department that collects taxes; Taxation, driving and your role in the community
Hogmanay: Hogmanay is Scotland's name for 31 December, and 2 January is a public holiday there too; Other festivals and bank holidays
Home Secretary: The Home Secretary is responsible for crime, policing and immigration; The Prime Minister, the cabinet and the opposition
Huguenots: The Huguenots were Protestants who had been persecuted for their religion; The Act of Union and the first Prime Minister

I

If a vehicle: If a vehicle is over three years old it must be taken for an MOT test every year; Taxation, driving and your role in the community
In 1918 the voting franchise: In 1918 the voting franchise was extended to women over 30; The development of British democracy
In 1928 the franchise: In 1928 the franchise was extended to men and women over 21; The development of British democracy
In Scotland the laws: In Scotland the laws were codified, that is, written down; Magna Carta and the rise of Parliament
Income tax in the UK: Income tax in the UK is paid on wages from paid employment, profits from self-employment, taxable benefits, pensions, and income from property, savings and dividends; Taxation, driving and your role in the community
Individual liberty: Individual liberty is a fundamental principle of British life; The fundamental principles of British life
Information: Information was successfully transferred via the World Wide Web for the first time on 25 December 1990; British inventions of the 20th century
Isaac Newton: Isaac Newton was born in Lincolnshire and his most famous published work was Philosophiae Naturalis Principia Mathematica; The Restoration
Isambard Kingdom Brunel: Isambard Kingdom Brunel was an engineer who built tunnels, bridges, railway lines and ships; Victorian trade, industry and the Crimean War

K

Khalsa's founding: The Khalsa's founding is celebrated by the Sikh festival Vaisakhi, also spelled Baisakhi; Other religious festivals
King John: King John was forced by his noblemen to agree to Magna Carta; Magna Carta and the rise of Parliament

L

Lake District: The Lake District is England's largest national park, covering 885 square miles; Landmarks and places of interest
Language of the Iron Age: The language of the Iron Age was part of the Celtic language family; Early Britain
Last Night of the Proms: The Last Night of the Proms is the most well-known concert of the Proms; Arts, culture and leisure
Laurence Olivier Awards: The Laurence Olivier Awards are named after the British actor Sir Laurence Olivier; Arts, culture and leisure
Leaders of the Easter Rising: The leaders of the Easter Rising were executed under military law; The partition of Ireland and the inter-war years
Local authorities: Local authorities are funded by money from central government and by local taxes; Parties, pressure groups, the civil service and local government
Local leaders in Ireland: Local leaders in Ireland were expected to follow the instructions of the Lord Lieutenants in Dublin; Ireland under Elizabeth I and James I
Local surgeries: Local surgeries are held regularly by many MPs, MSPs and Assembly members, so constituents can talk to them face to face; The Speaker and elections
Loch Lomond: Loch Lomond is the largest expanse of fresh water in mainland Britain; Landmarks and places of interest
London: London is the capital city of the UK; Capital cities and geography
London Eye: The London Eye is a Ferris wheel 443 feet tall on the southern bank of the River Thames; Landmarks and places of interest
London's West End: London's West End is also known as Theatreland; Arts, culture and leisure
Longest distance on the mainland: The longest distance on the mainland is from John O'Groats in Scotland to Land's End in England; Capital cities and geography
Lord Protector: Lord Protector was Oliver Cromwell's title, and he held it until he died in 1658; Cromwell and the English republic

M

MacDonalds of Glencoe: The MacDonalds of Glencoe were late in taking the oath to accept William as king and were all killed; A Catholic king and the Glorious Revolution
Magna Carta: Magna Carta was agreed in 1215; Magna Carta and the rise of Parliament
Maiden Castle in Dorset: Maiden Castle in Dorset is an impressive Iron Age hill fort; Early Britain
Major political parties: The major political parties are the Conservative Party, the Labour Party, the Liberal Democrats, and parties representing Scottish, Welsh or Northern Irish interests; Parties, pressure groups, the civil service and local government
Margaret Thatcher: Margaret Thatcher was Britain's first woman Prime Minister and led the Conservative government from 1979 to 1990; The 1970s onwards, Thatcher, Blair and Brexit
Marston Moor and Naseby: Marston Moor and Naseby were the battles that broke the king's army; Cromwell and the English republic
Mary: Mary was a devout Catholic who persecuted Protestants and became known as Bloody Mary; Edward VI, Mary I and Elizabeth I
Membership of the Commonwealth: Membership of the Commonwealth is voluntary; The UK and international institutions
Millennium celebrations: Millennium celebrations were the reason the London Eye was built; Landmarks and places of interest
Modern Conservative Party: The modern Conservative Party is still sometimes referred to as the Tories; The Bill of Rights and constitutional monarchy
Monarch: The monarch is the head of the Church of England; Religion in the UK
Most famous cricket competition: The most famous cricket competition is the Ashes, a series of Test matches played between England and Australia; Sport
Most peasants: Most peasants were serfs, who had a small area of their lord's land and had to work for their lord and could not move away; Feudalism and the Black Death
Most popular of British sports: Most popular of British sports is football, its first professional clubs dating from the late 19th century; Sport
MPs: MPs are elected through a system called first past the post; The Speaker and elections

N

National Anthem of the UK: The National Anthem of the UK is played at important national occasions and at events attended by the monarch or the Royal Family; The monarchy
National Eisteddfod of Wales: The National Eisteddfod of Wales is an annual cultural festival largely in Welsh; Arts, culture and leisure
National Insurance Contributions: National Insurance Contributions are owed by almost anyone in paid work here, self-employed included; Taxation, driving and your role in the community
National Trust: The National Trust was founded in 1895 by three volunteers; Arts, culture and leisure
Non-party peers: Non-party peers are nominated by an independent Appointments Commission; The House of Commons and the House of Lords
Norman Conquest: The Norman Conquest was the last successful foreign invasion of England; The Norman Conquest
Northern Ireland: Northern Ireland was the name kept by the six mainly Protestant northern counties that stayed British; The partition of Ireland and the inter-war years
Northern Ireland Assembly: The Northern Ireland Assembly was elected in 1999, suspended in 2002 and reinstated in 2007; The 1970s onwards, Thatcher, Blair and Brexit
Northern Ireland Parliament: A Northern Ireland Parliament was established in 1922 but was abolished in 1972; Devolved administrations

O

Officers: Officers are bound by the law too — no misuse of authority, no false statement, no rudeness or abuse, no racial discrimination; The police and their duties
Officially the country: Officially the country is named the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; The countries of the UK
Oldham in Lancashire: Oldham in Lancashire was the birthplace of the world's first test-tube baby, in 1978; British inventions of the 20th century
Oliver Cromwell: Oliver Cromwell was sent to Ireland, where he established the authority of the English Parliament with such violence that he remains a controversial figure in Ireland today; Cromwell and the English republic
Open Championship: The Open Championship is the only Major golf tournament held outside the United States; Sport
Operas: Operas are what Benjamin Britten is best known for, Billy Budd and Peter Grimes among them; Arts, culture and leisure
Opposition: Opposition is what the Commons' second-largest party is called; The Prime Minister, the cabinet and the opposition
Other ministers: Other ministers are called Secretaries of State and are responsible for subjects such as education, health and defence; The Prime Minister, the cabinet and the opposition

P

Papal authority in Scotland: Papal authority in Scotland was abolished in 1560 by a mainly Protestant Scottish Parliament; The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots
Participation in community life: Participation in community life is a fundamental principle of British life; The fundamental principles of British life
Party allegiance: Party allegiance is set aside by the Speaker, who nonetheless remains an MP; The Speaker and elections
Peace treaty in 1921: A peace treaty in 1921 was followed by Ireland's division into two countries in 1922; The partition of Ireland and the inter-war years
Peers: Peers are barred from standing for the Commons, though eligible for every other public office; Voting, standing for office and visiting Parliament
Penicillin: Penicillin was further developed into a usable drug by Howard Florey and Ernst Chain; Allied victory and post-war reform
People in the UK: People in the UK are living longer because of improved living standards and better health care; Population and diversity
Picts: The Picts were the ancestors of the Scottish people; The Romans
Police: The police are independent of the government; The police and their duties
Poppy worn: The poppy worn is the red flower of First World War battlefields; Other festivals and bank holidays
Population of the UK: The population of the UK was just over 4 million in 1600 and 5 million in 1700; Population and diversity
Present voting age of 18: The present voting age of 18 was set in 1969; Voting, standing for office and visiting Parliament
Pressure and lobby groups: Pressure and lobby groups are organisations which try to influence government policy; Parties, pressure groups, the civil service and local government
Preventing disturbances: Preventing disturbances is also known as keeping the peace; The police and their duties
Prime Minister: The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party in power; The Prime Minister, the cabinet and the opposition
Prime Minister Harold Macmillan: Prime Minister Harold Macmillan was famous for his wind of change speech about decolonisation; Decolonisation, migration and the 1960s
Proms: The Proms is an eight-week summer season of orchestral classical music organised by the BBC since 1927; Arts, culture and leisure
Public office: Public office is open to most citizens of the UK, Ireland or the Commonwealth from the age of 18; Voting, standing for office and visiting Parliament

Q

Questions: Questions are based on all parts of the handbook, including the introduction; Taking the Life in the UK test

R

Radar: Radar was developed by Scotsman Sir Robert Watson-Watt, who proposed that enemy aircraft could be detected by radio waves; British inventions of the 20th century
Ralph Vaughan Williams: Ralph Vaughan Williams was strongly influenced by traditional English folk music; Arts, culture and leisure
Robert Burns: Robert Burns was a Scottish poet known in Scotland as The Bard; The rebellion of the clans and the Enlightenment
Robert Burns' best-known work: Robert Burns' best-known work is probably the song Auld Lang Syne; The rebellion of the clans and the Enlightenment
Role of the shadow cabinet: The role of the shadow cabinet is to challenge the government and put forward alternative policies; The Prime Minister, the cabinet and the opposition
Roman Catholics: Roman Catholics were favoured by James II, who made them army officers in defiance of an Act of Parliament; A Catholic king and the Glorious Revolution
Royal Society: The Royal Society was formed during the reign of Charles II to promote natural knowledge; The Restoration
Rudyard Kipling: Rudyard Kipling was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1907; The Victorian Age and the British Empire
Russia: Russia was the enemy in the Crimean War of 1853 to 1856, with Britain alongside Turkey and France; Victorian trade, industry and the Crimean War

S

Salary for members of Parliament: A salary for members of Parliament was introduced for the first time in the early 20th century; The First World War
Scotland's and England's flags: Scotland's and England's flags were combined into the first Union Flag in 1606; The Union Flag
Scottish Parliament: The Scottish Parliament was formed in 1999 and sits in Edinburgh; Devolved administrations
Scottish physician John Macleod: The Scottish physician John Macleod was the co-discoverer of insulin, used to treat diabetes; British inventions of the 20th century
Settlements of Protestants in Ulster: The settlements of Protestants in Ulster were known as plantations; Ireland under Elizabeth I and James I
Seventeen: Seventeen is the minimum age for driving a car or motor cycle here, and a licence is required; Taxation, driving and your role in the community
Shakespeare: Shakespeare was one of the first to portray ordinary Englishmen and women; Exploration, Shakespeare and James I
Similar Protection Orders: Similar Protection Orders were introduced in Scotland in November 2011; Fundamental principles and equal opportunities
Sir Edward Elgar: Sir Edward Elgar was born in Worcester and is best known for the Pomp and Circumstance Marches; Arts, culture and leisure
Sir Francis Drake: Sir Francis Drake was one of the commanders in the defeat of the Spanish Armada and one of the founders of England's naval tradition; Exploration, Shakespeare and James I
Sir Peter Mansfield: Sir Peter Mansfield is the co-inventor of the MRI scanner; British inventions of the 20th century
Six wives of Henry VIII: The six wives of Henry VIII were Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr; The six wives of Henry VIII
Skara Brae on Orkney: Skara Brae on Orkney is the best preserved prehistoric village in northern Europe; Early Britain
Slave ships of other countries: Slave ships of other countries were stopped by the Royal Navy, which freed those aboard and punished the traders; The slave trade and its abolition
Slavery: Slavery was illegal within Britain itself but by the 18th century it was a fully established overseas industry; The slave trade and its abolition
Slaves: Slaves were made to work on tobacco and sugar plantations; The slave trade and its abolition
Small farms called crofts: Small farms called crofts were destroyed by Scottish landlords in the Highland Clearances, to clear space for large flocks of sheep and cattle; The rebellion of the clans and the Enlightenment
Smoking tobacco: Smoking tobacco is unlawful in nearly any enclosed public place here; Criminal and civil law
Snowdon: Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales; Landmarks and places of interest
Snowdonia: Snowdonia is a national park in North Wales covering an area of 838 square miles; Landmarks and places of interest
Speaker: The Speaker is chosen by other MPs in a secret ballot; The Speaker and elections
Spitfire and Hurricane: Spitfire and Hurricane were the RAF's most important aircraft in the Battle of Britain; The Second World War
Spitfire and the Hurricane: The Spitfire and the Hurricane were designed and built in Britain; The Second World War
St Andrews in Scotland: St Andrews in Scotland is known as the home of golf; Sport
Stained glass in York Minster: The stained glass in York Minster is a famous example; A distinct identity and the Wars of the Roses
Stonehenge in Wiltshire: Stonehenge in Wiltshire was probably a special gathering place for seasonal ceremonies; Early Britain
Super League: The Super League is the most well-known rugby league club competition; Sport
Suspending a member: Suspending a member is as far as the Commonwealth's power over them goes; The UK and international institutions
Sutton Hoo in modern Suffolk: Sutton Hoo in modern Suffolk was the burial place of an Anglo-Saxon king; The Anglo-Saxons

T

Television: The television was developed by Scotsman John Logie Baird in the 1920s; British inventions of the 20th century
Test: The test is usually taken in English, although special arrangements can be made for Welsh or Scottish Gaelic; Taking the Life in the UK test
Those who supported the king: Those who supported the king were called the Cavaliers and those who supported Parliament were called the Roundheads; The English Civil War
Traditional English food: A traditional English food is roast beef, served with potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire puddings; Money, languages and traditional food
Troubles: The Troubles is the usual name for the conflict between full Irish independence and loyalty to the British government; The partition of Ireland and the inter-war years
Turing machine: A Turing machine is a theoretical mathematical device invented by the British mathematician Alan Turing in the 1930s; British inventions of the 20th century
Turner Prize: The Turner Prize was established in 1984 and celebrates contemporary art; Arts, culture and leisure
Two main groups in Parliament: The two main groups in Parliament were known as the Whigs and the Tories; The Bill of Rights and constitutional monarchy

U

UK: The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland; The countries of the UK
UK coins: UK coins are 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2; Money, languages and traditional food
UK notes: UK notes are £5, £10, £20 and £50; Money, languages and traditional food
Unfair treatment: Unfair treatment is barred on grounds of sex, age, disability, race, religion or belief, sexuality, marital status, and pregnancy and maternity; Fundamental principles and equal opportunities
Union Flag: The Union Flag is often called the Union Jack and is still the official flag of the UK; The Union Flag
Union rugby's showpiece: Union rugby's showpiece is the Six Nations, contested by Italy, France, Wales, Scotland, Ireland and England; Sport
Until 1958 all peers: Until 1958 all peers were hereditary, or senior judges, or bishops of the Church of England; The House of Commons and the House of Lords

V

Vaisakhi: Vaisakhi is celebrated on 14 April each year with parades, dancing and singing; Other religious festivals
Valentine's Day: Valentine's Day is 14 February, when lovers exchange cards and gifts; Other festivals and bank holidays

W

Wales: Wales was annexed to the Crown of England by Edward I's Statute of Rhuddlan in 1284; The Middle Ages: war at home and abroad
Wars of the Roses: The Wars of the Roses was fought between the House of Lancaster and the House of York; A distinct identity and the Wars of the Roses
Welsh cakes: Welsh cakes are a traditional Welsh snack made from flour, dried fruits and spices; Money, languages and traditional food
Welsh rebellion: Welsh rebellion was finally put down by the middle of the 15th century; The Middle Ages: war at home and abroad
White: White is the ethnic description most often chosen in surveys, taking in American, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and European descent; Population and diversity
William Caxton: William Caxton was the first person in England to print books using a printing press; A distinct identity and the Wars of the Roses
William Shakespeare: William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon and was a playwright and actor; Exploration, Shakespeare and James I
William Wilberforce: William Wilberforce was an evangelical Christian and a member of Parliament who played an important part in changing the law; The slave trade and its abolition
Windsor and Edinburgh: Windsor and Edinburgh are castles built in the Middle Ages that are still in use; A distinct identity and the Wars of the Roses

Y

Yorkshire puddings: Yorkshire puddings are batter that is baked in the oven; Money, languages and traditional food

Definitions are drawn from the official guide. Read the chapters for the full context.