Life in the UK Test practice test 15
24 questions, no clock, with the answer explained as you go. Use the timed exams when you want to know if you are ready.
Free to read, always
All 24 questions and answers
Every question here was checked by hand against Life in the UK: A Guide for New Residents (3rd edition). How we check
1.What does Christmas Day celebrate?
- AThe death of Jesus Christ
- BThe rising of Jesus Christ from the dead
- CThe birth of Jesus Christ
- DThe coming of the Magi
Christmas Day, 25 December, celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ and is a public holiday. (Christian festivals)
2.Who appoints life peers?
- AThe House of Lords itself
- BThe House of Commons by a vote
- CThe monarch, on the advice of the Prime Minister
- DThe Appointments Commission alone
Appointment of life peers is made by the monarch, advised by the Prime Minister. (The House of Commons and the House of Lords)
3.What power does the UK government have over the devolved assemblies?
- AIt can suspend them
- BIt can appoint their members
- CIt has no power over them
- DIt can dissolve them permanently
The UK government has the power to suspend all devolved assemblies. (Devolved administrations)
4.Which flower is associated with Scotland?
- AThe shamrock
- BThe rose
- CThe thistle
- DThe daffodil
The flower associated with Scotland is the thistle. (Patron saints)
5.Which TWO did the Blair government introduce?
Choose two
- AAn English Assembly
- BA Northern Ireland Parliament
- CA Welsh Assembly
- DA Scottish Parliament
In 1997 the Labour Party led by Tony Blair was elected and introduced a Scottish Parliament and a Welsh Assembly. (The 1970s onwards, Thatcher, Blair and Brexit)
6.Which Iron Age hill fort does the handbook name?
- AMaiden Castle in Dorset
- BStonehenge in Wiltshire
- CEdinburgh Castle
- DThe Tower of London
Maiden Castle in Dorset is an impressive Iron Age hill fort. (Early Britain)
7.In which year did the Black Death come to Britain?
- A1066
- B1284
- C1348
- D1485
In 1348 a disease, probably a form of plague, came to Britain and was known as the Black Death. (Feudalism and the Black Death)
8.Who invented the Turing machine?
- ASir Peter Mansfield
- BAlan Turing
- CJames Goodfellow
- DFrancis Crick
A Turing machine is a theoretical mathematical device invented by the British mathematician Alan Turing in the 1930s. (British inventions of the 20th century)
9.Which king’s outnumbered army won the Battle of Agincourt?
- ARichard III
- BHenry VII
- CEdward I
- DHenry V
At the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 King Henry V's vastly outnumbered English army defeated the French. (The Middle Ages: war at home and abroad)
10.Which TWO were introduced in Britain in the early 20th century?
Choose two
- AFree school meals
- BThe National Health Service
- CThe welfare state
- DOld-age pensions
The early 20th century saw financial help for the unemployed, old-age pensions and free school meals introduced. (The First World War)
11.What was the Enlightenment?
- AThe spread of Protestant ideas across Europe
- BThe rapid development of industry in Britain
- CA period of new ideas about politics, philosophy and science
- DThe expansion of the British Empire
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)
12.In which year was the voting age reduced to 18?
- A1928
- B1918
- C1969
- D1979
Men and women alike could vote from 18 once the age was lowered in 1969. (The development of British democracy)
13.Which of these was one of the Central Powers?
- AThe Kingdom of Belgium
- BThe Russian Empire
- CThe Austro-Hungarian Empire
- DThe French Republic
The Central Powers were mainly Germany, the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Ottoman Empire and later Bulgaria. (The First World War)
14.What proportion said they had no religion in the 2011 Census?
- A59%
- B25%
- C10%
- D4.8%
In the 2011 census 25% of people said they had no religion. (Religion in the UK)
15.What are the British equivalent of the Oscars?
- AThe Turner Prize
- BThe Brit Awards
- CThe British Academy Film Awards
- DThe Laurence Olivier Awards
The British Academy Film Awards are hosted by BAFTA and are the British equivalent of the Oscars. (Arts, culture and leisure)
16.Which traditional food is associated with Wales?
- AWelsh cakes
- BThe Ulster fry
- CHaggis
- DRoast beef
Welsh cakes are a traditional Welsh snack made from flour, dried fruits and spices. (Money, languages and traditional food)
17.From what age can a person stand for election as an MP?
- A16
- B25
- C21
- D18
Anyone aged 18 or over can stand for election as an MP. (Parties, pressure groups, the civil service and local government)
18.In which year was the first Union Flag created?
- A1801
- B1800
- C1707
- D1606
Wales is absent from the Union Flag because the Principality had already joined England by 1606, when the first version was made. (The Union Flag)
19.Which phrase came from the evacuation of Dunkirk?
- AThe few
- BThe finest hour
- CThe Blitz spirit
- DThe Dunkirk spirit
The evacuation of Dunkirk gave rise to the phrase 'the Dunkirk spirit'. (The Second World War)
20.Which TWO are examples of civil law?
Choose two
- ASmoking in enclosed public places
- BConsumer rights
- CRacial crime
- DEmployment law
Consumer rights cases include disputes about faulty goods or services. (Criminal and civil law)
21.Who helped the Navy rescue soldiers at Dunkirk?
- ACivilian volunteers in small pleasure and fishing boats
- BThe French navy
- CThe Royal Air Force alone
- DMerchant ships from the United States
Many civilian volunteers in small pleasure and fishing boats helped the Navy at Dunkirk. (The Second World War)
22.Who captained the English football team that won the World Cup in 1966?
- ASir Andy Murray
- BBobby Moore
- CSir Jackie Stewart
- DSir Ian Botham
Bobby Moore captained the English football team that won the World Cup in 1966. (Sport)
23.Where does the Scottish Parliament sit?
- ACardiff
- BGlasgow
- CBelfast
- DEdinburgh
The Scottish Parliament was formed in 1999 and sits in Edinburgh. (Devolved administrations)
24.In which year did the English Civil War begin?
- A1660
- B1649
- C1640
- D1642
The English Civil War began in 1642. (The English Civil War)