Life in the UK Test practice test 38
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 proportion of the UK population lives in England?
- A64%
- B74%
- C94%
- D84%
England makes up 84% of the total population of the UK. (Population and diversity)
2.What was the German bombing of British cities at night called?
- AThe Battle of Britain
- BThe Dunkirk evacuation
- CThe Blitz spirit
- DThe Blitz
The German bombing of London and other British cities at night-time was called the Blitz. (The Second World War)
3.Why is the clock tower named Elizabeth Tower?
- AIn honour of Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee in 2012
- BIn honour of the coronation held in 1953
- CAfter the Elizabeth Line across London
- DAfter Queen Elizabeth I, who reigned to 1603
Elizabeth Tower is the name given to the clock tower, honouring the 2012 Diamond Jubilee. (Landmarks and places of interest)
4.Which country was the first to industrialise on a large scale?
- AThe United States
- BBritain
- CGermany
- DFrance
Britain was the first country to industrialise on a large scale. (The Industrial Revolution)
5.Who is known in Scotland as ‘The Bard’?
- ASir Walter Scott
- BDylan Thomas
- CRobert Burns
- DRobert Louis Stevenson
Robert Burns was a Scottish poet known in Scotland as The Bard. (The rebellion of the clans and the Enlightenment)
6.Which TWO crosses were combined to make the first Union Flag in 1606?
Choose two
- AThe cross of St George
- BThe Welsh dragon
- CThe cross of St Andrew
- DThe cross of St Patrick
Scotland's and England's flags were combined into the first Union Flag in 1606. (The Union Flag)
7.What do new citizens do about the fundamental values of the UK at the citizenship ceremony?
- AThey pledge to uphold them
- BThey choose which ones to accept
- CThey register them with the council
- DThey sit a further written test
At the citizenship ceremony new citizens pledge to uphold these values. (The fundamental principles of British life)
8.Which THREE core values is the Commonwealth based on?
- ADemocracy, good government and the rule of law
- BDemocracy, free trade and defence
- CPeace, order and good government
- DLiberty, equality and fraternity
Democracy, the rule of law and good government are the Commonwealth's core values. (The UK and international institutions)
9.When did the great fire destroy much of London?
- AThe year after the outbreak of plague
- BTen years after the outbreak of plague
- CThe year Charles II returned from exile
- DThe same year as the outbreak of plague
A great fire destroyed much of London the year after the plague, including many churches and St Paul's Cathedral. (The Restoration)
10.How old was Mary, Queen of Scots when she became queen?
- AOnly a week old
- BSixteen years old
- CSix years old
- DOnly a year old
A week old at her father's death, Mary, Queen of Scots became queen as an infant. (The Reformation in Scotland and Mary, Queen of Scots)
11.Which of these is a principle in the European Convention on Human Rights?
- AThe right to stand for Parliament
- BProhibition of torture
- CThe right to own property
- DThe right to free healthcare
Principles in the European Convention on Human Rights include the right to life and prohibition of torture. (Fundamental principles and equal opportunities)
12.Which traditional industry was badly affected by the 1930s depression?
- AAviation
- BShipbuilding
- CAutomobiles
- DFinancial services
Traditional heavy industries such as shipbuilding were badly affected by the depression of the 1930s. (The partition of Ireland and the inter-war years)
13.What was the area of Viking settlement in England called?
- AThe Danelaw
- BThe Marches
- CThe Pale
- DThe Danelands
The Danelaw was the name for the eastern and northern area where many Viking invaders settled. (The Vikings)
14.What was Stonehenge probably used for?
- AA royal burial ground
- BA trading post
- CSeasonal ceremonies
- DA hill fort
Stonehenge in Wiltshire was probably a special gathering place for seasonal ceremonies. (Early Britain)
15.Where is the Eden Project?
- ACornwall
- BNorth Wales
- CDevon
- DThe Lake District
Cornwall, in England's south west, is where the Eden Project stands. (Landmarks and places of interest)
16.What were the small Scottish farms destroyed in the Clearances called?
- ABarrows
- BCrofts
- CAllotments
- DBoroughs
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)
17.By what other name is Shrove Tuesday known?
- ABoxing Day
- BAsh Wednesday
- CPancake Day
- DMothering Sunday
The day before Lent starts is called Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day. (Christian festivals)
18.In which year did the BBC begin the world’s first regular television service?
- A1953
- B1929
- C1922
- D1936
The BBC began the world's first regular television service in 1936. (The partition of Ireland and the inter-war years)
19.Why was the United Nations set up?
- ATo coordinate the defence of its members
- BTo protect human rights in Europe
- CTo prevent war and promote international peace and security
- DTo promote free trade between nations
Preventing war and promoting international peace and security were the aims behind founding the United Nations after the Second World War. (The UK and international institutions)
20.Which title did Henry VIII take in relation to Ireland?
- ALord Lieutenant of Ireland
- BProtector of Ireland
- CKing of Ireland
- DGovernor of the Pale
Henry VIII took the title King of Ireland. (Ireland under Elizabeth I and James I)
21.On what date is St Patrick’s Day?
- A23 April
- B30 November
- C17 March
- D1 March
St Patrick's Day, for Northern Ireland, is 17 March. (Patron saints)
22.By what name is the Normandy landing often referred to?
- AD-Day
- BThe Dunkirk evacuation
- CThe Battle of Britain
- DThe Blitz
On 6 June 1944 allied forces landed in Normandy, an event often referred to as D-Day. (Allied victory and post-war reform)
23.Which four countries make up the UK?
- AEngland, Scotland, Wales and Ireland
- BEngland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man
- CEngland, Scotland, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands
- DEngland, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. (The countries of the UK)
24.Where is an accused person aged 10 to 17 normally heard in England and Wales?
- AA Youth Court
- BA Crown Court
- CA County Court
- DA Magistrates’ Court
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland an accused person aged 10 to 17 is normally heard in a Youth Court. (The courts)