Life in the UK Test

Study Guide
The essential study guide
for British citizenship and
settlement tests
Published by Red Squirrel Publishing

Red Squirrel Publishing

Suite 235, 77 Beak Street,
London, W1F 9DB, United Kingdom

sales@redsquirrelbooks.com
www.redsquirrelbooks.com

First edition published in 2006

Third Edition – First Impression

Copyright in the typographical arrangement, diagrams,

illustrations, book design, study notes and sample test
sections rests with Red Squirrel Publishing.

© Red Squirrel Publishing 2006–2007

Although the authors and publisher have made every

effort to ensure the accuracy and completeness of
information contained in this book, we assume no
responsibility for errors, inaccuracies, omissions or any
inconsistency herein.

Crown copyright material is reproduced with the

permission of the Controller of HMSO and the Queen’s
Printer for Scotland.

© Crown Copyright 2007

ISBN 978-0-9552159-4-0

Edited by Henry Dillon, Alastair Smith and Erwan Pirou

Designed and artworked by Cox Design Partnership,
Witney, Oxon
Printed and bound in the United Kingdom
Contents

Introduction........................................................................ 5
About this book....................................................................... 5

How to use this Study Guide............................................ 7

Chapter Introductions.............................................................. 7
Revision Questions.................................................................. 7
Tips and Warnings................................................................... 8
Words to Know........................................................................ 9
Practice Questions.................................................................. 9

About the test.................................................................... 9

How to pass your test..................................................... 11

Step 1: Book your test........................................................... 11
Step 2: Study the materials.................................................... 11
Step 3: Take practice tests.................................................... 11
Step 4: Take and pass your test............................................ 13
Checklist............................................................................... 15

Settling in Britain............................................................. 17
Three Steps to Settlement..................................................... 18

Becoming a British Citizen............................................. 21

Four Steps to British Citizenship............................................ 22
Applying for a British Passport............................................... 29

Study Materials................................................................ 31
Chapter 2: A Changing Society.............................................. 33
Chapter 3: UK Today: A Profile.............................................. 43
Chapter 4: How the United Kingdom is Governed................. 55
Chapter 5: Everyday Needs................................................... 77
Chapter 6: Employment....................................................... 107

continued overleaf >

Contents

Extra Revision Notes..................................................... 123

Timeline of British History..................................................... 123
British Calendar................................................................... 124
Words to Know.................................................................... 125

Practice Tests................................................................ 135

Preparation Tips.................................................................. 135
Practice Test 1..................................................................... 140
Practice Test 2..................................................................... 145
Practice Test 3..................................................................... 150
Practice Test 4..................................................................... 155
Practice Test 5..................................................................... 160
Practice Test 6..................................................................... 165
Practice Test 7..................................................................... 170
Practice Test 8..................................................................... 175
Practice Test 9..................................................................... 180
Practice Test 10................................................................... 185

Further Reading............................................................ 190

Answers.......................................................................... 191
Answers to Revision Questions............................................ 191
Marking Sheet..................................................................... 203
Practice Test Answers......................................................... 205
 INTRODUCTION

Introduction
Choosing to make the United Kingdom your permanent
home is an exciting decision made by over 100,000 people
every year. However, the decision to seek settlement or to
become a British citizen is only the start of what can be a
long and challenging journey. The application process is
complex, time consuming and expensive.
An important part of the process is the Life in the UK test.
The test requires you to learn about life in this country based
on information provided by the Home Office. This book is
designed to make this stage in the settlement or citizenship
process a whole lot easier.
One in three people fail the test. At £34 for every test taken,
this is an expensive mistake, and an unnecessary one. By
using this book to learn the required material you can walk
into your test confident that you will be one of the people
who pass the test on their first attempt. And you will be one
important step closer to making Britain your home.

About this book

This study guide is intended for people planning to take the
Life in the UK Test. It is designed to help you pass the Life in
the UK Test first time.
This new edition incorporates revised study materials from
the Home Office, which were introduced on 2 April 2007. The
revised study materials have greatly expanded the amount
of information that must be learnt, making study more
challenging. The many features of this book, however, will
make your task a lot more straightforward.
It also points you toward the information that is most
important and most likely to be included in your test.
The study guide includes various ideas and study methods to
help you learn quickly, efficiently and effectively. Choose the
ideas and methods that work best for you.


LIFE IN THE UK Test: Study Guide

Finally, the guide provides helpful guidance and advice on

the settlement and citizenship application processes, and the
part that the Life in the UK test plays in both.
Take some time to read through the next section thoroughly.
It tells you about all the features of the guide and will enable
you to get as much out of it as possible. Check our website
www.lifeintheuk.net for the latest updates to the book and
for extra information about the test.

SEND US YOUR FEEDBACK

Our books have helped thousands of people pass
the Life in the UK Test. So we’re always delighted
when we hear from our readers.
You can email your comments to us at .
feedback@redsquirrelbooks.com


 How to use this Study Guide

How to use this Study Guide

This study guide has many parts and features. But the parts of the book that you
must focus on first are the official study materials. These study materials have been
reproduced in full from a separate publication from the Home Office called Life in
the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship. The official study materials start on
page 31. You must make sure you read these parts carefully as the questions that
you will be asked when you sit your test are all based on these materials.
As you read through the study materials make notes of what you think are the key
points.
The other parts of this book support the study materials by making them easier to
understand and learn. There are also practice tests that will help you prepare for
your test by checking your knowledge.
The study materials are divided into five easy to learn chapters:
● A Changing Society
l UK Today: A Profile
l How the United Kingdom is Governed
l Everyday Needs
l Employment

Chapter Introductions
Each chapter includes an introduction to tell you what to expect and to alert you to
the key themes and ideas to look for in the text.

Revision Questions
Revision questions are provided throughout the chapters so that you can check
your understanding of the materials as you read them.


LIFE IN THE UK Test: Study Guide

Tips and Warnings

There are two symbols used throughout this book.
Read our handy tips for useful advice that could save you a lot of time
and effort. We have gathered a lot of useful information since our last
edition based on our research and feedback from readers.
P
 ay close attention to any warnings. They highlight common mistakes
that people make when applying for settlement or citizenship. By
following our advice you can avoid these mistakes and help your
application go smoothly.

Words to Know
The guide also contains an extensive glossary of words that you need to know.
These are words or phrases that you will need to understand for your test or are
terms that you may need to know to give you background to the official study
materials. Each word or phrase is explained fully, in easy to understand language.
As you work your way through the materials you can use the Words to Know
section to check any terms or expressions that are not familiar.

Practice Questions
Once you’ve finished revising the study materials, try answering the practice
questions. These questions are arranged in ten practice tests; each test contains
24 questions. This is exactly the same format as the official test. Use the tear out
marking sheet on page 203 for easy marking.


 ABOUT the test

About the test

The Life in the UK Test was first introduced in November 2005 as a requirement
for anyone applying for British citizenship. From 2 April 2007 this requirement was
extended to include people seeking to permanently settle in the UK.

TEST FACTS
● Applicants are given 45 minutes to complete the test
● The test is made up of 24 multiple choice questions
● Questions are chosen at random by computer
● The pass mark is 75% (18 questions correct out of 24)
● Each attempt to pass the test costs £34
● The test is conducted at over 90 Life in the UK Test Centres across the UK
● Applicants sit the test using a computer, which is provided by the test centre
● 69.7% of applicants pass the test (as at 31 July 2006)

The Home Office has indicated that the current price to take the
test (£34) is under review. Be aware that this price is likely to
increase.

If you are having difficulty reading the English in this book then you should consider
attending combined English language (ESOL) and citizenship classes instead of
taking the Life in the UK Test. Completing one of these classes will allow you to
qualify for settlement or citizenship in the same way as passing the Life in the UK
Test.
Most local further education or community colleges run these courses. However,
the courses are extremely popular and often have waiting lists. To find out where
courses are available in your area contact the Life in the UK Test Helpline on 0800
015 4245.


 Settling in Britain

Settling in Britain
If you’ve decided to settle in Britain then you’re in good company. Every year over
100,000 people apply for the right to stay in the UK permanently.
Although it is possible to stay in the UK by applying to renew your existing visa,
most people will apply to get a visa for indefinite leave to remain (ILR). This type
of visa is sometimes called permanent residency or settlement – it all refers to the
same thing. ILR will allow you to stay in the UK for as long as you want, without
ever needing to apply for extension or renewal.
Before you start applying for indefinite leave to remain, check that you satisfy the
qualifying requirements. This is important. If you don’t meet the requirements, and
your application is not successful, you will not get a refund of your application fee.

Check that you satisfy the qualifying

STEP 1:
residency and other requirements for
Satisfy settlement requirements
settlement

Exempt from taking the

Life in the UK test?

YES NO

STEP 2: Read our special section on how to

Pass the Life in the UK test pass your test (page 11)

STEP 3: Complete and send off your

Apply for settlement in the UK application for settlement in the UK

DONE:
Right to You are now entitled to live and work
settlement granted in the UK for as long as you wish

17
 Becoming a British Citizen

Becoming a British Citizen

There are several ways of becoming a British citizen, however, the most common is
called Naturalisation. This is the process used by a person who wants to become a
British citizen but was not born in Britain or has no qualifying British ancestral
background.
This section provides you with an overview of the naturalisation requirements. It
also discusses the issues and considerations you need to be aware of before you
make your application.

Check that you satisfy the qualifying

STEP 1:
residency and other requirements for
Satisfy citizenship requirements
citizenship

Already passed the If you've already passed the Life in

Life in the UK test? the UK Test to gain settlement then
you do not need to take it again
YES NO

STEP 2: Read our special section on how to

Pass the Life in the UK test pass your test (pages 11)

Complete and send off your

STEP 3: application to become a British citizen
Apply for citizenship in the UK

After making an oath and pledge of

STEP 4: allegiance, you will be presented with
Attend Citizenship Ceremony your naturalisation certificate

DONE: You are now entitled to all the rights

British citizenship of a British citizen – e.g. apply for
obtained a British passport and vote in
all elections

21
 chapter 3: UK TODAY: A PROFILE

chapter 3:
UK TODAY: A PROFILE
In this chapter you will learn about British society as it is today. The chapter
focuses on the people who live in the country now and the things that make
them who they are, such as ethnicity, religions, traditions and customs.
You should concentrate on where different groups live, particularly various
ethnic groups. Britain is a country with a long history and you should note
that religions, traditions and customs have developed in many ways in
many places. In particular, pay attention to the differences between the four
nations of the UK: Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.

In this chapter there is information about:

● The population of the UK

● The census
● Ethnic diversity
● The regions of Britain
● Religion and religious freedom
● Customs and traditions

Population
In 2005 the population of the United Kingdom was just under 60 million people.

United Kingdom Population 2005

England 84% 50.1 million

Scotland 8% 5.1 million
Wales 5% 2.9 million
Northern Ireland 3% 1.7 million
Total: UK 59.8 million

Source: National Statistics

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LIFE IN THE UK Test: Study Guide

The population has grown by 7.7% since 1971, and growth has been faster in more
recent years. Although the general population in the UK has increased in the last
20 years, in some areas such as the North-East and North-West of England there
has been a decline. Both the birth rate and the death rate are falling and as a result
the UK now has an ageing population. For instance, there are more people over 60
than children under 16. There is also a record number of people aged 85 and over.

The census
A census is a count of the whole population. It also collects statistics on topics
such as age, place of birth, occupation, ethnicity, housing, health and marital
status.
A census has been taken every ten years since 1801, except during the Second
World War. The next census will take place in 2011.
During a census, a form is delivered to every household in the country. This form
asks for detailed information about each member of the household and must be
completed by law. The information remains confidential and anonymous; it can
only be released to the public after 100 years, when many people researching
their family history find it very useful. General census information is used to identify
population trends and to help planning. More information about the census, the
census form and statistics from previous censuses can be found at
www.statistics.gov.uk/census

Ethnic diversity
The UK population is ethnically diverse and is changing rapidly, especially in large
cities such as London, so it is not always easy to get an exact picture of the ethnic
origin of all the population from census statistics. Each of the four countries of
the UK (England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) has different customs,
attitudes and histories.
People of Indian, Pakistani, Chinese, Black Caribbean, Black African, Bangladeshi
and mixed ethnic descent make up 8.3% of the UK population. Today about half
the members of these communities were born in the United Kingdom.
There are also considerable numbers of people resident in the UK who are of Irish,
Italian, Greek and Turkish Cypriot, Polish, Australian, Canadian, New Zealand and
American descent. Large numbers have also arrived since 2004 from the new East
European member states of the European Union. These groups are not identified
separately in the census statistics in the following diagram.

44
 chapter 3: UK TODAY: A PROFILE

United Kingdom Population Ethnic Groups 2001

Mixed 1.2% 0.7 million

Indian 1.8% 1.1 million

White*
54.2 million 92%
Ethnic Minorities Pakistani 1.3% 0.7 million
4.6 million 8%
Bangladeshi 0.5% 0.3 million
Other Asian 0.4% 0.2 million

Black Caribbean 1.0% 0.6 million

Black African 0.8% 0.5 million

Black Other 0.2% 0.1 million
Chinese 0.4% 0.2 million
Other 0.4% 0.2 million

* Includes people of European, Australian, and American descent

Source: National Statistics from the 2001 census

Where do the largest ethnic minority groups live?

The figures from the 2001 census show that most members of the large ethnic
minority groups in the UK live in England, where they make up 9% of the total
population. 45% of all ethnic minority people live in the London area, where they
form nearly one-third of the population (29%). Other areas of England with large
ethnic minority populations are the West Midlands, the South East, the North West,
and Yorkshire and Humberside.

Proportion of ethnic minority groups in the countries of the UK

England 9%
Wales 2%
Scotland 2%
Northern Ireland less than 1%

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LIFE IN THE UK Test: Study Guide

Revision Questions
Check your understanding of this section by completing the questions below.
Check your answers on page 191.

23 What was the population of the United Kingdom in 2005?

ANSWER:

24 How often is a census carried out in the United Kingdom?

ANSWER:

25 When was the first census carried out in the United Kingdom?
ANSWER:

26 What are some of the statistics that are collected in a census?

ANSWER:

27 When will the next UK census be carried out?

ANSWER:

28 What are the respective populations of England, Scotland, Wales and

Northern Ireland?
ANSWER:

29 How many years must have passed before an individual’s census form
can be viewed by the public?
ANSWER:

30 What is the largest ethnic minority in Britain?

ANSWER:

31 What overall proportion of today’s African Caribbean, Pakistani, Indian

and Bangladeshi communities in Britain were born in the UK?
ANSWER:

32 What percentage of the United Kingdom’s population is made up of

ethnic minorities?
ANSWER:

33 What percentage of the UK’s ethnic minorities live in the London area?
ANSWER:

34 What percentage of London’s residents are ethnic minorities?

ANSWER:

46
 chapter 3: UK TODAY: A PROFILE

The nations and regions of the UK

The UK is a medium-sized country. The longest distance on the mainland, from
John O’Groats on the north coast of Scotland to Land’s End in the south-west
corner of England, is about 870 miles (approximately 1,400 kilometres). Most of the
population live in towns and cities.

John O’Groats

SCOTLAND

870 miles
(about 1,400 km) NORTHERN
IRELAND
ENGLAND
WALES

Land’s End

There are many variations in culture and language in the different parts of the
United Kingdom. This is seen in differences in architecture, in some local customs,
in types of food, and especially in language. The English language has many
accents and dialects. These are a clear indication of regional differences in the UK.
Well-known dialects in England are Geordie (Tyneside), Scouse (Liverpool) and
Cockney (London). Many other languages in addition to English are spoken in the
UK, especially in multicultural cities.
In Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, people speak different varieties and
dialects of English. In Wales, too, an increasing number of people speak Welsh,
which is taught in schools and universities. In Scotland Gaelic is spoken in some
parts of the Highlands and Islands and in Northern Ireland a few people speak Irish
Gaelic. Some of the dialects of English spoken in Scotland show the influence of
the old Scottish language, Scots. One of the dialects spoken in Northern Ireland is
called Ulster Scots.

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LIFE IN THE UK Test: Study Guide

Practice Test 1

1 Why did the UK encourage immigration in the 1950s?

A Because of an agreement with other Commonwealth countries
B To meet an EU directive on immigration
C To offer safety to people escaping persecution
D To resolve a shortage of labour in the UK

2 What percentage of the workforce are women?

A 40%
B 45%
C 51%
D 65%

3 In England, when do most young people take GCSE examinations?

A 15 years old
B 16 years old
C 17 years old
D 18 years old

4 What proportion of young people who became first-time voters

in the 2001 general election actually used their vote?
A One in two
B One in three
C One in five
D One in six

5 Where is the Cockney dialect spoken?

A Cornwall
B Liverpool
C London
D Tyneside

140