Life in the UK Test 2017: Official Study Material & Practice Questions & Answers

First published September 2016 – Edition July 2017

ISBN paperback: 978-1-911538-06-6

ISBN eBook: 978-1-911538-01-1

Copyright © 2016 Dux Publishing. All rights reserved.

Dux Publishing is an imprint of Dux Enterprises Limited

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The author and publisher of this Book and the accompanying materials have used their best efforts in preparing this eBook. The author and publisher make no representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the contents of this eBook. The information contained in this eBook is strictly for educational purposes. Therefore, if you wish to apply ideas contained in this eBook, you are taking full responsibility for your actions. The author and publisher disclaim any warranties (express or implied), merchantability, or fitness for any particular purpose. The author and publisher shall in no event be held liable to any party for any direct, indirect, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of this material, which is provided as is, and without warranties. As always, the advice of a competent legal, tax, accounting or other professional should be sought. The author and publisher do not warrant the performance, effectiveness or applicability of any sites listed or linked to in this eBook. All links are for information purposes only and are not warranted for content, accuracy or any other implied or explicit purpose.

Substantial material in this guide is crown copyright and has been obtained from the government publication Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (ISBN 978-0-11-341340-9). This information is reproduced with the permission of The National Archives under the Open Government License.

Contents

1. The values and principles of the UK

2. Becoming a permanent resident

3. The Life in the UK test

4. A long and illustrious history

5. A modern, thriving society

6. The UK government, the law and your role

7. Revision notes

8. Official style tests

What is this guide about?

Are you looking to become a British citizen or to settle in the UK? Then if you are aged between 18 and 65 you will need to pass the Life in the UK test.

The test consists of many questions about the history of the UK, the country’s traditions and customs as well as the rules of modern politics and institutions. You probably bought the book to study at your own pace, but if you are anything like me, you will prefer short notes, straight to the point and holding only the important facts without too much wording. This is exactly what I offer you in this guide: the facts, key dates and the information you need to go the test centre in confidence.

I wrote this guide for you; I hope you find it useful.

I want to thank you for purchasing and reading this book. I hope you got a lot out of it and that it helps you well to prepare for the test.

Second Edition 2017

Following the referendum of June 2016, the UK will no longer be part of the European Union (EU). The sections relating to the EU in the book have been updated, but please note the following points (this is not about politics, but about passing the test itself).

As of July 2017, the UK is a member of the EU and nothing has changed.

When the UK leaves the EU (throughout the negotiating process), certain legislations may be affected and parts of this book will become erroneous. But as of July 2017, it is still premature to identify these changes.

Therefore, please do remember that any questions on Europe or the EU will consider the current position of the UK, not the future one. For instance, if you were asked whether the UK was part of the EU, in July 2017 the correct answer is YES.

Can I ask a quick favour please?

If you enjoyed this book I would really appreciate it if you could leave me a review on the site where you bought it.

I love getting feedback from my customers and reviews really do make a difference. I read all my reviews and would appreciate your thoughts, comments and feedback. Reviews also help improve books and in turn it can assist future readers.

Thank you very much, your support is much appreciated.

Hugh Lewis.

1. The values and principles of the UK

The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The rest of Ireland is an independent country.

The official name of the country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. ‘Great Britain’ refers only to England, Scotland and Wales, not to Northern Ireland. The words ‘Britain’, ‘British Isles’ or ‘British’, however, are used in this book to refer to everyone in the UK.

There are also several islands which are closely linked with the UK but are not part of it: the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man. These have their own governments and are called ‘Crown dependencies’. There are also several British overseas territories in other parts of the world, such as St Helena and the Falkland Islands. They are also linked to the UK but are not part of it.

The UK is governed by the parliament sitting in Westminster. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also have parliaments or assemblies of their own, with devolved powers in defined areas.

British society is founded on fundamental values and principles which all those living in the UK should respect and support. These values are reflected in the responsibilities, rights and privileges of being a British citizen or permanent resident of the UK. They are based on history and traditions and are protected by law, customs and expectations. There is no place in British society for extremism or intolerance.

The fundamental principles of British life include:

Democracy

The rule of law

Individual liberty

Tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs

Participation in community life.

As part of the citizenship ceremony, new citizens pledge to uphold these values. The pledge is:

‘I will give my loyalty to the United Kingdom and respect its rights and freedoms. I will uphold its democratic values. I will observe its laws faithfully and fulfil my duties and obligations as a British citizen.’

Flowing from the fundamental principles are responsibilities and freedoms which are shared by all those living in the UK and which we expect all residents to respect.

In return, the UK offers:

freedom of belief and religion

freedom of speech

freedom from unfair discrimination

a right to a fair trial

a right to join in the election of a government.

2. Becoming a permanent resident

To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to:

speak and read English

have a good understanding of life in the UK.

There are currently (as of January 2013) two ways you can be tested on these requirements:

Take the Life in the UK test. The questions are written in a way that requires an understanding of the English language at English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Entry Level 3, so there is no need to take a separate English language test. People here on work visas, including those on Tier 1 and Tier 2 of the points based system, normally must pass the Life in the UK test to become permanent residents.

Pass an ESOL course in English with Citizenship. You will need to take this course if your standard of English is below ESOL Entry Level 3. The course will help you to improve your English and learn more about life in the UK. At the end of the course you will take a test.

Once you have passed one of these tests, you can make an application for permanent residence or British citizenship. The form that you have to complete and the evidence that you need to provide will depend on your personal circumstances. There is a fee for submitting an application, which is different for the various types of application. All of the forms and a list of fees can be found on the UK Border Agency website, www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk. From October 2013, the requirements will change. From that date, for settlement or permanent residence, you will need to:

Pass the Life in the UK test

and

Produce acceptable evidence of speaking and listening skills in English at B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference. This is equivalent to ESOL Entry Level 3.

The requirements for citizenship applications may also change in the future. Further details will be published on the UK Border Agency website and you should check the information on that website for current requirements before applying for settlement or citizenship.

3. The Life in the UK test

No matter how much you already know about the UK, you will need to sit and pass the test as part of your application to live in the UK. To maximise your chances to pass you may buy the book and study it either alone, online, in classes, or with a personal teacher. Then, when you are ready you can sit the exam and hopefully pass.

Remember, you do not need to pass the test if you are under 18 or over 64.

If you have already passed the test once, you do not need to sit again. For instance, if you have already settled in the UK and are now applying for citizenship, you do not need to sit the test again.

These are the three steps to ensure the best chances of success:

STUDY – BOOK – TAKE

3.1 First step: Study British customs, traditions and history

There is no secret here, a test is a test! The more you prepare for it, the greater your chances of success. In this guide, I provide some additional revision lists to help you prepare. You can carry it all with you in your kindle, on your phone, everywhere you want but be careful, you will not be allowed to take it to the test centre!

3.2 Second step: Book the test

You must book the test at the very least three days in advance. I would suggest you book it several weeks in advance. This way, it gives you time to study but also a deadline. If you have a tendency to wait until last minute, you may never book the test at all. If you put a date in your calendar, then you know you need to be ready for that date. You can only book the test online! To book a test you need an email address, a debit or credit card, and a valid ID. If going online or using an email address is an issue, your local library, a university, or even a friend might help you with this part of the process.

Book the test here:

https://www.lituktestbooking.co.uk/lituk-web/

There are 60 official centres throughout the UK and you need to choose one close to where you live. You can choose among the five closest to you. Do not select another one as you may not be accepted on the day. The test will cost £50 independently of date and location. Be careful there is no refund so make sure you are making the correct booking and that you actually turn up on the day!

If you have any disabilities or special requirements, you should mention this at the time of booking the test. For any issue, there is a phone helpline available during the week (see Resources).

3.3 Third step: Take the test

The test takes place in a room where no book or assistance materials are allowed. You will need to rely solely on your knowledge and memory. You cannot bring anyone with you. If you travelled with your children for instance, they will have to wait for you outside. Likewise, watches and electronic devices including phones are not accepted in the test room. There are lockers where you can securely leave these devices. Be careful, you will be searched on arrival, and cheating is a serious offence, which would not only void your test, but could also severely limit your application for settlement or citizenship.

When you arrive at the test centre, make sure you bring the following:

The ID that you used to book the test online

A proof of address less than 3 months old that