Free practice test 15
Life in the UK Practice Test 15
24 questions on Customs and traditions, the 20th century and Taxation. Read through them here with every answer explained, or take the same set as a timed test.
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Questions and answers
Every answer below is marked, with a short explanation and a link to the part of the official handbook it comes from.
Question 1 · Early Britain
Why did the term 'Scotland' begin to be used to describe the northern part of Britain?
- A.The Anglo-Saxons granted the northern region its own name and identity
- B.The Romans named the region Scotland before leaving Britain
- C.The northern tribes defeated the Vikings and declared independence
- D.The northern people united under King Kenneth MacAlpin following the threat of Viking attacks
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D. The northern people united under King Kenneth MacAlpin following the threat of Viking attacks
The threat of Viking attacks encouraged the northern people to unite under one king, Kenneth MacAlpin. Following this unification, the term Scotland began to be used to describe that country.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 2 · Early Britain
Who defeated Harold, the Saxon king of England, at the Battle of Hastings in 1066?
- A.King Alfred the Great
- B.Kenneth MacAlpin
- C.William, the Duke of Normandy
- D.King Cnut
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C. William, the Duke of Normandy
In 1066, William, the Duke of Normandy, defeated Harold, the Saxon king of England, at the Battle of Hastings. Harold was killed in the battle and William became king of England, known as William the Conqueror.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 3 · Early Britain
By what name is William, the Duke of Normandy, known after his victory at the Battle of Hastings in 1066?
- A.William the Brave
- B.William the Great
- C.William the Conqueror
- D.William the Norman
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C. William the Conqueror
After defeating Harold at the Battle of Hastings in 1066, William, the Duke of Normandy, became king of England and is known as William the Conqueror.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 4 · Early Britain
What is the Bayeux Tapestry and where can it be seen today?
- A.An embroidery commemorating the Norman invasion; it can be seen in England
- B.A tapestry commemorating the Viking invasions; it can be seen in Denmark
- C.A painting commemorating the Battle of Hastings; it can be seen in England
- D.An embroidery commemorating the Battle of Hastings; it can be seen in France
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D. An embroidery commemorating the Battle of Hastings; it can be seen in France
The Battle of Hastings is commemorated in a great piece of embroidery known as the Bayeux Tapestry, which can still be seen in France today.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 5 · A global power
How many crosses make up the Union Flag?
- A.Two
- B.Five
- C.Four
- D.Three
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D. Three
The Union Flag consists of three crosses, representing England, Scotland and Ireland.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 6 · The 20th century
Which of the following were examples of social progress introduced in early 20th century Britain?
- A.A national minimum wage, free childcare and unemployment benefits
- B.Old-age pensions, free university education and a national health service
- C.Financial help for the unemployed, old-age pensions and free school meals
- D.Free healthcare, free housing and free education for all
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C. Financial help for the unemployed, old-age pensions and free school meals
In the early 20th century, a number of important social measures were introduced in Britain, including financial help for the unemployed, old-age pensions and free school meals. Laws were also passed to improve workplace safety, prevent slum development and better support mothers and children.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 7 · The 20th century
What significant change was made to members of Parliament (MPs) in the early 20th century?
- A.A salary for MPs was introduced for the first time
- B.MPs were given the right to vote on all legislation
- C.MPs were required to stand for election every two years
- D.The number of MPs in Parliament was doubled
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A. A salary for MPs was introduced for the first time
In the early 20th century, a salary for members of Parliament was introduced for the first time, making it easier for more people to take part in public life.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 8 · The 20th century
What event in 1914 triggered the chain of events leading to the First World War?
- A.The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
- B.The invasion of Belgium by Germany
- C.The declaration of war by Britain on Germany
- D.The collapse of the Russian Empire
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A. The assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria
On 28 June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated, setting off a chain of events leading to the First World War. Underlying factors such as nationalism, militarism, imperialism and the division of Europe into two rival camps had already set the conditions for war.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 9 · The 20th century
Apart from the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, what factors led to the First World War?
- A.The spread of communism across Europe
- B.The decline of the British Empire and economic depression
- C.Growing nationalism, increasing militarism and imperialism
- D.The collapse of the Ottoman Empire
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C. Growing nationalism, increasing militarism and imperialism
While the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand triggered the First World War, other factors also set the conditions for war, including growing nationalism, increasing militarism, imperialism and the division of major European powers into two camps.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 10 · The 20th century
Which group of powers did Britain fight alongside in the First World War?
- A.The Imperial Powers
- B.The Central Powers
- C.The Axis Powers
- D.The Allied Powers
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D. The Allied Powers
Britain was part of the Allied Powers in the First World War, which included France, Russia, Japan, Belgium, Serbia and later Greece, Italy, Romania and the United States.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 11 · A global power
What does the cross of St George, representing England in the Union Flag, look like?
- A.A white cross on a red ground
- B.A diagonal white cross on a blue ground
- C.A red cross on a white ground
- D.A diagonal red cross on a white ground
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C. A red cross on a white ground
The cross of St George, the patron saint of England, is a red cross on a white ground. It is one of the three crosses that make up the Union Flag, alongside the cross of St Andrew representing Scotland and the cross of St Patrick representing Ireland.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 12 · Customs and traditions
What is Shrove Tuesday also known as?
- A.Good Friday
- B.Ash Wednesday
- C.Easter Monday
- D.Pancake Day
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D. Pancake Day
The day before Lent starts is called Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day. People eat pancakes, which were traditionally made to use up foods such as eggs, fat and milk before fasting.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 13 · Customs and traditions
On which day does Lent begin?
- A.Good Friday
- B.Ash Wednesday
- C.Easter Sunday
- D.Shrove Tuesday
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B. Ash Wednesday
Lent begins on Ash Wednesday. There are church services where Christians are marked with an ash cross on their forehead as a symbol of death and sorrow for sin. The day before Lent starts is Shrove Tuesday, also known as Pancake Day.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 14 · Customs and traditions
What do Easter eggs symbolise?
- A.The end of Lent
- B.New life
- C.The death of Jesus Christ
- D.The start of spring
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B. New life
Easter is celebrated by both religious and non-religious people in the UK. Chocolate Easter eggs are often given as presents at Easter as a symbol of new life.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 15 · Customs and traditions
What is Diwali often called?
- A.The Festival of Harvest
- B.The Festival of Lights
- C.The Festival of Colour
- D.The Festival of Life
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B. The Festival of Lights
Diwali is often called the Festival of Lights. It normally falls in October or November and lasts for five days. It is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs and celebrates the victory of good over evil and the gaining of knowledge.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 16 · Customs and traditions
Which two religious groups celebrate Diwali?
- A.Muslims
- B.Buddhists
- C.Hindus
- D.Sikhs
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C. Hindus · D. Sikhs
Diwali, often called the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. It normally falls in October or November, lasts for five days and celebrates the victory of good over evil and the gaining of knowledge.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 17 · Customs and traditions
How many days is Hannukah celebrated for?
- A.Eight days
- B.One day
- C.Five days
- D.Seven days
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A. Eight days
Hannukah is celebrated for eight days in November or December. It is to remember the Jews' struggle for religious freedom. On each day a candle is lit on a stand of eight candles called a menorah.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 18 · Taxation
At what age are young people in the UK sent their National Insurance number?
- A.Just before their 17th birthday
- B.Just before their 18th birthday
- C.Just before their 21st birthday
- D.Just before their 16th birthday
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D. Just before their 16th birthday
All young people in the UK are sent a National Insurance number just before their 16th birthday. It is a unique personal account number that ensures National Insurance Contributions and tax payments are properly recorded.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 19 · Taxation
A non-UK national can start work in the UK before receiving their National Insurance number.
- A.True
- B.False
- C.-
- D.-
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A. True
A non-UK national can start work in the UK without a National Insurance number. However, they will eventually need one when looking for work, starting work or setting up as self-employed. To apply, they need to call the National Insurance number application line, after which the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) will send a letter inviting them to an interview at Jobcentre Plus.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 20 · Taxation
What is the minimum age to drive a car or motorcycle in the UK?
- A.17
- B.16
- C.18
- D.21
Show answer
A. 17
In the UK, you must be at least 17 years old to drive a car or motorcycle on public roads. You must also hold a valid driving licence, which requires passing a test of both knowledge and practical skills.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 21 · Taxation
What is the minimum age to ride a moped in the UK?
- A.14
- B.16
- C.18
- D.17
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B. 16
In the UK, you must be at least 16 years old to ride a moped. The minimum age to drive a car or motorcycle is 17.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 22 · Taxation
How long is a driving licence valid for after a driver turns 70 in the UK?
- A.Five years at a time
- B.Three years at a time
- C.It is no longer valid after 70
- D.One year at a time
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B. Three years at a time
In the UK, drivers can use their driving licence until they are 70 years old. After that, the licence is valid for three years at a time.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 23 · Chapter 2: What is the UK?
Which of the following correctly describes the composition of the UK?
- A.England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland
- B.England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- C.England, Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland
- D.England, Scotland and Wales only
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B. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The rest of Ireland is an independent country.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 24 · The values and principles of the UK
Which TWO of the following are responsibilities of permanent residents and citizens in the UK?
- A.Respect and obey the law
- B.Learn to speak Welsh or Scottish Gaelic
- C.Treat others with fairness
- D.Vote in every election
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A. Respect and obey the law · C. Treat others with fairness
Permanent residents and citizens of the UK are expected to respect and obey the law, respect the rights of others, treat others with fairness, look after themselves and their family, and look after the area in which they live and the environment.
Read this in the study guide
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