Free practice test 17
Life in the UK Practice Test 17
24 questions on the 20th century, Customs and traditions and a global power. 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 · The 20th century
When did the BBC start radio broadcasts?
- A.1936
- B.1929
- C.1922
- D.1918
Show answer
C. 1922
The BBC started radio broadcasts in 1922. It later went on to begin the world's first regular television service in 1936.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 2 · 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 3 · 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 4 · The 20th century
What event in 1939 led Britain and France to declare war on Germany?
- A.Germany invaded Austria
- B.Germany invaded Belgium
- C.Germany invaded Poland
- D.Germany invaded France
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C. Germany invaded Poland
When Hitler invaded Poland in 1939, Britain and France declared war on Germany in order to stop his aggression.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 5 · The 20th century
At the start of the Second World War, into which two opposing sides were the warring nations divided?
- A.The Axis Powers and the Imperial Powers
- B.The Allied Powers and the Imperial Powers
- C.The Allied Powers and the Central Powers
- D.The Axis Powers and the Allied Powers
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D. The Axis Powers and the Allied Powers
The Second World War was fought between the Axis powers (fascist Germany, Italy and the Empire of Japan) and the Allies (including the UK, France, Poland, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the Union of South Africa).
Read this in the study guideQuestion 6 · The 20th century
Who became Prime Minister of Britain in 1940 during the national crisis of the Second World War?
- A.Anthony Eden
- B.Winston Churchill
- C.Neville Chamberlain
- D.Clement Attlee
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B. Winston Churchill
In 1940, as German forces defeated Allied troops and advanced through France, Winston Churchill became Prime Minister and Britain's war leader.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 7 · The 20th century
Before becoming a Conservative MP in 1900, what were Winston Churchill's two previous careers?
- A.Soldier and lawyer
- B.Lawyer and journalist
- C.Soldier and journalist
- D.Teacher and soldier
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C. Soldier and journalist
Before becoming a Conservative MP in 1900, Winston Churchill was a soldier and journalist. He was also the son of a politician.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 8 · A global power
What does the cross of St Andrew, representing Scotland in the Union Flag, look like?
- A.A diagonal red cross on a white ground
- B.A diagonal white cross on a blue ground
- C.A white cross on a red ground
- D.A red cross on a white ground
Show answer
B. A diagonal white cross on a blue ground
The cross of St Andrew, the patron saint of Scotland, is a diagonal white cross on a blue ground. It is one of the three crosses that make up the Union Flag, alongside the cross of St George representing England and the cross of St Patrick representing Ireland.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 9 · The 20th century
How is Winston Churchill remembered as a leader during the Second World War?
- A.He handed over military command to the Allied forces
- B.He negotiated a peace treaty with Nazi Germany
- C.He surrendered to the Nazis to protect British civilians
- D.He refused to surrender to the Nazis and was an inspirational leader to the British people
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D. He refused to surrender to the Nazis and was an inspirational leader to the British people
Winston Churchill became Prime Minister in May 1940 and refused to surrender to the Nazis. He was an inspirational leader to the British people during a time of great hardship.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 10 · A global power
What does the cross of St Patrick, representing Ireland in the Union Flag, look like?
- A.A diagonal red cross on a white ground
- B.A white cross on a blue ground
- C.A red cross on a white ground
- D.A diagonal white cross on a blue ground
Show answer
A. A diagonal red cross on a white ground
The cross of St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, is a diagonal red cross on a white ground. It is one of the three crosses that make up the Union Flag, alongside the cross of St George representing England and the cross of St Andrew representing Scotland.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 11 · A global power
Which TWO of the following are patron saints whose crosses appear in the Union Flag?
- A.St Andrew
- B.St Christopher
- C.St David
- D.St Patrick
Show answer
A. St Andrew · D. St Patrick
The Union Flag combines the crosses of St George (England), St Andrew (Scotland) and St Patrick (Ireland). St David is the patron saint of Wales, which is notably not represented in the Union Flag. St Christopher is not associated with any of the UK's nations.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 12 · Customs and traditions
What is New Year's Eve called in Scotland?
- A.Bonfire Night
- B.Hogmanay
- C.Burns Night
- D.St Andrew's Day
Show answer
B. Hogmanay
In Scotland, 31 December is called Hogmanay. For some Scottish people, Hogmanay is a bigger holiday than Christmas. Both 1 January and 2 January are public holidays in Scotland.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 13 · Customs and traditions
In Scotland, which two dates are public holidays around the New Year?
- A.1 January and 3 January
- B.31 December and 1 January
- C.31 December and 2 January
- D.1 January and 2 January
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D. 1 January and 2 January
In Scotland, 31 December is called Hogmanay. Both 1 January and 2 January are public holidays in Scotland. For some Scottish people, Hogmanay is a bigger holiday than Christmas.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 14 · Customs and traditions
What is the origin of Bonfire Night?
- A.Protestants tried to burn down Parliament in 1605
- B.Catholics successfully bombed Parliament in 1605
- C.Catholics led by Guy Fawkes tried to kill the Protestant king in 1605
- D.Protestants led by Guy Fawkes tried to overthrow the Catholic king in 1605
Show answer
C. Catholics led by Guy Fawkes tried to kill the Protestant king in 1605
Bonfire Night is celebrated on 5 November. Its origin was an event in 1605, when a group of Catholics led by Guy Fawkes failed in their plan to kill the Protestant king with a bomb in the Houses of Parliament.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 15 · Customs and traditions
Who led the failed plot to kill the Protestant king in 1605?
- A.William of Orange
- B.Guy Fawkes
- C.Oliver Cromwell
- D.James II
Show answer
B. Guy Fawkes
In 1605, a group of Catholics led by Guy Fawkes failed in their plan to kill the Protestant king with a bomb in the Houses of Parliament. This event is commemorated every year on 5 November with fireworks and bonfires, known as Bonfire Night.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 16 · Customs and traditions
What does Remembrance Day commemorate?
- A.The start of the First World War
- B.The victory of the UK in the Second World War
- C.Those who were injured fighting for the UK
- D.Those who died fighting for the UK and its allies
Show answer
D. Those who died fighting for the UK and its allies
Remembrance Day is on 11 November and commemorates those who died fighting for the UK and its allies. It originally commemorated the dead of the First World War, which ended on 11 November 1918.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 17 · Customs and traditions
What happens at 11am on Remembrance Day?
- A.A two-minute silence and wreaths are laid at the Cenotaph
- B.A one-minute silence and wreaths are laid at the Cenotaph
- C.A two-minute silence and a parade through London
- D.A three-minute silence and wreaths are laid at Westminster Abbey
Show answer
A. A two-minute silence and wreaths are laid at the Cenotaph
At 11am on Remembrance Day, there is a two-minute silence and wreaths are laid at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London. People also wear poppies, the red flower found on the battlefields of the First World War.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 18 · Taxation
What must you do if your vehicle is parked off the road and not being used in the UK?
- A.Inform the DVLA by making a SORN
- B.Nothing — no action is required
- C.Cancel your motor insurance
- D.Inform your local council
Show answer
A. Inform the DVLA by making a SORN
If your vehicle is parked off the road and not being used, you must inform the DVLA by making a Statutory Off Road Notification (SORN). SORN cannot be transferred if the vehicle is sold or given to a new owner.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 19 · The government
What is the official home of the Prime Minister?
- A.Chequers
- B.10 Downing Street
- C.Whitehall
- D.Buckingham Palace
Show answer
B. 10 Downing Street
The official home of the Prime Minister is 10 Downing Street, in central London, near the Houses of Parliament. The Prime Minister also has a country house outside London called Chequers.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 20 · The government
What is the name of the Prime Minister's country house outside London?
- A.Dorneywood
- B.Chequers
- C.Chevening
- D.Balmoral
Show answer
B. Chequers
The Prime Minister has a country house outside London called Chequers. The official London residence of the Prime Minister is 10 Downing Street.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 21 · The government
Who appoints the members of the cabinet in the UK?
- A.The Prime Minister
- B.The monarch
- C.The Leader of the Opposition
- D.The Houses of Parliament
Show answer
A. The Prime Minister
The Prime Minister appoints the members of the cabinet and has control over many important public appointments. The Prime Minister is the leader of the political party in power.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 22 · The government
Under what circumstances does the Prime Minister usually resign?
- A.If the monarch asks them to step down
- B.If they lose a vote in the House of Commons
- C.If the House of Lords votes against them
- D.If their party loses a General Election
Show answer
D. If their party loses a General Election
The Prime Minister usually resigns if their party loses a General Election. They can also be changed if the MPs in the governing party decide to do so.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 23 · Chapter 2: What is the UK?
What does 'Great Britain' refer to?
- A.England, Scotland and Wales only
- B.England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
- C.The whole of the British Isles
- D.England and Scotland only
Show answer
A. England, Scotland and Wales only
Great Britain refers only to England, Scotland and Wales. It does not include Northern Ireland. The official name of the country is the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
Read this in the study guideQuestion 24 · The values and principles of the UK
Which TWO of the following freedoms does the UK offer to its residents?
- A.Freedom to carry a weapon for self-defence
- B.Freedom of belief and religion
- C.Freedom of speech
- D.Freedom of movement within the EU
Show answer
B. Freedom of belief and religion · C. Freedom of speech
The UK offers freedom of belief and religion, freedom of speech, freedom from unfair discrimination, a right to a fair trial and a right to join in the election of a government.
Read this in the study guide
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