Life in UK Test
What is Life in UK test?
This is a computer-based assessment required for applications for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or British Citizenship. It evaluates an individual's knowledge of British traditions, customs, and values including its history, culture, and society. The test aims to ensure that individuals seeking to settle permanently or become citizens have a basic understanding of British life.
What is the test format?
The test consists of 24 multiple choice questions, and applicants need to score at least 75% (18 out of 24) to pass. You will have 45 minutes to complete the test. The test is taken on a computer and there are over 30 test centres across the UK where you can take the test. You will get results of the tests within 30 minutes of completion via email.
How much does it cost and where can I book this test?
The test costs £50. You must book your Life in the UK Test online at least 3 days in advance. You will need email address, debit or credit card, and an accepted form of ID to book the test. Book the test directly through -https://www.gov.uk/life-in-the-uk-test
What are accepted forms of ID for the test?
Official website says share code of your evisa is the acceptable form of ID. You can also use valid passport, or BRP (no later than 18 months from the expiry date). However, I recommend using your passport, as test centres often require a photo ID with a signature for verification. Some candidates have faced issues because they didn't bring their passport-BRPs typically don't include a signature, which can cause problems during identity checks.
What study materials to use?
There are various online free and paid resources to prepare for the test. Official test resource as per the government's website is - https://www.officiallifeintheuk.co.uk/shop
However, this is very extensive resource that may take lot of preparation time. I recommend spending around 2-3 days or around 8-10 hours of preparation for this test. I used the official apps to study and this website to practice mocks - https://lifeintheuktestweb.co.uk/exams/
I cant spend all this time and dedication, is there is a high yield notes?
Yes, here it is, I have made things easy for you. Study this notes atleast few times. This is my compilation of all the high yield questions that comes in the exam.
_________________________________________
SECTION 1: HISTORY OF THE UK
Prehistoric to Roman Britain
• First humans arrived over 800,000 years ago, based on footprints and flint tools found in Norfolk.
• The first people to live in Britain were hunter-gatherers.
• The first coins to be minted in Britain were made by the Iron Age tribes.
• The first farmers arrived in Britain 6,000 years ago. The ancestors of these first farmers probably came from south-east Europe.
• Stonehenge: Built ~5,000 years ago. It is in Wiltshire
• Julius Caesar led a Roman invasion of Britain in 55 BC. This was unsuccessful and for nearly 100 years Britain remained separate from the Roman Empire.
• Boudicca: Tribal leader who fought against Romans
• Romans successfully invaded in 43 AD, led by Emperor Claudius.
• Romans built roads and Hadrian’s Wall in the northern England
• The Emperor Hadrian built a wall in the north of England to keep out the Picts (ancestors of the Scottish people).
• Hadrian wall included forts of housesteads and Vindolanda.
• Romans introduced Christianity.
• Left Britain in 410 AD.
Anglo-Saxons and Vikings
• Anglo-Saxons, Jutes came from Germany, Denmark, Netherlands.
• Danelaw (region of northern and eastern england) was viking-controlled area.
• Viking raids started in the late 8th century.
• King Alfred the Great defended England from Vikings (871–899).
Norman Conquest (1066)
• William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy, defeated Harold at the Battle of Hastings.
• Battle of Hastings commemorated in a great piece of embroidery - known as Bayeux Tapestry.
• William the Conqueror - made the tower of london (white tower)
• He introduced feudal system and compiled the Domesday Book.
• This was the last successful invasion of England
• The Domesday Book and the Bayeux Tapestry - give us information about England during the reign of William I
• Anglo-saxons and Norman French combined to become English Language.
Medieval Period
• 1215: King John signed the Magna Carta – limited royal power.
• 1314: the Scottish, led by Robert the Bruce, defeated the English at the battle of Bannockburn, and Scotland remained unconquered by the English.
• English kings fought a long war with France, called the Hundred Years War (even though it actually lasted 116 years).
• Black Death (1348): Killed ~1/3 of the population.
• Wars of the Roses (1455–1485): Lancaster (red rose) vs York (white rose); ended with Henry VII (Tudor dynasty).
• Serfs were peasants who had a small area of their lord’s land where they could grow food.
Tudors and Stuarts
• Henry VIII: Broke with the Pope, formed Church of England (1534) - this is called the reformation. He did this because Pope didn’t approve the divorce of his wife Catherin of Aragon.
• Wife of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn was unpopular in the country and was accused of taking lovers. She was executed at the Tower of London.
• Elizabeth I: Daughter of Henry VIII Defeated the Spanish Armada (1588).
• In Elizabeth I’s time, English settlers first began to colonise the eastern coast of America.
• Elizabeth I was a Protestant and she succeeded in finding a balance between the views of the Catholics and the more extreme Protestants.
• One achievement of King James‘ I reign was a new translation of the Bible into English. This translation is known as the ‘King James Version‘ or the ‘Authorised Version‘.
• James I was king of Scotland before becoming King of England. Then Scotland was a separate country
• Civil War (1642–1651): Parliament (Roundheads) vs King Charles I (Cavaliers)
• Charles believed in the ’Divine Right of Kings’: hence he wanted to rule without parliament
• The Battles of Marston Moor and Naseby are the civil war battles
• King Charles I executed in 1649
• King Charles II was defeated by Oliver Cromwell during the civil war and hid in a oak tree before escaping to Europe (Netherlands)
• Oliver Cromwell was given the title of Lord Protector and ruled until his death in 1658 after monarchy abolished. (Britain became republic)
• 1660: Monarchy restored under Charles II. Came back from Exile in Netherlands.
• 1666: During Charles II’s reign, a great fire destroyed much of the London, including many churches and St Paul’s Cathedral.
• Between 1680 and 1720 many refugees called Huguenots came from France.
Glorious Revolution & Union
• 1688: Peaceful transfer of power to William of Orange & Mary.
• 1689: The Bill of Rights, confirmed the rights of Parliament and the limits of the king’s power.
• 1690: Battle of Boyne- William of Orange defeated James II
• 1692: The MacDonalds of Glencoe assassinated for not taking oath.
• 1707: Union of England and Scotland – formed Great Britain.
• 1745: there was another attempt to put a Stuart king back on the throne in place of George I’s son, George II. Charles Edward Stuart (Bonnie Prince Charlie), the grandson of James II, landed in Scotland. He was supported by clansmen from the Scottish highlands and raised and army in the Scottish highlands
• 18th century, manufacturing jobs became the main source of employment in Britain.
• During the 18th century, new ideas about politics, philosophy and science were developed. This is often called ‘the Enlightenment’. Adam smith developed idea of economics. David Hume in Philosophy.
• 1801: Union with Ireland – created the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.
• American colonies wanted the independence because Britain wanted to tax them. Their slogan was - No taxation without representation.
19th Century & Empire
• 1805: Admiral Nelson was in charge of the British fleet at the Battle of Trafalgar and was killed in the battle.
• 1815: the Battle of Waterloo - the last battle between Great Britain and France. Ended with the defeat of the Emperor Napoleon by the Duke of Wellington
• Emancipation Act abolished Slavery in British Empire in 1833.
• Queen Victoria (1837–1901): Long reign, British Empire expanded.
• During Victorian times, the government began to promote policies of free trade, abolishing a number of taxes on imported goods.
• From 1853 to 1856, Britain fought with Turkey and France against Russia in the Crimean War. First war to be extensively covered by the media
• The Boer War of 1899 to 1902 took place in South Africa with settlers from the Netherlands called the Boers.
• UK became industrial and global superpower.
• The Industrial Revolution was the rapid development of industry in Britain in the 18th and 19th centuries. It happened because of the development of machinery and the use of steam power.
• Canals were built during Industrial Revolution to link factories to town cities and ports.
• The ‘Highland Clearances’: Many Scottish landlords destroyed individual small farms (known as ‘crofts’) to make space for large flocks of sheep and cattle.
20th Century to Present
• On June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated. This set off a chain of events leading to the First World War (1914-18).
• WWI: 1914–1918. Over 1 million British soldiers died. Ended at 11am on 11th November of 1918
• The outbreak of the First World War led the British government to postpone any changes in Ireland.
• 1930s: Great Depression. Shipbuilding badly affected.
• 1st sep 1939: Germany invaded Poland
• ‘The Battle of Britain’ was a crucial aerial battle fought between Germany and Britain in the summer of 1940. Royal Air Force was used.
• WWII: 1939–1945. Led by Winston Churchill. He was voted as the Greatest Briton of all time. He was succeeded by Clement Attlee in 1945.
• During WWII when France Fell, The evacuation of Allied soldiers from France during World War II took place called “Dunkirk Spirit”
• 1973: UK joined the European Economic Community.
• 1998: Good Friday Agreement ended most violence in Northern Ireland.
• 2010 the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties formed a coalition and the leader of the Conservative Party, David Cameron, became Prime Minister.
• 2016: Brexit referendum – UK voted to leave the EU.
⸻
SECTION 2: GOVERNMENT, LAW & POLITICS
Monarchy & Parliament
• King Charles III: Head of State (ceremonial).
• UK has a constitutional monarchy and parliamentary democracy.
• Parliament has two chambers: the House of Commons (elected) and the House of Lords (appointed/hereditary)
• House of Commons: 650 MPs, elected. Speaker chairs the debate
• House of Lords: Life peers, Church of England bishops, hereditary peers (appointed).
• Prime Minister: Leader of the majority party in Commons. First PM is Sir Robert Walpole.
• Margaret Thatcher - first woman prime minister.
• John Major became PM after Margaret Thatcher and played important role in Northern Ireland Peace process
• Prime Minister’s Questions takes place every week while Parliament is sitting.
• The Home Secretary is responsible for crime, policing and immigration.
• Proceedings of Parliament is published in official reports called Hansard
• William Wilberforce is a politician
Elections
• Held every 5 years (can be earlier). Using First past the post.
• Welsh Government Elected every 4 years using proportional representation. 60 members.
• Northern Ireland assembly has 90 members
• the ‘suffragettes’ - activist group who fought for women’s right to vote. Emmeline Pankhurst was the leader.
• 1918: Women given right to vote at the age of 30 after their contribution in the First World War.
• 1928: Women and men got right to vote at same age of 21
• 1969: Voting rights age decreased to 18 years
• Votes are secret – secret ballot.
• First past the post is used in general elections.
• Before election you will receive poll card
• Northern Ireland uses a system called ‘individual registration’ and all those entitled to vote must complete their own registration form.
• By law, radio and television coverage of the political parties must be balanced and so equal time has to be given to rival viewpoints.
• Members of political parties persuade people to vote for their candidates – for instance, by handing out leaflets in the street or by knocking on people’s doors and asking for their support. This is called ‘canvassing’.
• MPs represent Constituency.
• If MPs dies or resigns- by-election takes place.
Devolved Governments
• Scotland: Own Parliament in Edinburgh.
• Wales: Senedd (Welsh Parliament).
• Northern Ireland: Assembly in Stormont, Belfast.
Law and Justice
• Rule of Law: Everyone is equal under the law.
• Magna Carta introduced rule of law.
• Jury trials: 12-person jury in serious criminal cases. (15 in scotland). Age 18-70 can serve in a jury. They are selected randomly from the electoral register.
• Supreme Court: Final court of appeal.
• In Scotland, minor criminal offences go to a Justice of the Peace Court. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland go to Magistrates court (3 trained magistrates and district judge)
• Smoking in public place is Criminal offence
• Small claims procedure - Upto £5000 in Scotland and Northern Ireland and £10000 in England and Wales - settled without using lawyer.
⸻
SECTION 3: GEOGRAPHY and Devolved nation
Countries & Capitals
• England – London
• Scotland – Edinburgh
• Wales – Cardiff
• Northern Ireland – Belfast
Flowers:
• England – Rose
• Scotland – Thistle
• Wales – Daffodils
• Northern Ireland – Shamrock
• UK geographically located at the North West of Europe
• Ireland became republic in 1949
• Fenians favoured complete independence of Ireland.
• Famine in Ireland caused shortage of Potato
• Northern Ireland and Scotland have their own banknotes valid everywhere in the UK.
• Policy and laws governing defence, foreign affairs, immigration, taxation and social security all remain under central UK government control.
• James Cook mapped the coast of Australia
Key Landmarks
• Longest river: Severn
• Highest mountains:
Ben Nevis (Scotland)
Snowdon (Wales)
Scafell Pike (England)
• UK is surrounded by: North Sea, Irish Sea, English Channel, Atlantic Ocean.
• Big Ben located in the house of parliament
• Crown Jewels kept in Tower of London
• Tours are given at the Tower of London by the Yeoman Warders, also known as Beefeaters, who tell visitors about the building’s history.
• Lake District (Largest National park of England). Britain’s favourite view.
• There are 15 national parks in England, Wales and Scotland.
• London’s west end, also known as ‘Theatreland’, is particularly well known for its theatres.
• Eden Project is located in Cornwall
• Cenotaph is the war memorial in Whitehall. Designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens.
• In 1851, the Great Exhibition opened in Hyde Park in the Crystal Palace, a huge building made of steel and glass.
• There is a National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket, Suffolk.
• Giant Causeway is in Northern Ireland.
• Isambard Kingdom Brunel built great western railway.
• Skara Brae is prehistoric village in Scotland.
⸻
SECTION 4: RELIGION & TRADITIONS
Religion
• Main religion: Christianity.
• Church of England: Anglican, Protestant. Monarch is the head. Spiritual leader is Archbishop of Canterbury. St Augustine is the first Archbishop of Canterbury.
• Church of Scotland: Presbyterian and independent of the state
• Freedom of religion is protected.
• There is no established Church in Wales or Northern Ireland.
• Mary Stuart (‘Mary, Queen of Scots’) was a Catholic. She spent 20 years in Prison and was executed (accused of plotting against Elizabeth I)
• Puritans were group of Protestants.
Celebrations
• Christmas (25 Dec) - birth of jesus christ
• Good Friday: Day when Jesus Christ died
• Easter (Good Friday, Easter Monday) on March or April.
• Easter Sunday: Day when Jesus Christ rose from dead.
• 40 days before easter is called Lent
• New Year (1 Jan)
• Bonfire Night (5 Nov) – Commemorates failure of the Gunpowder Plot
• Remembrance Day (11 Nov) – WWI/WWII commemoration. Honours war dead
• Halloween is celebrated on the 31st of October.
• Hogmanay: Scottish New year’s eve.
• Fringe Festival takes place in Edinburgh.
• The Proms is an eight-week summer season of orchestral classical music that takes place in various venues, including the Royal Albert Hall in London.
Patron Saints’ Days
• England: St George (23 Apr)
• Scotland: St Andrew (30 Nov)
• Wales: St David (1 Mar)
• NI: St Patrick (17 Mar)
• Haggis is a traditional food from Scotland.
• Ulster fry is a traditional food of Northern Ireland
⸻
SECTION 5: CULTURE, ARTS, SPORTS & SCIENCE
Culture & Arts
• Writers: Shakespeare (Romeo and Juliet, McBeth, Midnight summer’s dream), Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, William Wordsworth (Daffodils), Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes)
• Modern authors: J.K. Rowling
• Tim Berners-Lee invented WWW
• Famous composers: Edward Elgar, Gustav Holst, Benjamin Britten
• Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934) was a musician.
• Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England.
• William Caxton- First person to print books using printing press.
• Canterbury Tales- Poem written by Geoffrey Chaucer.
• Sir Charles (Charlie) Chaplin became famous in silent movies for his tramp character
• the Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien was voted the country’s best-loved novel.
• The Man Booker Prize for Fiction is awarded annually for the best fiction novel (literature)
• Notable artists: Turner, Constable, Hockney
• The Turner Prize was established in 1984 and celebrates contemporary art. The Turner Prize is recognised as one of the most prestigious visual art awards in Europe.
• Tate Art gallery is in London.
• Clarice Cliff was designer of deco art of ceramics
• Notable Architects: Inigo Jones, Sir Christopher Wren.
• Emily Watson has not won an Oscar yet
• Harry porter and James Bond - two highest grossing films
• Auld Lang Syne- sung in new year.
• Wallace and Gromit’s created by Nick park was an animated film.
• 1960s: also known as Swinging 60s. Music and social/cultural changes took place. Beatles and Rolling stones.music became famous. David Hockney was an important contributor to the ‘pop art’ movement of the 1960s
Sports
• Popular: Football, Cricket, Rugby, Tennis
• Wimbledon: Oldest tennis championship
• Golf originated in Scotland. Can be traced back to 15th Century.
• Bobby Moore captained England to first football world cup win in 1966
• the Ashes: The most famous cricket competition between England and Australia.
• Famous horse-racing events include: Royal Ascot, the Grand National (Aintree near Liverpool) and the Scottish Grand National (At Ayr)
• Sir Roger Bannister was the first man to run a mile in under 4 minutes.
• Six nations championship is the Rugby competition.
• UK hosted Olympics 3 times. 1908, 1948, 2012.
• Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson and Ellie Simmonds (won gold medal for swimming) are famous british paralympians.
• Lewis Hamilton, Nigel Mansell, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Graham Hill are famous formula 1 race car driver of Britain.
Science
• Structure of DNA molecule discovered by Francis Crick.
• 1920s: The television was developed by Scotsman John Logie Baird.
• 1930s: Jet Engine was developed by Sir Frank Whittle
• Sir Robert Watson-Watt developed the radar.
• Britain and France developed the world’s only supersonic commercial airliner, Concorde.
• Ernest Rutherford, splitted atom for the first time.
• Sir Isaac Newton formulated laws of motion and universal law of gravitation
• Charles Darwin postulated theory of evolution
• Stephen Hawkings contributed to understanding of black holes and origin of universe.
• Alexander Fleming discovered Penicillin.
⸻
SECTION 6: DAILY LIFE, RIGHTS & VALUES
British Values
• Democracy
• Rule of Law
• Individual Liberty
• Tolerance of different beliefs
• Mutual Respect
• If you wish to be a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you should: respect and obey the law, look after yourself and your family, treat others with fairness and look after the area in which you live and the environment, respect the rights of others.
• All dogs in public places must wear a collar showing the name and address of the owner.
• Anyone can make a complaint about the police by going to a police station and writing to the Chief Constable of the police force involved. Complaints can also be made to an independent body: the Independent Police Complaints Commission in England and Wales, the Police Complaints Commissioner for Scotland or the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland.
Education
• Free and compulsory from ages 5 to 18.
• GCSEs at 16, A-levels or vocational qualifications after.
• The National Citizen Service programme, which gives 16- and 17-year-olds the opportunity to enjoy outdoor activities, develop their skills and take part in a community project. Therefore, it is optional.
Healthcare
• NHS founded on 1948
• NHS (National Health Service) provides free healthcare
• Funded by taxes
No comments:
Post a Comment