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Life in the UK Test: practice test 7

24 multiple-choice questions with answers — the same number as the real test. Give yourself 45 minutes and aim for 18 correct, which is the official 75% pass mark. Answers are shown under each question, so cover them up on your first run through.

This test draws on 16 topics: A Global Power, Customs and traditions, Early Britain, England, Fundamental Principles, How you can support your community, Leisure, Places of interest, Respecting the law, Sports, The 20th Century, The British constitution, The Tudors and Stuarts, The UK today, The role of the courts, Your Role in the Community.

Practice test 7 questions and answers

3. Catherine Parr married Henry VIII late in his life. Who died first?

  1. He died first and she was a widow for the rest of her life
  2. He died first and she went on to remarry
  3. She died first and he never remarried
  4. She died in childbirth and Henry remarried

Answer: B — He died first and she went on to remarry

Catherine Parr - Catherine was a widow who married Henry late in his life. She survived him and married again but died soon after.

4. The Elizabeth Tower is part of which building in London?

  1. Buckingham Palace
  2. Houses of parliament
  3. Mansion House
  4. St Pauls Cathedral

Answer: B — Houses of parliament

Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the Houses of Parliament in London. Many people call the clock Big Ben as well. The clock is over 150 years old and is a popular tourist attraction. The clock tower is named 'Elizabeth Tower' in honour of Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee in 2012.

6. Which of the following is an example of criminal offence?

  1. Smoking in public places where it is not allowed
  2. Disputes about faulty goods or services
  3. Disputes about an unfair dismissal in the workplace
  4. A dispute between the landlord and the tenants who have not paid the rent

Answer: A — Smoking in public places where it is not allowed

7. What is the minimum age for jury service?

  1. 16
  2. 18
  3. 22
  4. 30

Answer: B — 18

As well as getting the right to vote, people on the electoral register are randomly selected to serve on a jury. Anyone who is on the electoral register and is aged 18 to 70 can be asked to do this.

9. What is the role of a jury at a court trial?

  1. To decide the sentence that the accused should be given
  2. To decide whether evidence should be allowed to be heard
  3. To decide whether the accused is 'guilty' or 'not guilty'
  4. To decide who the judge should be

Answer: C — To decide whether the accused is 'guilty' or 'not guilty'

The jury has to listen to the evidence presented at the trial and then decide a verdict of 'guilty' or 'not guilty' based on what they have heard.

11. When is a by-election for a parliamentary seat held?

  1. Every two years
  2. Half-way through a parliamentary term
  3. When a member of Parliament (MP) dies or resigns
  4. When the Prime Minister decides to call one

Answer: C — When a member of Parliament (MP) dies or resigns

If an MP dies or resigns, there will be a fresh election, called a by-election, in his or her constituency.

12. What is Ridley Scott famous for?

  1. Conducting orchestras
  2. Directing films
  3. Singing as an operatic
  4. Theatre production

Answer: B — Directing films

British studios flourished in the 1930s. Eminent directors included Sir Alexander Korda and Sir Alfred Hitchcock, who later left for Hollywood and remained an important film director until his death in 1980. During the Second World War, British movies (for example, In Which We Serve) played an important part in boosting morale. Later, British directors including Sir David Lean and Ridley Scott found great success both in the UK and internationally.

14. Which court would you use to get money back that was owed to you?

  1. Coroner's Court
  2. Country Court
  3. Magistrates' Court
  4. Youth court

Answer: B — Country Court

County Courts deal with a wide range of civil disputes. These include people trying to get back money that is owed to them, cases involving personal injury, family matters, breaches of contract, and divorce.

15. What is known as Lent?

  1. The 40 days before Christmas
  2. The 40 days after Easter
  3. The 40 days before Easter
  4. The 40 days after Christmas

Answer: C — The 40 days before Easter

16. What countries does 'Great Britain' refer to?

  1. England and Scotland
  2. England, Scotland and Northern Ireland
  3. England, Scotland and Wales
  4. Just England

Answer: C — England, Scotland and Wales

Great Britain' refers only to England, Scotland and Wales, not to Northern Ireland.

Keep going

Want a fresh set every day instead? The Daily Quiz gives you 10 new questions each morning and keeps your streak — score 8/10 to pass. Or browse the whole bank by topic to drill a weak area.