Life in the UK
The Life in the UK covers all the fundamental principles which all those living in the UK respect, support and adhere to. These values and principles positively reflect all the cultures within British society and have brought diversity and international mindedness throughout the kingdom. The Life in the UK is part of the citizenship test for those seeking to acquire a British Passport. The other test is the B1, which deals entirely with speaking and listening.
At the point of writing, we anticipate a new set of questions from 2013 onwards, and the new book will be called Edition 4. In due course, we will update the relevant information when the Home Office has made this public.
The Life in the UK course will help you understand that a fundamental part of living in the UK includes:
• 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. Life In the UK: a guide to new residents 2005.
Course Details
Any student who is thinking of enrolling on the course must be able to read and understand English at Entry 3 Level, B1 Equivalent or above. Every student will undertake a formal assessment which is part of the registration process. The assessment fee is £40.00 and non-refundable; we expect student to be responsible for their own learning and to attend classes every week. We encourage every student to purchase the Life in the UK book or get one from the library; this will help to reinforce what they have learned.
The life in the UK course lasts 12 weeks. We provide all the relevant questions from the current life in the UK book. The course is taught using computers and we help students who have difficulty in understanding certain words and to build up their speed.
During the course you will be given some homework. It is your responsibility to complete the homework. Some people after 12 weeks may not have achieved the required standard (criteria) to pass the test. We advise every student accordingly if we think that the evidence they have produced does not indicate that they have mastered the content of the course sufficiently to pass the test.
A number of students are ready to take the test before the 12 weeks period. These students tend to be graduates and have demonstrated a consistent score of 20 or above throughout the course. These students will be given additional homework and extra practice test papers. Once they have completed all the test material they will be encouraged to book the test.
Over the years we have spent a lot of money on paper to produce the course materials. However, many students have not returned the course materials, despite being asked to do so. Some return the information but it is in poor condition. As a result of the rising cost we are no longer providing free course materials, We will be charging £38.00 for the complete pack, which will enable you to study at home in your spare time. This purchase is not compulsory and we understand that some people do not want to pay more than the registration fee. With this in mind we encourage those who do not want to purchase the pack to go to all the classes available in the libraries.
Course Content
The life in the UK questions are based on historical events that have shaped the UK. It deals with early Britain, the Middle Ages, the Tudors & Stuarts, the UK as a global power, the 20th century, Britain since 1945, the UK today, religion, customs & traditions, sport, art, & culture, places of interest, the development of British democracy, the British constitution, the government, the UK and the international institutions, respecting the law and fundamental principles & your role in the community.
What is the UK?
The official name of the country is the United Kingdom (UK) of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The term ‘Great Britain’ refers only to England, Scotland and Wales, it does not apply to Northern Ireland.
Brief History
A number of questions look at many of the historical figures who have left their mark in history. For example Henry VIII was an important King, not only did he have six wives, he broke away from the Catholic Church and formed the Church of England in 1534. Since then every monarch has been the supreme head of the Church.
England was invaded several times, the last invasion occurred in 1066, when William the Conqueror defeated King Harold at the Battle of Hastings.
During the Middle Ages Britain fought a war called ‘The 100 years’ war’ it actually lasted 116 years, it was fought between France and Britain, it started in 1337 and ended in 1453.
The habeas Corpus Act, in Latin it means ‘You must present the person in court’ it became law in 1679. This was a very important piece of legislation which is prevalent today. The act guarantees everyone who is taken into custody or arrested certain rights with regards to being detained, thus preventing unlawful detentions. It gives you a right to appear in court to answer the charges.
The UK had a Civil War, which began in 1642: it was fought between Kings Charles 1 army called the Cavaliers and Parliament troops called Roundheads. The Roundheads lead by Oliver Cromwell defeated the king’s army. Oliver Cromwell was given the title Lord Protector. Charles the 1st was executed and England became a republic. The name of this country changed, for 11 years it was called the ‘Commonwealth.’
Since the Civil War no monarch has set foot in the Commons.
William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was a prolific writer and composed many sonnets. He was born in Stratford-upon Avon, England. A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet, Macbeth, Romeo and Juliet are a few of his most famous plays.
The British constitution is not written down in any single document and therefore it described as ‘unwritten.’ Most of it laws have come long standing principles and conventions, which for centuries have been used to settle disputes.
Britain has a parliamentary democracy; each year parliamentary session is opened by the monarch.
More Information
There are over 700 hundred questions in the current Life in the UK test. You must answer 24 questions in 45 minutes, to pass you must score 18 or above.
It costs £50.00 to take the test, which can only be booked online. The nearest test centre is in Stratford, Boardman House, 64 Broadway London E15 1NT, not far from McDonalds.
Application Process
The test is booked online here.
The cost is currently £50.00. Applicants should provide details of current address and passport details or Home Office ID. You must complete the application form with your correct details, as any fees paid are not refundable.
All booked tests will be given a test date 7 days before the actual test. Anyone unable to sit the test because of illness or any other problems should contact the test centre immediately and rearrange another test date. This will not incur an additional fee.
Test
The test last for 45 minutes and is done on the computer. You are required to answer 24 questions and you must get 18 correct to receive a pass mark.
Pass Rate
To date every student scoring 20 or more in each test have passed the Life in the UK test. In our last semester three students claimed they got maximum marks 24/24.