Life in the UK Test Practice Test 21
Twenty-four questions in the same category mix as the real Life in the UK Test, with instant marking and explanations. 75% to pass (18 of 24) — takes about 5 minutes.
This test: 9 History · 7 Society · 5 Government · 2 Geography · 1 Values · No question repeats across our 29 practice tests.
Key facts about the real test
The Life in the UK Test has 24 multiple-choice questions. You need 75% (at least 18 of 24) to pass. You have 45 minutes. GOV.UK sets out these rules in its guide to what happens at the test.
Practice Test 21 Questions and Answers
All 24 questions from this practice test. Try each one yourself, then expand the answer to check the explanation.
1. In 1284, King Edward I of England introduced the Statute of Rhuddlan. What did this statute do?
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Explanation
In 1284 King Edward I of England introduced the Statute of Rhuddlan, which annexed Wales to the Crown of England.
2. What was the purpose of the Spanish Armada sent to England?
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Explanation
The Spanish Armada was a large fleet of ships, which had been sent by Spain to conquer England and restore Catholicism.
3. Who was the first man to be called Prime Minister, serving from 1721 to 1742?
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Explanation
The first man to be called Prime Minister was Sir Robert Walpole, who was Prime Minister from 1721 to 1742.
4. What event on 28 June 1914 triggered the chain of events leading to the First World War?
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Explanation
On 28 June 1914, Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria was assassinated, which set off a chain of events leading to the First World War (1914-18).
5. During which historical era did the Black Death occur?
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Explanation
The Black Death occurred during the Middle Ages, arriving in Britain in 1348. It killed approximately one-third of the population of England.
6. The British government pledged 'Home Rule' for Ireland in 1913, but what prevented its implementation until 1921?
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Explanation
The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 delayed the implementation of Home Rule for Ireland. It was not until 1921 that Ireland was partitioned, with the south eventually becoming the Irish Free State.
7. Which religious movement questioned the Pope's authority?
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Explanation
The Reformation was a 16th-century religious movement that questioned and ultimately rejected the authority of the Pope and the Catholic Church. In England, this led to Henry VIII establishing the Church of England.
8. Which ruler succeeded in defeating the Vikings?
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Explanation
King Alfred the Great of Wessex defeated the Vikings and united the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England. He is the only English monarch to be given the title 'the Great'.
9. Which two of the following forts formed part of Hadrian's Wall?
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Explanation
Vindolanda and Housesteads are both Roman forts located along Hadrian's Wall in northern England. Maiden Castle is an Iron Age hill fort in Dorset and Fishbourne is a Roman palace in West Sussex.
10. Which architectural style became popular again in the 19th century, used for buildings such as the Houses of Parliament?
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Explanation
In the 19th century, the medieval 'gothic' style became popular again. The Houses of Parliament and St Pancras Station were built in this style.
11. In Northern Ireland, what event's anniversary is also a public holiday in July?
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Explanation
In Northern Ireland, the anniversary of the Battle of the Boyne in July is also a public holiday.
12. What is the highest mountain in Wales?
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Explanation
Snowdon is the highest mountain in Wales.
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13. What is the symbol for the UK currency, the pound sterling?
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Explanation
The currency in the UK is the pound sterling, with the symbol £.
14. Which saint serves as the patron of Wales?
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Explanation
St David is the patron saint of Wales. St David's Day is celebrated on 1 March with people wearing daffodils or leeks.
15. Which of the following is a prestigious horse-racing event held in England?
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Explanation
Royal Ascot is one of the most famous horse-racing events in England, attended by members of the Royal Family. It takes place annually in June at Ascot Racecourse in Berkshire.
16. On what date is St George's Day celebrated?
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Explanation
St George's Day is celebrated on 23rd April. St George is the patron saint of England.
17. What happened to hereditary peers since 1999?
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Explanation
Since 1999, hereditary peers have lost the automatic right to attend the House of Lords.
18. How many Assembly members (AMs) does the National Assembly for Wales have?
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Explanation
The National Assembly for Wales has 60 Assembly members (AMs). Elections are held every four years using a form of proportional representation.
19. What document will you receive before a general election to enable you to vote?
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Explanation
Before a general election, registered voters receive a poll card telling them where their polling station is and when they can vote.
20. What should you do in order to obtain a National Insurance Number?
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Explanation
To obtain a National Insurance number, you need to contact the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). A National Insurance number is required to work legally in the UK and to access certain government services.
21. The official written record of everything said in Parliament is referred to as:
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Explanation
Hansard is the official written record of everything said in Parliament. It is named after Thomas Curson Hansard, who first published the reports in the early 19th century.
22. What is the body of water between England and France called?
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Explanation
The English Channel is the body of water that separates England from France.
23. In which part of the UK can you find the Lake District National Park?
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Explanation
The Lake District National Park is located in the north-west of England, in the county of Cumbria. It is famous for its beautiful lakes and mountains and was a source of inspiration for the poet William Wordsworth.
24. Approximately how long does it take to give blood?
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Explanation
Donated blood is used by hospitals to help people with a wide range of injuries and illnesses, and that giving blood only takes about an hour to do.