Life in the UK Practice Test 42
Free Life in the UK practice test 42 of 52: 24 questions in the real exam format, drawn from all five chapters of the official handbook. The real test has 24 questions, a 45-minute limit and a pass mark of 18 out of 24 (75%). Tap an answer to check it instantly and read the explanation.
Question 1 · Chapter 4: Modern Society
Hot cross buns, spiced buns marked with a cross, are traditionally eaten at which point in the Christian calendar?
Hot cross buns are traditionally eaten on Good Friday, the cross on top recalling the crucifixion, and they are sold throughout the Easter season.
Question 2 · Chapter 4: Modern Society
A cream tea's rich clotted cream is a traditional speciality of which two south-western counties, which famously disagree about whether jam or cream goes on the scone first?
Clotted cream is the speciality of Devon and Cornwall, and the two counties famously disagree: in Devon the cream goes on the scone first, in Cornwall the jam does.
Question 3 · Chapter 4: Modern Society
Which dish of chicken in a creamy, spiced tomato sauce, created for British tastes, is often described as one of Britain's favourite dishes?
Chicken tikka masala — chicken in a creamy spiced tomato sauce — was developed in Britain for local tastes and is often described as one of the country's favourite dishes.
Question 4 · Chapter 4: Modern Society
Bakewell tart, a pastry case filled with jam and almond-flavoured sponge, takes its name from a town in which county?
Bakewell tart is named after Bakewell, a market town in Derbyshire, in the Peak District.
Question 5 · Chapter 4: Modern Society
Which range of hills running down the north of England is often nicknamed the 'backbone of England'?
The Pennines, the chain of hills stretching from the Peak District to the Scottish border, are often called the backbone of England.
Question 6 · Chapter 4: Modern Society
The Yeomen Warders who guard the Tower of London and guide its visitors are popularly known by which nickname?
The Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London are popularly known as Beefeaters, and are instantly recognisable in their Tudor-style red and gold uniforms.
Question 7 · Chapter 4: Modern Society
The Rosetta Stone, one of the most famous objects on display in the British Museum, is important because it did what?
The stone carries the same text in three scripts, including Greek, which scholars could already read. Comparing the versions gave them the key to deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Question 8 · Chapter 4: Modern Society
An Ulster fry, the traditional cooked breakfast of Northern Ireland, stands out from other cooked breakfasts because it traditionally includes which items?
Alongside the usual sausages, bacon and eggs, an Ulster fry traditionally includes fried soda bread and potato bread — potato farls.
Question 9 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Members of the House of Commons are chosen in what way?
MPs are elected — each constituency elects one MP using first-past-the-post.
Question 10 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
A jury in England, Wales and Northern Ireland has 12 members.
Juries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have 12 members; in Scotland a jury has 15 members.
Question 11 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Members of the Scottish Parliament are called MLAs.
They are MSPs — Members of the Scottish Parliament, which sits at Holyrood in Edinburgh.
Question 12 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
The Prime Minister chooses the members of the Cabinet.
The Prime Minister appoints around 20 senior ministers to form the Cabinet.
Question 13 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Where does the Northern Ireland Assembly meet?
The Assembly sits in the Parliament Buildings at Stormont in Belfast; its members are MLAs.
Question 14 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
The police in the UK take instructions from the government of the day.
The police protect life and property and detect crime, and they operate independently of government.
Question 15 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Under the 'first past the post' system, a constituency candidate wins by:
First past the post means the candidate with the most votes in the constituency wins the seat.
Question 16 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
If you are self-employed, what must you do about tax?
Self-employed people must register and complete their own tax returns and payments.
Question 17 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
The Council of Europe drew up which important document after the Second World War?
The Convention protects human rights and freedoms; the Council of Europe is separate from the European Union.
Question 18 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
What is the minimum age for buying a National Lottery ticket or scratch card in the UK?
The official handbook gives the minimum age for taking part in the National Lottery as 16. (The age was raised to 18 in 2021, after the handbook was published — but 16 is the figure the test is based on.)
Question 19 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Which of these is a way ordinary people can take part in their community and democracy?
Taking part includes voting, helping with elections, standing for office, volunteering and serving on juries when summoned.
Question 20 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Who is the head of state of the UK?
The monarch is head of state; the Prime Minister leads the government.
Question 21 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
Most members of the House of Lords today hold their seats because they were given which kind of peerage?
Most Lords are life peers, appointed for life rather than elected. The Lords reviews and suggests changes to laws passed by the Commons.
Question 22 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
In the House of Commons, what does the Speaker do during a debate?
The Speaker is an MP who chairs Commons debates impartially, keeping order and making sure the rules of debate are followed.
Question 23 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
A UK general election must normally take place within which maximum period?
MPs are elected in a general election, which is held at least every five years.
Question 24 · Chapter 5: Government, Law & Your Role
When is a by-election held for a seat in the House of Commons?
A by-election fills a single constituency seat that has become vacant between general elections.
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