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Last Updated: Thursday, 16 June 2005, 12:17 GMT 13:17 UK

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Can you pass a citizenship test?

The government is launching the citizenship test for foreigners who want to become British. If you want the passport, then you'll have to read Life in the UK, a special book, and sit a 45-minute test on society, history and culture. But do you know what it is to be British? The following very unofficial questions are based on information in the official book - let's see how well you do...

Question 1

Life in the UK says to be British means you should...


	A: "Respect laws, the elected political structures, traditional values of mutual tolerance and respect for rights and mutual concern."


	B: "Share in the history and culture of an island nation with a character moulded by many different peoples over more than two thousand years."


	C: "be part of a modern European democracy, one with a tradition of sharing our ways with the world – and allowing the world to bring its ways to us."

Question 2

Almost 60m people live in the UK. By what factor do the native-born English outnumber their Scots or Welsh neighbours?


	A: By nine to one


	B: By seven to one


	C: By six to one

Question 3

"The origins of our Parliament were in the early Middle Ages. In 1215 the great barons forced rights from a tyrannical King John". What is that document called?


	A: The Mappa Mundi


	B: The Magna Carta


	C: The Bill of Rights

Question 4

When did all 18-year-olds get the vote?


	A: 1918


	B: 1928


	C: 1969

Question 5

There are four national saints' days in the UK, one for each nation. Which order do they fall in the calendar?


	A: St Andrews, St Patrick's, St David's and St George's


	B: St David's, St Patrick's, St George's and St Andrews


	C: St George's, St Patrick's, St Andrews and St David's

Question 6

According to Life in the UK, where does Father Christmas come from?


	A: Lapland


	B: Iceland


	C: The North Pole

Question 7

According to the book, where does the myth of Father Christmas come from?


	A: The Victorians


	B: Pagan myths updated by Shakespeare


	C: German/Swedish immigrants to the USA

Question 8

Life in the UK explains what to do if you spill someone's pint in the pub (we're not making this up). What, according to the book, usually happens next?


	A: You would offer to buy the person another pint


	B: You would offer to dry their wet shirt with your own


	C: You may need to prepare for a fight in the car park

Question 9

You've unfortunately had that fight and are bleeding from a well-placed left hook. Which two telephone numbers can you call for an ambulance?


	A: 999 or 112


	B: 999 or 111


	C: 999 or any other digit three times

Question 10

What or who is PG (again, according to the guide)?


	A: One of the brand names for the national British drink, tea


	B: A Personal Guide, a British-born mentor provided to each immigrant applying for nationality


	C: Part of the cinema film classification system

Question 11

The British are a nation of animal lovers, says Life in the UK. What must dog owners do?


	A: Get a licence


	B: Get the dog neutered


	C: Get a collar with the owner's name and address

Question 12

Back to that pub. The police turn up with the ambulance and an officer asks you to attend an interview at the station. What are your rights?


	A: You don't have to go if you are not arrested, but if you do go voluntarily you are free to leave at any time


	B: You must go. Failure to attend an interview is an arrestable offence


	C: You must go if you are a foreign national

Question 13

What's the minimum time you must have been married before you can divorce?


	A: Six months


	B: One year


	C: Two years

Question 14

And finally, what does Life in the UK tell you it is "very important" to do when engaging a solicitor?


	A: Ask if they have a potential conflict of interest


	B: Ensure they are qualified in the area of law of concern


	C: Find out how much they charge

Press the button and see how you have done

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