British Citizenship – Life In The UK Test

Preparing to gain British citizenship can be a lengthy process. There are several ways of going about it. Those who are applying for UK naturalization is the most common way to gain British citizenship.  It applies to those who were not born in the UK or have any ancestral background.  The first step is to make sure you meet the residency requirements.  Secondly, you must pass a ‘Life in the UK test‘.  Then you need to apply for citizenship.

People who are applying for  British citizenship or obtaining an indefinite leave to remain (ILR), with an ESOL 3 level should take the Life in the UK test. If your English is less than ESOL 3 then you can take combined English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and citizenship classes instead of taking the test.

Preparation

If you are not up to speed on the culture of the UK, then it is advisable to read “Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship”, 2nd Edition. There are a lot of facts and figures which you will need to learn in order to pass the exam.  There are many who have lived in the UK all their lives would find this test extremely challenging.  It is estimated that 1 in 3 people fail the test, about 30%.  A re-test costs around £34, so failing can be very expensive. It is advised that you join a practice test site to make sure you are fully prepared.

The Test

The questions can be anything from UK society, culture, law, history, government, democracy, employment issues and Europe. The computer based test lasts for 45 minutes and consists of 24  multiple choice questions, which are based on chapters 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 of ‘Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship’ book. The pass rate is 75%.  The main language for the test is English.  However, audio is allowed.  If you fail, you will have the opportunity to apply for another test, but you will have to pay the fee.

Who is Exempt?

·         If you are under 18 years old or over 65 years of age you will be exempt.

·         Those suffering from physical or mental health conditions that would affect the ability to take the test. Visual or hearing impairments are not exempt, but make sure you mention any impairments or health conditions when booking the test.

Make sure you take identification such as a passport; full or provisional UK photocard driving license; immigration status document endorsed with a UK Residence Permit, bearing a photograph of the holder; any of these Home office documents: Certificate of Identity Document, Stateless Person Document, or Convention Travel Document.  Make a note of any reference numbers if you have taken test before.

Step-by-step guide to Life in the UK Test Preparation

1.            Visit the UK border agency webpage for details on the exam and additional requirements (lifeintheuk.gov.uk).  Make sure you meet the criteria for British citizenship

2.            Book your test as it can take about two weeks. Take the test before you apply for naturalisation

3.            Read the official book – Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship (2007), 2nd Edition. Free ebook when you subscribe with citizenshiptests.co.uk

4.            Undertake unlimited online practice test questions in exam conditions at www.Citizenshiptests.co.uk

5.            Review your test feedback and analysis as a guide for further revision and practice.

6.            If you are getting at least 75% of answers (18 out of 24) correct most of the time, then you are ready for the official test, otherwise re-arrange your test date and undertake further study.

7.            Apply for settlement or submit citizenship application

Compile a list of the 12 greatest Manchester United Football Club players and managers? Can’t be done, surely. Out of so many greats, who to you include, and more importantly, exclude. Here’s my attempt. I’ve left out current players, so Giggs, Scholes etc. aren’t included (although I’m sure they will be after they retire).

• Duncan Edwards (Midfield, 1953-1958)
• Appearances: 151
• Goals: 20

Edwards joined United in June 1952 and made his debut the following year. He helped United to two league titles in 1956 and 57. He was capped by England at 18 and gained 18 caps in his short career. Tragically killed in the Munich air disaster on 21 February 1958, aged just 21. Matt Busby (Manager, 1945-1969 & 1970-1971) Busby was appointed manager of Manchester United Football Club in 1945. He led the club to four second place finishes before lifting the title in 1952. With the side aging, Busby introduced a number of youngsters who became known as the “Busby Babes”, and won the title again in 1956 and 1957. Tragically, seven of those players were killed in the Munich air disaster the following year. Busby set about building a new side including new recruits Denis Law and George Best. This team went on to win two further titles, an FA Cup and the European Cup in 1968. Busby earned a knighthood and retired from football the following year although he had a brief spell as caretaker in 1970/71.

• Bobby Charlton (Forward/Midfield, 1953-1973)
• Appearances: 759
• Goals: 249

Charlton signed for United in 1953 and would spend the next 17 years at Old Trafford. A member of the “Busby Babes” who survived the Munich air disaster, he was also a key member of the great sixties line-up featuring the classic Charlton-Best-Law axis. He won three league titles, an FA Cup and European Cup. He left United in 1973 and had spells with Preston and Waterford before retiring. He is currently a director of Manchester United Football Club.

• George Best (Forward/Winger, 1963 – 1974)
• Appearances: 470
• Goals: 179

Arguably the most talented British footballer ever, Best was a winger with pace, balance, and sublime dribbling skills. He made his debut for United in 1963 aged just 17 and the following year won the League title. Another title followed in 1967, and in 1968 he helped United win the European Cup. Best was United’s top scorer for six consecutive seasons, but his extravagant lifestyle, and problems with alcoholism, curtailed his career. He left United in 1974, aged 27, and never attained such heights again.

• Denis Law (Striker, 1962-1973)
• Appearances: 404
• Goals: 237

Signed from Torino in 1962, Law spent 11 years at the club making 404 appearances and scoring 237 times. As the third member of the famed Charlton-Best-Law axis, he was instrumental in United’s 1965 and 1967 league triumphs, but missed the European Cup win due to injury. He left United for Manchester City in 1973, and famously scored the goal which relegated United in 1974.

• Bryan Robson (Midfield, 1981-1994)
• Appearances: 461
• Goals: 98

Robson overcame a catalogue of serious injuries during his career to establish himself as one of all time greats of Manchester United Football Club. Joined United from West Brom in 1981 and went on to lead the club to three FA Cups, a League Cup, and the European Cup Winner’s Cup. In 1992/93, he played 15 games in United’s title winnning season to finally gain a coveted league winners medal. Joined Middlesbrough as player/manager in 1994.

• Steve Bruce (Defender, 1987-1996)
• Appearances: 414
• Goals: 51

Bruce’s partnership with Gary Pallister was the foundation of the side that won the title in 1993, 1994 and 1996. Signed from Norwich in 1987, he was appointed club captain in 1991. In addition to the league triumphs he helped United to 3 FA Cups, the Cup Winners Cup, and the League Cup. Despite his success with United, he never won a full England cap. Joined Birmingham City in 1996 and later moved into management.

• Mark Hughes (Striker, 1980–1986 & 1988-1995)
• Appearances: 466
• Goals: 164

Powerful striker with a knack for scoring spectacular goals. Joined the club in 1980 and made his debut in 1983. In 1985, he helped United to an FA Cup triumph over Everton. He was surprisingly sold to Barcelona in 1986, and had a brief spell at Bayern Munich before returning to Old Trafford in 1988. His second spell at United saw him win 2 league titles, 2 FA Cups, the League Cup and the Cup Winners Cup. He joined Chelsea in 1995 and won 3 major trophies with the Blues before spells at Southampton, Everton and Blackburn. Currently Manchester City manager.

• Eric Cantona (Striker, 1992-1997)
• Appearances: 143
• Goals: 84

Won the title with Leeds before he moved to Old Trafford, and quickly established himself as a firm crowd favourite. During his five years at the club United won four league titles including two league and cup doubles Cantona retired from football in 1997, and currently works as an actor. In 2001, he was voted Manchester United Football Club “player of the century”.

• Peter Schmeichel (Goalkeeper, 1991-1999)
• Appearances: 296

Schmeichel signed from Bronby in 1991, and spent eight years at United, winning five league titles, three FA Cups, the League Cup, and the UEFA Champions League. In 1992, he won the European Championship with Denmark, and in ’92 and ’93, he was voted “World’s Best Goalkeeper”. Schmeichel left United for Sporting Lisbon in 1999. He later returned to England for brief spells at Aston Villa and Manchester City.

• Roy Keane (Midfield, 1993-2005)
• Appearances: 480
• Goals: 51

Keane signed from Nottingham Forest in 1993 and was club captain from 1997 until his departure in 2005. His tenure coincided with the greatest period of success in United’s history during which they won 7 league titles, 4 FA Cups and the UEFA Champions League. Keane was involved in a number of controversies during his United career including run-ins with the board and criticism of his fellow players. None-the-less, he remains the most successful captain in the history of Manchester United Football Club.

• Christiano Ronaldo (Winger/Striker 2003-2009)
• Appearances:196
• Goals:84

Joined United as a precocious teenager in 2000, and soon won the crowd over with his extravagant stepovers and deadly free kicks. Twice footballer of the year in England he was also named European and World footballer of the year in 2008. He won three Premier League titles, the FA Cup, two League Cups and the Champions League with United, before moving to Real Madrid in 2009 for a world record £80 million. Alex Ferguson (Manager, 1986-present) The most successful manager in the history of English football, Ferguson joined United from Aberdeen in 1986. His early years were hardly distinguished and it is thought that he was on the verge of being fired in 1990. However, United won the FA Cup that year and thereafter embarked on the most successful era in the club’s history, winning 11 league titles, 5 FA Cups, 3 League Cups, the Cup Winners Cup, and two UEFA Champions leagues. Ferguson was knighted for his services to football in 1999.

The sun may have set on the English Empire of history books, but by no means is England’s worldly cultural influence waning. The cosmopolitan hot-spots of sophisticated London and avant-garde Manchester speak to the global future while the Roman remnants in Bath and Celtic heritage at Stonehenge stand as monumental tributes to a time past but not forgotten.

Experience England – Culinary Intrigue

The Brits may not traditionally be known, or even praised, for their gastronomic heritage; however, England has recently experienced a culinary renaissance of sorts and can proudly boast 14 of the world’s top 50 restaurants. Erase thoughts of porridge and stodge – the British dining experience has abandoned its starchy past and embarked on a journey through multicultural and international cuisine, particularly in the South. England’s colonial history comes forth in London’s exquisite choice of Indian restaurants. Despite this new food wave, make sure not to pass on the Yorkshire pudding and Beef Wellington when traveling through the North, which offers exceptional renditions of more traditional dishes.

From London to Land’s End

Upon arrival in the English region of this massive island, it is important to include travel outside of London for the full British experience. England’s most southwestern tip of Cornwall is home to the legendary sea-cliffs below Penzance and the dramatic peninsula of Land’s End where a 25 mile trail will take you along some of the most beautiful stretches of ocean. Cornwall is also known for its architectural landmarks, including Cotehele, a most impressive Tudor mansion and museum along the river Tamar. Travel northeast to encounter ancient towns nestled in the picturesque countryside of The Cotswolds. This region is extremely popular for a glimpse into the idyllic English lifestyle with its 14th century stone and thatched roof cottages and cobblestone alleys. Keep in mind that the southern regions are heavily traveled in the months of July and August by locals and foreigners alike due to the warmer weather.

Farther north, the ancient spa town of Bath is famous for the 2000 year-old Roman bathhouses, which are still open to the public, in addition to Saxon ruins and the history of local Christianity told by the Heritage Vaults. Shakespeare buffs should not miss Stratford-upon-Avon, his home town located in the Midlands. Shakespeare and his family are buried at the Holy Trinity Church in the heart of town. While visiting the most northern regions, travel through York to see Europe’s largest Gothic cathedral, York Minster, and walk along the immaculately preserved medieval street of The Shambles. Even more enchanting are the still-standing city walls that enclose a magical mix of history and modernity in a city that was once the Danish capital of Viking England.

A Region of Global Heritage

Aside from England’s ancient history, no other nation has had such a hand in human progress in the modern era. At one time the English Empire encompassed stretches of the globe from Australia and India to Canada and America. England helped push the world stage into Industrial Revolution; the Midlands are home to the world’s first industrial cities. The land of Chaucer, Shakespeare and Dickens, Saxons, Celts and Normans, is an intriguing and essential journey for anyone interested in the formation of contemporary global culture.