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

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Question 1
Life in the UK says to be British means you should...
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A: "Respect laws, the elected political structures, traditional values of mutual tolerance and respect for rights and mutual concern."
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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."
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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."
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Question 2
Almost 60m people live in the UK. By what factor do the native-born English outnumber their Scots or Welsh neighbours?
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A: By nine to one
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B: By seven to one
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C: By six to one
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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?
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A: The Mappa Mundi
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B: The Magna Carta
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C: The Bill of Rights
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Question 4
When did all 18-year-olds get the vote?
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A: 1918
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B: 1928
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C: 1969
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Question 5
There are four national saints' days in the UK, one for each nation. Which order do they fall in the calendar?
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A: St Andrews, St Patrick's, St David's and St George's
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B: St David's, St Patrick's, St George's and St Andrews
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C: St George's, St Patrick's, St Andrews and St David's
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Question 6
According to Life in the UK, where does Father Christmas come from?
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A: Lapland
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B: Iceland
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C: The North Pole
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Question 7
According to the book, where does the myth of Father Christmas come from?
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A: The Victorians
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B: Pagan myths updated by Shakespeare
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C: German/Swedish immigrants to the USA
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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?
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A: You would offer to buy the person another pint
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B: You would offer to dry their wet shirt with your own
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C: You may need to prepare for a fight in the car park
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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?
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A: 999 or 112
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B: 999 or 111
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C: 999 or any other digit three times
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Question 10
What or who is PG (again, according to the guide)?
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A: One of the brand names for the national British drink, tea
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B: A Personal Guide, a British-born mentor provided to each immigrant applying for nationality
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C: Part of the cinema film classification system
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Question 11
The British are a nation of animal lovers, says Life in the UK. What must dog owners do?
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A: Get a licence
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B: Get the dog neutered
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C: Get a collar with the owner's name and address
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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?
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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
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B: You must go. Failure to attend an interview is an arrestable offence
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C: You must go if you are a foreign national
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Question 13
What's the minimum time you must have been married before you can divorce?
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A: Six months
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B: One year
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C: Two years
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Question 14
And finally, what does Life in the UK tell you it is "very important" to do when engaging a solicitor?
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A: Ask if they have a potential conflict of interest
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B: Ensure they are qualified in the area of law of concern
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C: Find out how much they charge

 Press the button and see how you have done




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