According to recent statistics, one out of every three foreigners applying for British citizenship or indefinite residency fails the Life in the UK Test. The mandatory test, which encompasses aspects of British culture, politics and society, is certainly renowned for its difficulty, requiring candidates to achieve 75% or higher to pass. Although the test can be retaken as many times as needed, at a cost of £34 it pays to pass the test first time. Below is some advice to help your succeed.
Manage your revision
As with all exams, it would be foolish to leave revision until the last minute and rely on panic or prayer to see you through. Once you have a test booked, it is sensible to create a basic timetable for study. The first thing to do is get hold of the test material and have a relaxed read through. Although there is a wealth of information to be learnt and understood, you will probably find that you knew a good deal already. The task can be quite daunting, but the material can be easily broken down into manageable chunks. Setting a clear schedule for revision will help get the ball rolling and give you motivation to continue. With five chapters of material to cover try taking each chapter a week or so at a time, taking notes of the key themes, facts and figures to build confidence. Asking a partner or friend to help quiz you, even if they aren’t taking the test, will make learning more fun and interactive. As the test date looms and your revision notes pile up, it should be time for the practice tests.
Get to know the format
The test is multiple choice, so for each question you will be offered between two and four answers to choose from. The most popular question in the test offers four potential answers to a question. Other questions will simply present a statement and require you to decide if it is true or false. Other questions will require you to select two answers from four. It is vital to read and reread the question carefully and take in exactly what it is asking. Some questions are cunningly worded, and those simply scanning the questions for key words will be caught out. Your revision should include practice questions in these different formats. Candidates should be aware that all of the answers are drawn from the most recent edition of ‘Life in the UK: A Journey to Citizenship’ and although some facts and figures given might be out of date, unless otherwise instructed, these are the answers to give. For example, if you are asked about the population of Wales don’t try and second guess or adjust your answer for 2010, give the figure you learnt from the study guide.
One cool tip for the test is to perform as many moch tests as you can find out there. The questions repeat themselves year after year. f you do around 1000 question the probability is that you will be having the test done by question 700. Meaning you will know all your actual test answers!
Where can I get these moch tests Val. I agree with you on the multiple choice way of thinking.
You can find moch tests online or go to a public library, they usually hold some examples there! Good luck Sam!
I think that the best advise to pass the UK test is to give it some dedication. You need to study first. The moch test and all the rest when you are in the actual test is useless if you don’t know the material by hard. Is not that much volume but the details are oppressing.
My honest opinion. I’m a teacher after all
Anyone needs classes?
I am agree with Val. Using Mock test is the best way to be really prepared for the test. There is higher chances for you to get the same questions with the old test.
Thanks for the tips everyone. I actually went to the public library and found some material there. The librarian told me there were a lot of people asking for the same so they requested old tests to the Border agency in London. They might get some in the next few days, very old ones.
Is there an easy readable guide out there to get through the test?