SettledThe five chapters, in brief
The test is based on the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents (third edition). These summaries show what each chapter covers and the facts that come up most. They’re a revision aid, not a replacement for reading the handbook.
- 1. The values and principles of the UK
- 2. What is the UK?
- 3. A long and illustrious history
- 4. A modern, thriving society
- 5. The UK government, the law and your role
1. The values and principles of the UK
British society is founded on five fundamental values and principles:
- democracy
- the rule of law
- individual liberty
- tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs
- participation in community life
People who live in the UK are expected to respect and obey the law, respect the rights of others, treat others fairly, look after themselves and their family, and look after the area they live in and the environment. In return, the UK offers freedom of belief and religion, freedom of speech, freedom from unfair discrimination, a right to a fair trial and a right to join in the election of a government.
Practise this chapter: 24 questions
2. What is the UK?
The UK is made up of England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Great Britain refers only to England, Scotland and Wales. The capital cities are London, Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast.
The Channel Islands and the Isle of Man are Crown dependencies. They have a close link with the UK and the monarch, but they are not part of the UK and have their own governments. There are also several British overseas territories, such as the Falkland Islands and St Helena.
Practise this chapter: 24 questions
3. A long and illustrious history
This is the largest chapter and the source of many questions. Some key dates:
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| AD 43 | The Romans invade under Emperor Claudius and stay for about 400 years. |
| 1066 | William of Normandy defeats King Harold at the Battle of Hastings: the Norman Conquest. |
| 1215 | King John agrees to Magna Carta, which established that even the king was subject to the law. |
| 1348 | The Black Death kills about one third of the population of England. |
| 1455 | The Wars of the Roses begin, between the Houses of Lancaster (red rose) and York (white rose). |
| 1588 | The English defeat the Spanish Armada, in the reign of Elizabeth I. |
| 1642 | The Civil War begins between Charles I’s supporters (Cavaliers) and Parliament’s (Roundheads). |
| 1688 | The Glorious Revolution: William of Orange and Mary become joint rulers. |
| 1707 | The Act of Union joins England and Scotland as the Kingdom of Great Britain. |
| 1801 | Ireland is joined to Great Britain. |
| 1918 / 1928 | Women over 30 get the vote, then women aged 21 and over, the same as men. |
| 1948 | The National Health Service (NHS) begins. |
The chapter also covers the Industrial Revolution, the Victorian age and the British Empire, the two World Wars, and the changes in British society after 1945.
Practise this chapter: 24 questions
4. A modern, thriving society
This chapter covers religion, customs and traditions, sport, the arts, leisure and famous places. Each part of the UK has its own patron saint and saint’s day:
- St David, Wales: 1 March
- St Patrick, Northern Ireland: 17 March
- St George, England: 23 April
- St Andrew, Scotland: 30 November
The Union Flag combines the crosses of St George, St Andrew and St Patrick. Wales isn’t represented because it was already united with England when the first Union Flag was made. Expect questions on festivals such as Christmas, Easter, Diwali and Hogmanay, on famous sports people, writers and artists, and on landmarks across the UK.
Practise this chapter: 24 questions
5. The UK government, the law and your role
The UK is a parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch. Some key points:
- A general election must be held at least every five years. MPs are elected for each of the 650 constituencies.
- Parliament has two houses: the House of Commons and the House of Lords.
- The Scottish Parliament has 129 members (MSPs).
- The handbook says the Welsh Assembly has 60 members (AMs).
- The handbook says the Northern Ireland Assembly has 108 members (MLAs).
The chapter also explains how laws are made, the courts in each part of the UK, the police, your rights and duties, how to vote, and how to take part in your community, for example through volunteering and jury service.
Practise this chapter: 24 questions
Test yourself
Ready to check what you’ve learned? Try the free practice test or practise one chapter at a time, or look out for the Settled app, coming soon for iPhone and Android, with over 1,200 questions organised by chapter.