Life in the United Kingdom: A guide for new residents, 3rd Edition -Shortnotes
This online edition of the official handbook – Life in the United Kingdom: A guide for new residents” contains all the information that you need to pass the official life in the UK test.
We have created short notes of all the important facts in the book for a quick go through and revision.
This will help you clear Life in the UK test in the first attempt. You may also attempt practice tests questions which are available on our website www.testpreptraining.com
It requires an understanding of the English language at English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Entry Level 3 to read and understand the material.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1: The values and principles of the UK
This chapter covers
Fundamental rights and responsibilities which apply to everyone who lives in the UK, citizen or not.
Information about the format of the Life in the UK Test and the requirements for becoming a permanent resident.
The values and principles of the UK
Becoming a permanent resident of UK
Taking the Life in the UK test
Chapter 2: What is the UK?
In this chapter you will learn about the countries that make up the Union as well as the various phrases used to describe them. Although this chapter is very short you should make sure that you read and understand all facts presented. For instance it is very likely there will be questions about the differences between Great Britain, the British Isles and Britain, or what the Crown Dependencies are.
What is the UK?
Chapter 3: A long and illustrious history
In this chapter you will learn about British history starting from the Stone Age. The beginning focuses on arriving populations which affected the language and religions of Britain. After that the focus is on the development of the Monarchy, church and Parliament. Major battles and significant periods are covered, including the civil war, the industrial revolution and the Empire. There is a lot of information about WWI and WWII and after WWII the chapter focuses on the governments of the UK and devolution in Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland.
Make sure that you understand the relationship between the monarchy and Parliament, Protestants and Catholics and Britain and the colonies of the Empire. Think about how the right to vote developed. You should also make sure you know about each of the people described. You will need to know about the Acts of Parliament and other major events. You should make sure that you know all of the dates given in this chapter.
IN THIS CHAPTER THERE IS INFORMATION ABOUT:
- The history of early Britain
- The medieval period
- The Tudor and Stuart monarchs of the UK
- The establishment of Parliament
- The unification of the United Kingdom
- The Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution
- The Victorian Age and the British Empire
- The First World War
- The Great Depression
- The Second World War
- Britain since 1945 and the welfare state
- Great British inventions and sporting figures
- Government since the Second World War
Early Britain
The Middle Ages
The Tudors and the Stuarts
A global power
The 20th Century
Britain since 1945
Chapter 4: A modern, thriving society
IN THIS CHAPTER you will learn about the population and culture of the UK. The start of the chapter shows you where the major cities of the UK are. You should be sure you can identify the various cities, such as Leeds and Bradford, confidently. Because the UK is a multicultural country you will also have to know the sizes of the different ethnic and religious groups in the UK, as well as their main festivals.
The chapter focuses on British culture after that and you should make sure you know who each of the people described are and what they have achieved. Britain’s recent sporting success at the Olympics features heavily so focus on who won medals and for what as well as the general information about sport in the UK. Make sure you familiarise yourself with the poems, films, books and other works listed too, as well as the artists, composers, architects, authors, poets and other famous people. You should also familiarise yourself with the extracts of poems provided and be able to recognise the famous landmarks at the end of the chapter.
IN THIS CHAPTER THERE IS INFORMATION ABOUT:
- The cities and population of the UK
- Religious festivals of the UK
- Popular sports and famous sportsmen and women
- The development of music, including famous composers
- British theatre and cinema through the ages
- British artists and architects
- Famous British poets and authors
- Sections of famous British poems
- British comedy and leisure activities
- Famous British landmarks
The UK Today
Religion
Customs and traditions
Sports
Arts and culture
Leisure
Places of interest
Chapter 5: The UK Government, the law and your role
In this chapter you will learn how the UK is governed. You need to understand the Queen’s role in government and her powers. Make sure you understand how people are appointed to the two Houses of Parliament and the specific roles detailed, such as the Speaker and cabinet, and your rights to vote and stand for election. Everyone should understand the workings of the devolved administrations but pay particular attention if you are taking the test in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland.
The UK’s international role is explained through the Commonwealth, EU and others so focus on the differences between these bodies and their member countries. The chapter then explains common laws, fundamental rights, policing and the courts of the UK. Pay particular attention to this so you know the differences between the various courts and offences they deal with. Finally the chapter deals with taxation, driving and community activity.
IN THIS CHAPTER THERE IS INFORMATION ABOUT:
- Britain as a constitutional monarchy
- How Parliament works
- Elections, the government and the opposition
- Devolved administrations of the UK
- The Commonwealth, EU, UN and NATO
- British law and justice
- The courts
- Fundamental principles and rights
- Tax
- Driving
- Community work and getting involved
The UK is a parliamentary democracy with the monarch as head of state. This section will tell you about the different institutions which make up this democratic system and explain how you can play a part in the democratic process.