Could you pass the British citizenship test?
After announcing their engagement, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle confirmed that they will be moving into their “cozy” Nottingham Cottage on the grounds of Kensington Palace within the next few months. However, if she plans to stay in the palace forever (and who wouldn't?!) the American actress, who was born in Los Angeles, must become a naturalised citizen of the United Kingdom and pass a British citizenship test in order to do so.
In the couple’s joint interview with BBC’s Mishal Husain on Monday, Meghan said that she and Harry have never been apart for more than two weeks. This likely means that she has spent a lot of time across the pond, but is it enough for her to be all caught up on British history, politics and current events?
According to the U.K. government’s website, any adult over the age of 18 who has a spouse that is a British citizen is eligible to take the “Life in the U.K. Test” - if they meet some of the following qualifications like being of sound mind (check) and good character (double check).
ABC reports that the test focuses on events and people who have contributed to making Britain great. “This includes writers like William Shakespeare and Robert Burns, the great scientists Isaac Newton and Alexander Fleming, engineers and industrialists like Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Richard Arkwright and politicians including Winston Churchill and Clement Attlee," a statement on the U.K. Home Office's website says. So, Spice Girls trivia doesn’t count.
There are a few online practice tests, meant to simulate the actual test, which consists of 24 multiple choice questions and must be completed within 45 minutes. A score of 75 percent or higher is considered passing.
Here are a few sample questions. Would you pass the test?
1. What is the capital city of the United Kingdom?
a) Newcastle.
b) London.
c) Oxford.
d) Cambridge.
2. The United Kingdom offers to its residents or citizens," freedom of belief and religion, freedom of speech, freedom from unfair discrimination, a right to a fair trial, a right to join in the election of a government":
a) True.
b) False.
3. Members of the armed forces are allowed to stand for public office in the United Kingdom:
a) True.
b) False.
4. What is the name of the group of British artists who painted detailed pictures on religious or literary themes using bright colors in the 19th century?
a) The pre-Raphaelites.
b) The Surrealists.
a) The Dadaists.
c) The Gothics.
5. How old must British people be in order to apply for a free TV license?
a) 60 years old.
b) 70 years old.
c) 75 years old.
d) 65 years old.
6. In the British Houses of Parliament, who is responsible for keeping order during political debates and making sure the rules are followed?
a) A senior judge.
b) The Queen.
c) The Prime Minister.
d) The Speaker of the House.
7. When did the First World War come to an end?
a) 11th of November 1918.
b) 10th of November 1918.
c) 11th of November 1916.
d) 13th of November 1916.
8. When do British people celebrate Boxing Day?
a) December 30th.
b) December 26th.
c) December 24th.
d) January 1st.
9. Which of Henry VIII's wives was executed at the Tower of London?
a) Catherine Parr.
b) Anne of Cleves.
c) Anne Boleyn.
d) Jane Seymour.
10. For what reason was Dolly the sheep famous?
a) She was the first sheep in space.
b) She was the first cloned mammal.
c) She was born with two heads.
d) She was the longest living sheep in the UK.
11. How many people died in the United Kingdom as a result of the Black Death?
a) 47% of the population.
b) 33% of the population.
c) 15% of the population.
d) 7% of the population.
12. How old do you need to be in the United Kingdom to buy alcohol in a pub or nightclub?
a) 17 years old (or older).
b) 18 years old (or older).
c) 21 years old (or older).
d) 25 years old (or older).
13. What is an allotment?
a) A tool with a sharp-edged used for digging or cutting earth.
b) A piece of land where Celts buried their dead.
c) A cylindrical container to cook used in medieval times.
d) A rented piece of land where people can grow fruit and vegetables.
It also costs £50 (around $67) to take the quiz, but I'm sure Meghan will be able to find that sort of cash lying around the Palace somewhere...
Correct answers listed here: 1) b; 2) a; 3) b; 4) a; 5) c; 6) d; 7) a; 8) b; 9) c; 10) b; 11) b; 12) b; 13) d.
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