A new version of the UK citizenship test, with a greater focus on history, has been recently announced by the Home Office.
The test will have more questions on British culture, history and traditions. The Life in the UK handbook, described by the Home Office as “essential reading” for migrants sitting the new test, has been updated.
Out go politically correct sections on how to complain about being arrested and “mundane information about water meters”, and in come “the events and people who have helped make Britain a great place to live”, ministers said.
While some historical information was included in the old handbook, there was less focus on history, the Home Office argues.
Christopher McGovern, director of the History Curriculum Association, reflects that the old test was too focused on access to welfare provision, such as free prescriptions, free legal advice, free healthcare and free training opportunities. Whereas the new focus on the identity, history and culture of Britain, will help migrants to integrate more successfully, he believes.
Similarly historian Andrew Roberts believes it will help people appreciate "the long and splendid history of Britain".
But Iain Aitch, author of We're British, Innit!, says while learning about history may be useful, it would be more relevant to learn what rhubarb or mushy peas are, as well as pub etiquette - like the custom of ordering a round of drinks in a bar.
"Britishness is something that comes with time. You learn to queue, not complain about your poor lunch and to be able to talk about the weather at length without saying much at all. Some things are nuanced and not really testable," adds Aitch.
Applicants for British citizenship will be expected to answer 75% of 24 questions correctly, based on material in the new guide.
Test yourself here.
The test will have more questions on British culture, history and traditions. The Life in the UK handbook, described by the Home Office as “essential reading” for migrants sitting the new test, has been updated.
Out go politically correct sections on how to complain about being arrested and “mundane information about water meters”, and in come “the events and people who have helped make Britain a great place to live”, ministers said.
While some historical information was included in the old handbook, there was less focus on history, the Home Office argues.
Christopher McGovern, director of the History Curriculum Association, reflects that the old test was too focused on access to welfare provision, such as free prescriptions, free legal advice, free healthcare and free training opportunities. Whereas the new focus on the identity, history and culture of Britain, will help migrants to integrate more successfully, he believes.
Similarly historian Andrew Roberts believes it will help people appreciate "the long and splendid history of Britain".
But Iain Aitch, author of We're British, Innit!, says while learning about history may be useful, it would be more relevant to learn what rhubarb or mushy peas are, as well as pub etiquette - like the custom of ordering a round of drinks in a bar.
"Britishness is something that comes with time. You learn to queue, not complain about your poor lunch and to be able to talk about the weather at length without saying much at all. Some things are nuanced and not really testable," adds Aitch.
Applicants for British citizenship will be expected to answer 75% of 24 questions correctly, based on material in the new guide.
Test yourself here.
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