Life in the UK Test
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Proving knowledge of English and life in the UK

Study note

To apply to settle in the UK or to become a citizen, you must be able to speak and read English and have a good understanding of life in the UK. These two things, language and knowledge of the country, go together as part of the same requirement.

The level of English expected is set out clearly. The Life in the UK Test questions are written at the level of English for Speakers of Other Languages, known as ESOL, Entry Level 3. This level is equivalent to B1 on the Common European Framework of Reference, a scale used across Europe to describe language ability. Because the questions themselves require English at this level, sitting and passing the test can satisfy the language part by this route.

People whose English is below this standard have another option. They can take an ESOL course in English with Citizenship, which ends in a test, instead of going straight to the standard route. The key facts to remember are ESOL Entry Level 3, equal to B1, with an ESOL course as the alternative.

Memory tip: English needed = ESOL Entry Level 3, the same as B1 on the CEFR.

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Question 1 of 5

What level of English does the Life in the UK Test expect a candidate to understand?

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Show all questions and answers for Proving knowledge of English and life in the UK(5 questions with explanations)

Proving knowledge of English and life in the UK: questions, answers and explanations

  1. 1. What level of English does the Life in the UK Test expect a candidate to understand?

    • Degree level
    • No English at all
    • ESOL Entry Level 3
    • ESOL Entry Level 1

    Correct answer: ESOL Entry Level 3

    The test questions are written at ESOL Entry Level 3.

  2. 2. ESOL Entry Level 3 is equivalent to which level on the Common European Framework of Reference?

    • B1
    • A1
    • C2
    • A2

    Correct answer: B1

    ESOL Entry Level 3 is equivalent to B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference.

  3. 3. What can someone whose English is below the required standard do to meet the requirement?

    • Pay a higher fee to avoid it
    • Sit a maths test instead
    • Skip the requirement entirely
    • Take an ESOL course in English with Citizenship

    Correct answer: Take an ESOL course in English with Citizenship

    Those below ESOL Entry Level 3 can take an ESOL course in English with Citizenship, which ends in a test.

  4. 4. Select TWO things you must be able to do to apply to become a permanent resident.

    • Speak a second European language
    • Speak and read English
    • Have a good understanding of life in the UK
    • Own property

    Correct answer: Speak and read English and Have a good understanding of life in the UK

    Applicants must be able to speak and read English and understand life in the UK.

  5. 5. Because the test questions require English, candidates do not need a separate English language test to satisfy that part by this route.

    • True
    • False

    Correct answer: True

    True. The questions require understanding of English at ESOL Entry Level 3, so a separate test is not needed by this route.

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