Tag Archives: Citizenship

Test yourself on the new British Immigration exam

20 Replies

My ‘sensational’ post Am I British enough? published on Jan 1 this year is the most read post on my blog. I lamented that I needed to pass the Life in the UK immigration test if I were to apply for British citizenship.

Am I British enough?

Click to read my post: Am I British enough?

The Telegraph reported today that Theresa May, the Home Secretary, “has torn up the 2007 edition’s section on New Labour, swept away guides to immigrants’ rights and put a new focus on what it means to be British.” The new test from March will focus on British values, culture and history, as well as the success of Olympic heroes at London 2012.

I know you are fascinated and you can’t wait to do the test. I’ve copied the 10 questions from Can you pass the British immigration exam? from The Telegraph over here, so that you can have a go.

Remember: Applicants for British citizenship will be expected to answer 75% of 24 questions correctly. Do not cheat.

Q.1
Which landmark is a prehistoric monument which still stands in the English county of Wiltshire?
  •  Stonehenge
  •  Hadrian’s Wall
  •  Offa’s Dyke
  •  Fountains Abbey
Q.2
What is the name of the admiral who died in a sea battle in 1805 and has a monument in Trafalgar Square, London?
  •  Cook
  •  Drake
  •  Nelson
  •  Raleigh
Q.3
In 1801, a new version of the official flag of the United Kingdom was created. What is it often called?
  •  The British Standard
  •  The Royal Banner
  •  The St George Cross
  •  The Union Jack
Q.4
Who is the patron saint of Scotland?
  •  St Andrew
  •  St David
  •  St George
  •  St Patrick
Q.5
What flower is traditionally worn by people on Remembrance Day?
  •  Poppy
  •  Lily
  •  Daffodil
  •  Iris
Q.6
Which of these sporting events was hosted in London in 2012?
  •  The Commonwealth Games
  •  The Cricket World Cup
  •  The European Football Championship
  •  The Paralympic Games
Q.7
At her jubilee in 2012, how many years as queen did Queen Elizabeth II celebrate?
  •  25
  •  40
  •  50
  •  60
Q.8
The second largest party in the House of Commons is known by what name?
  •  The senate
  •  The Opposition
  •  The Lords
  •  The other side
Q.9
From what age can you be asked to serve on a jury?
  •  16
  •  18
  •  21
  •  25
Q.10
What is the title given to the person who chairs the debates in the House of Commons?
  •  The chairman
  •  The Speaker
  •  The leader of the House
  •  The prime minister

Quiz Completed. See answers below:

My Malaysian passport states that I'm banned from visiting Israel.

Am I British enough?

71 Replies

I’ve been slightly troubled lately about a personal issue. After some considerations, I’ve decided to share it with you here.

At the dawn of new year, I’ve begun to seriously wonder if I should become a British citizen, after living in England for nearly 16 years.

Many people who have known me are surprised that I’m still not British. I’m a proud Malaysian and I was born and bred there, until I went abroad to study at the university. I’ve now spent many more years abroad than in Malaysia. To many, to gain a western passport is a glory, an achievement in itself. I’ve never thought that way, however. I stubbornly feel that your passport is the statement of your identity, representing your root, your past, and, your dreams. It’s never crossed my mind that I need to ‘upgrade’ myself to become British.

I’m also a proud resident here in the UK. I have a respectable job as an academic, I pay tax, I drink English tea and I can describe the English rain using different words, such as spitting, drizzle, chucking it down, pelting down, bucketing down, spot of rain, soft rain, hard rain, shower, deluge …….

More than just rain

More than just rain

I’ve tried to be logical in my analysis. Are there any obvious advantages of becoming a British citizen for me? As a Commonwealth citizen, I have the right to vote at the UK general elections. Without being a British citizen, I have already voted a few times in both general and local elections.

In early 2011, I was surprised to be called by Her Majesty to perform the jury service. In spring 2011, I performed my 2-week duty in a distinguished Crown Court as a juror. I remember vividly I spent a whole week gazing adoringly at the young, dashing attorney who spoke posh upper-class English. Even his wig looked cute. And his client won of course. It was a tremendous honour and I would say my jury service was definitely the highlight of my life in this country. I wouldn’t mind being called again.

I was called to be a juror in a Crown Court in 2011

I was called to be a juror in a Crown Court in 2011.

Without being a British citizen, I can vote, become a jury, have equal rights at work. Why change? Continue reading →