To resent the Life in the UK test?

[MooseBreath]

I will preface this by saying I am Canadian and have lived in the UK on a variety of visas for about 10 years. At 32 years old, this is basically my entire adult life.

I am finally at a point where I can become a permanent resident and can then apply for citizenship. In order to do this, I have to take the Life in the UK test. It is scheduled for later this month and I have bought the study guide and I am preparing to take the test so that I can continue living in the country with my DH and two British children.

Some of the knowledge required is absolutely ridiculous and a massive barrier to those with learning difficulties, those who speak English as a second language, or simply aren't highly educated. For example:

True or False: In 1500 the English defeated a large French fleet of ships that intended to land an army in England.

Which TWO facts relate to the UK's national heritage?
a. There are 25 national parks in England, Scotland and Wales.
b. All national parks are run by the National Trust.
c. There are 15 national parks in England, Scotland and Wales.
d. The National Trust is a charity that maintains much land and many historic properties.

Which TWO are famous British artists?
a. Thomas Gainsborough
b. Sir John Lavery
c. Benjamin Britten
d. Graham Greene

How many years did Mary Queen of Scots spend in prison?
a. 4
b. 11
c. 30
d. 20

How is this even remotely relevant to living in the United Kingdom in the 21st century? My DH (British born and bred, University educated to PhD level, excellent job) failed the practice test.

AIBU to be so resentful of having to learn all of this information to simply continue to live with my husband and children (and pay for the privilege)? I know I didn't have to move here and I didn't have to stay, but I met my DH whilst studying abroad and this is where life has led.

C is a composer

Thank you, @ZadocPDederick !

I didn't think it was right, but couldn't be arsed to look it up.

How laughable that the people setting the questions can't even get the answers right.

What's theoddest thing is that the application requiresB1level of English, remembering back to the time I was on about that level... It totallg doesn't correspond with the level need foe the test umless you absolutely just memorise all questions and answers

"Roast beef is a traditional good"? That's not even English.

Most British people are thick and the county has an average reading age of 12 years old. Maybe they only want intelligent people to get residency.

Yes, and D is an author.

I think the confusion is that ‘artist’ can mean a broad range of genres. The question should say ‘painters’ and have a more well-known person for question B.

I just did one for my native country, majority qs are practical, some history but not going back to 1345...
What age can you vote
What's the number for ambulance
Where do you go if you lose passport
What is ombudsman's job
And so on
Then some geography of what is where like if you should show Kent on map etc

a massive barrier to those with learning difficulties, those who speak English as a second language, or simply aren't highly educated.

Well yes, that's intentional!

Is the OP annoyed at having to do a test or is she annoyed that the test contains questions that are totally irrelevant and that most British born people wouldn't know the answer to either? It's the latter of course and there's nothing entitled about suggesting those sorts of questions are totally pointless.

I think you have posted extreme examples. I have just done an online practice test and my first question was “When is Christmas Eve.” Other questions included “which is part of the UK” options Canada, Falkland Islands, Wales and St Helena. Also who is Queen Elizabeth II married to. Anyway I easily passed with 80%, so I am going to have to disagree that most British born would not pass it.

The question about Elizabeth II is a bit existential.

You're not wrong in the slightest, I'm British born and bred and I couldn't pass that stupid test without swotting up on the "textbook". Besides which most of those questions are beyond irrelevant to modern life.

You can tell it's all been concocted by a certain type of civil servant, probably ably aided and abetted by the Goves and the Smug-Moggs of the world.

Yes talked about it quite a lot before Brexit, and as I said in my post, he showed me his letter from the Home Office. My memory is not the best though, and can't remember exactly what terminology was used. You have no need to be "concerned" though about a stranger on the internet.

The OPs issue isn't really about whether or not a test should exist but rather the content and absurd nature of the questions.

I’m sure the vast majority of even highly educated Brits who’ve spent their whole lives here would be kicked out of the country if they had to do this test to remain here (me included!). It’s ridiculous.

The test is ludicrous and an embarrassment to our country. Most MPs would fail it. It is unlikely anyone would pass it without specifically cramming for it.

Even if you had never studied the Tudors or watched anything about them on TV I think most UK natives, including children, would know:

Henry VIII had six wives
Some of them were beheaded
The name of at least one - Anne Boleyn, for example.

The point of the historical questions in the test is to emulate, as far as possible, the sort of vague general knowledge facts that all UK natives carry around in their heads.

I agree that the number of UK natives who'd be able to name the wives and their fates in the correct order would be smaller, but it would be hard to teach general knowledge in the vaguer form it's often naturally acquired, so it's not unreasonable for prospective citizens to learn detailed facts for a test - they won't be retested in a year's time but at least the vague knowledge should remain in their memories, putting them on a par with natives.

That's an interesting example, because anyone who went through our schooling would know that - it's taught quite heavily and has been for some time. So "we", as a country, do consider that something that our population should know.

I don't suppose that learning what council tax is used for would be any easier to learn for people with learning difficulties or who struggle to memorise information...

Is he European?

@Tartareistasty Yes, he is.

Surely there is a way that this can be challenged..not on an individual basis but on a we as a country don't want this nonsense basis!

It's interesting how many countries have a significant history part. I was consulting for a work colleague preparing for the one at my home country and he learned it well, but failed to grasp the difference between mythical and historical events and personalities. Imagine the difference between king Arthur and King Henry II.

The UK practice test seems relatively reasonable. You don't need a 100%, and I'd expect that as a person actually living it the UK you should be able to get over 50% without any preparation, so don't get too annoyed with the most absurd questions, learn some overview of British history and move on.

You are still lucky to have only the test to worry about, without proving yourself in another language as well.

Ah that had it different to non eu. But I doubt he had no access to public funds (that's why I thought he was non eu). We had access.

The first thing that you see when googling John Lavery is that he is an Irish artist. It's the first line in his wikipedia entry too.

Which county are you referring to? Residency is not citizenship.

Its ridiculous and makes no sense. Im english but would 100% fail the test.