This chapter describes what everyday life and culture in the UK look like today. The population is over 65 million, English is the main language, and Welsh and Gaelic are also spoken in parts of the country. Christianity is the main religion, and the calendar includes Christmas on 25 December, Bonfire Night on 5 November and Remembrance Day on 11 November, when people wear a red poppy. Pupils in England take GCSEs at 16 and A-levels at 18. You should also know writers such as Charles Dickens and Jane Austen, sports such as football, cricket and tennis at Wimbledon, and places such as Stonehenge, the Tower of London and the Giant’s Causeway.
What you'll learn
- The population, the main languages and the main religion
- The festivals and holidays in the British year and what they mark
- How schooling works and which exams pupils take at 16 and 18
- Famous writers, sports and landmarks the handbook mentions
A sample question from the bank
Question: What is celebrated on 5 November in Britain? Answer: Bonfire Night (Guy Fawkes Night).
Question: Which author wrote “Pride and Prejudice”? Answer: Jane Austen.
Frequently asked questions
Do the questions use the exact numbers from the handbook?
Yes, the test uses the handbook’s figures, so use the current edition for numbers such as the population.
Is sport really in the test?
Yes, a few questions ask about the main sports and their places, such as cricket at Lord’s or tennis at Wimbledon.