TEST 3

The capital city of Northern Ireland is Belfast.

April Fool’s Day, 1 April, is a day when people play jokes on each other until midday. The television and newspapers often have stories that are April Fool jokes.

Dame Ellen MacArthur (1976-) is a yachtswoman and in 2004 became the fastest person to sail around the world singlehanded.

The First World War ended at 11.00 am on 11th November 1918 with victory for Britain and its allies.

Welsh cakes are a traditional Welsh snack made from flour, dried fruits and spices, and served either hot or cold.

The London Eye is situated on the southern bank of the River Thames and is a Ferris wheel that is 443 feet (135 metres) tall.

The monarch has regular meetings with the Prime Minister and can advise, warn and encourage, but the decisions on government policies are made by the Prime Minister and cabinet.

The UK has a constitutional monarchy.

To apply to become a permanent resident or citizen of the UK, you will need to speak and read English and have a good understanding of life in the UK.

The structure of the DNA molecule was discovered in 1953 through work at British universities in London and Cambridge. This discovery contributed to many scientific advances, particularly in medicine and fighting crime. Francis Crick (1916-2004), one of those awarded the Nobel Prize for this discovery, was British.

To divorce his first wife, Henry VIII needed the approval of the Pope. When the Pope refused, Henry established the Church of England. In this new church, the king, not the Pope, would have the power to appoint bishops and order how people should worship.

The 40 days before Easter are known as Lent. It is a time when Christians take time to reflect and prepare for Easter.

The National Museum is located in Cardiff, Wales.

You will receive a fine up to £1,000 if you watch TV but do not have a TV licence.

Big Ben is the nickname for the great bell of the clock at the House of Parliament in London. The clock is over 150 years old and is a popular tourist attraction.

The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK), since 1922, comprises four constituent countries: England, Scotland, and Wales (which collectively make up Great Britain), as well as Northern Ireland (variously described as a country, province or region).

NATO is a group of European and North American countries that have agreed to help each other if they come under attack. It also aims to maintain peace between all of its members.

This procedure is used for claims of less than £10,000 in England and Wales and £3,000 in Scotland and Northern Ireland. PLEASE be aware that in some handbooks (10th impression 2016 and previous ones) it says £5,000. However according to the Official Handbook 3rd edition (11th impression 2016) it is £10,000. Due to this difference in data, it is very unlikely that this question will come up in the official exam.

During the 18th century, new ideas about politics, philosophy and science were developed. This is often called ‘the Enlightenment’.

The Magna Carta (which means the Great Charter). The Magna Carta established the idea that even the king was subject to the law. It protected the rights of the nobility and restricted the king’s power to collect taxes or to make and change laws.

The Wars of the Roses ended with the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer is responsible for the economy.

Isaac Newton studied at Cambridge University.

The National Trust, formally the National Trust for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty, is a charity and membership organisation for heritage conservation in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, there is a separate and independent National Trust for Scotland.