Pass the Citizenship test with 'Life in the United Kingdom: A
Journey to Citizenship' - the only official test book and study guide
edited by the Home Office and members of the Advisory Board on
Naturalisation and Integration.

Life in the United Kingdom: A Journey to Citizenship - Second Edition
(2007) is essential reading for those taking the Citizenship test or
applying for British citizenship, or those teaching English or basic skills
to refugees, immigrants or prospective applicants for British citizenship
or settlement.

It is the only official test book from the Home Office. This edition is
valid for tests from April 2007.

On 2nd April 2007, the new settlement test and revised life in the United
Kingdom citizenship test came into effect. Applicants for citizenship or
settlement (also known as 'permanent residence' or 'leave to remain') in
the United Kingdom must pass the Life in the United Kingdom citizenship
test or take the special English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
course.

If you take your test between 2nd April 2007 and 1st July 2007, you can be
tested on either the first edition or the second edition of the handbook.
When arriving at a test centre you will be asked which handbook you
studied. After 2nd July 2007, the test will only be based on the second
edition.

Key features:
- Meets requirements of the Nationality Immigration Act 2002 and updated to
reflect changes in the law;
- Includes 'Make sure you understand' boxes highlighting key learning
points as a useful study aid;
- Uses clear simple language making it easier to understand - benchmarked
to ESOL Entry Level 3, with a glossary of unusual or difficult words.

Pass the Citizenship test with "Life in the UK". This is the official Home Office test book. "Life in the UK - A Journey to Citizenship" is the only official test book and study guide - written by the Home Office Life in the UK Advisory Group, the people who set the citizenship test. It is an essential reading for those taking the Citizenship test wanting to apply for British citizenship or settlement; or, teaching English or basic skills to prospective applicants for British citizenship or settlement. On 2 April 2007, the new Settlement Test and revised Life in the UK Citizenship Test come into effect. Applicants for citizenship or settlement (also known as 'permanent residence' or 'leave to remain') in the United Kingdom must pass the test or take the special English course. Testing on the new edition of the "Life in the UK - A Journey to Citizenship" handbook will start from 2 April 2007.

2008-04-27 A necessary evil

Here it is, the cure for insomnia!

Given that one of the aims of the Life in the UK test is to test English literacy, you would think the official guide would be written in accessible English! Instead, we are handed this sloppy compilation of pointless statistics, useless abbreviations, dry facts with little context and advice that will make you slap your forehead and scowl: 'Well, OBVIOUSLY!'

A blue box pops up every so often asking the reader 'check that you understand...', but oftentimes what is listed has NOT been explained or even mentioned in what you've just finished reading. I defy anyone to explain to me the differences between the Council of Europe, the Council of the EU, the EU, the EC and the European Parliament at the best of times, but especially after reading the few paragraphs in this book!

Most sections have been plopped in at random, with lots of repitition. Then just when you get to the good bits...such as, what are my rights when dealing with the police...what are my rights as a consumer...and what IS Red Nose Day all about?? Well, by that point you no longer actually need to read any further because the test is only based on chapters 2-6!

But you'll be thankful to have read this, because trust your luck the test will quiz you on some arcane statistic - something that no other Briton would know, but which is somehow meant to be an indication that you are ready to assimilate into UK society.

It would have been far better if the book talked about cultural concepts and examples of British ideals, instead of repeating dull census figures and listing in detail when Welsh schoolchildren sit their exams. It's a shame the test does not cover any aspect of British history, literature or culture which would help someone to take pride in wanting to live here.

So read it, because you have to. Then get out there and LIVE IT!