Академический Документы
Профессиональный Документы
Культура Документы
Susanna Ting
DEDICATION
I dedicate this book to my family, and to everybody who mean so much to me. You know who you are...
CONTENTS
Foreword 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Migration To Britain The Changing Role Of Women Children, Family And Young People Population The Regions Of Britain Religion And Tolerance Customs And Traditions How The United Kingdom Is Governed Housing I 1 2 3 5 7 8 9 11 19 21 22 24 26 29 31 33 34 35 36 39 40 42
10 Services In And For The Home 11 Money And Credit 12 Health 13 Education 14 Leisure 15 Travel And Transport 16 Identity Documents 17 Looking For Work 18 Equal Rights And Discrimination 19 At Work 20 Working For Yourself 21 Childcare And Children At Work 12 Advice For Taking The Test
FOREWORD
When I was preparing for my own citizenship test, I found the official handbook just too long and tedious. Being a busy working mother, I just didnt have the time to memorize it from cover to cover. So I looked hard for a short and concise revision book that I could just flip through whenever I had time, but I didnt find any. Instead, all I found were even bigger tomes, packed with hundreds upon hundreds of practice questions. Thus, this book was initially written as a set of revision notes for myself to look through quickly in the few spare moments that I found during my day, and particular when waiting in the waiting room for the test. It worked very well for me, and since then it has worked for others. Hence, I decide to make it available as a book. Susanna
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1 MIGRATION TO BRITAIN
Where have migrants come from in the past and why?
After World War 2, Irish and Europeans were encouraged to come to the UK to help with the reconstruction. 1950s - shortage of labour. Migrants from West Indies, India and Pakistan came to work. 1970s - more restrictions labour migrants. Increasing refugees from Uganda, Vietnam and S.E. Asia. 1980s - immigration mainly from US, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. 1990s - increasing political and economic migration from former Soviet Union.
What are the minimum ages for buying alcohol and tobacco?
18 years old (Since 2007).
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4 POPULATION
How many people live in the countries of the UK?
In 2005 the population of the United Kingdom was 59.8 million. England (84%) 50.1 million. Scotland (8%) 5.1 million Wales (5%) 2.9 million Northern Ireland (3%) 1.7 million
What is the census and how is census data collected and used?
Count of the whole population every 10 years since 1801. The next census will take place in 2021. Form is sent to every household. Required by law to complete it. Used to identify population trends and help planning.
How many people belong to an ethnic minority and which are the largest minority groups?
8.3% of the UK population ethnic minorities: Indian - 1.1 millon (1.8% of population) Pakistani - 0.7 million (1.3%) Black Carribean 0.6 million (1%) Black African 0.5 million (0.8%) Bangladeshi - 0.3 million (0.5%) Other Asian 0.2 million (0.4%) Chinese 0.2 million (0.4%)
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Concentrations in England: London - 45% forming nearly 1/3 of the citys population West Midlands The South East The North West Yorkshire Humberside
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What languages other than English are spoken in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales?
Northern Ireland Ulster Scots and Irish Gaelic Scotland Gaelic and Scot Wales Welsh
What and when are the Patron Saints' Days of the four countries of the UK?
St Davids Day, Wales 1 March St Patricks Day, Northern Ireland 17 March St Georges Day, England 23 April St Andrews day, Scotland 30 November
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What is the Queen's official role and what ceremonial duties does she have?
Head of State. Opening each session of Parliament, dissolving Parliament before a general election, and approving Orders and Proclamations.
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How often are elections held and who forms the government?
At least every 5 years. Government is formed by the party with the largest number of MPs.
Who advises the Prime Minister and what are the main roles in the Cabinet?
The Cabinet advices the Prime Minister. The roles in the Cabinet are: Prime Minister First Lord of the Treasury Minister for the Civil Service Deputy Prime Minister Lord President of the Council First Secretary of State Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs
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Chancellor of the Exchequer Lord Chancellor Secretary of State for Justice Secretary of State for the Home Department Minister for Women and Equality Secretary of State for Defence Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change Secretary of State for Health Secretary of State for Education Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Secretary of State for Transport Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary of State for International Development Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Secretary of State for Scotland Secretary of State for Wales Secretary of State for Culture, Olympics, Media and Sport Chief Secretary to the Treasury Leader of the House of Lords Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster Minister for the Cabinet Office Paymaster General
What is the Opposition and what is the role of the Leader of the Opposition?
Second largest party in the house of commons. The role of the Leader of the Opposition is to lead in holding the government to account.
What is the civil service and how do civil servants work with government?
Civil servants who carry out government policies. Politically neutral but advises or warns if government policies are not practical.
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Scottish Parliament: Agriculture, Fisheries Forestry Economic Development Education Environment Food Standards Health Home Affairs Courts Police Fire Services Local Government Sport The Arts Transport Training
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Tourism Research Statistics Social Work Civil And Criminal Law Additional Taxes
The Scottish Parliament also has the ability to alter income tax in Scotland by up to 3 pence in the pound. Northern Ireland Assembly: Enterprise, Trade and Investment Finance & Personnel Regional Development Education Employment and Learning Environment Culture, Arts & Leisure Health, Social Services Public Safety Agriculture and Rural Development Social Development Justice
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What are the roles and powers of the main institutions of Europe?
Council of EU is governing body - made up of government ministers of each country pass laws. The Council and the EU Parliament together is the legislative body.
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The EU Commission is the civil service drafts proposals and administers funding programmes. The EU Parliament provides checks and balances against the Council and Commission.
What rights do citizens of European Union states have to travel and work?
Travel and work anywhere in the EU, subject to national security and public health restrictions.
What is the United Nations and what is Britain's role within it?
UN is a global organisation of over 190 countries aiming to prevent war and promote peace and security. Britain is one of 5 permanent members of the UN Security Council.
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9 HOUSING
How many people in the UK own their own home?
Two thirds.
What is a mortgage?
A special long term loan secured on the house used to pay for the house.
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12 HEALTH
What is the NHS?
National Health Service providing all citizens and residents with healthcare and treatment.
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13 EDUCATION
What are the ages of compulsory education?
Age 5 to 16.
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What is the role of a school governing body (or a school board in Scotland)?
Decide how a school is run and administered.
What is ESOL?
English for Speakers of Other Languages.
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14 LEISURE
What is the film classification system?
Rates films for appropriate age limits.
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How long can overseas driving licences be used for in the UK?
EU licence for as long as it is valid. Others for a maximum of 1 year.
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What are the laws covering seat belts, crash helmets and holding mobile phones whilst driving?
All car occupants must use seat belts. All motorcycle riders and passengers must wear helmets. Holding mobile phones whilst driving is illegal.
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16 IDENTITY DOCUMENTS
What identity documents are generally accepted?
Home Office document Certificate of identity National Insurance card Driving licence Gas, electricity and phone bill, rent or benefits book
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Where can people access advice on finding jobs and claiming benefits?
Jobcentre Plus.
What is a CV?
Curriculum Vitae covering details of education, qualifications, previous employment, skills and interests.
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19 AT WORK
What are the legal responsibilities of employers?
Pay employees, treat them fairly, and take reasonably care for their health and safety.
What is tax?
Payment to the Revenue and Customs from your earnings. Used to provide for government services.
How is it paid?
Usually directly by the employer to Revenue and Customs with each salary or wage payment. Self employed must pay directly.
How is it paid?
Directly from their salaries or wages whenever they are paid. Class 2 selfemployed must pay regularly or by direct-debit. Class 4 self employed pay from trading profits.
What is the State Pension age for men and for women?
Age 65 for men and age 60 for women. Women will increase to age 65 by 2020.
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What is redundancy?
Losing a job when employer no longer needs the job or cannot afford to pay for the position.
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What is the earliest legal age at which children can do paid work?
Age 13 except for performance and modelling.
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What are the limits on working hours and times for children?
At least 2 consecutive weeks a year during holidays not working. Cannot work for more than 4 hours without an hour rest. Cannot work for more than 2 hours on a school day or Sunday. Cannot work for more than 5 hours (13, 14 yrs old) or 8 hours (15, 16 yrs old) on Saturdays or weekdays during school holidays. Cannot work before 7am or after 7pm. Cannot work before close of school hours. Cannot work for more than 12 hours in a school week. Cannot work for more than 25 hours a week (13, 14) or 35 hours a week (15, 16) during school holidays.
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