Customs and traditions — Life in the UK Test practice questions
These practice questions cover Customs and traditions, part of the A modern, thriving society chapter of the official handbook, Life in the United Kingdom: A Guide for New Residents. The correct answer and a clear explanation sit under every question.
Practice questions
What are bank holidays in the UK?
- Religious festivals that always involve fireworks
- ✓ Public holidays when banks and many other businesses are closed for the day — Correct answer
- Days when all pubs must stay open later
- Days when only shops close early
Bank holidays are public holidays when banks and many other businesses are closed for the day. They have no religious significance.
Which festival is held on 5 November?
- Valentine’s Day
- April Fool’s Day
- Remembrance Day
- ✓ Bonfire Night — Correct answer
Bonfire Night is on 5 November. Remembrance Day is on 11 November, Valentine’s Day is on 14 February, and April Fool’s Day is on 1 April.
What date is Father's Day in the UK?
- ✓ The third Sunday in June — Correct answer
- 14 February
- 1 January
- The Sunday three weeks before Easter
Father’s Day is the third Sunday in June. Children send cards or buy gifts for their fathers.
What is the usual date of Vaisakhi?
- ✓ 14 April — Correct answer
- 5 November
- 1 April
- 31 October
Vaisakhi is celebrated on 14 April each year. It marks the founding of the Sikh community known as the Khalsa.
What is the day before Lent starts called?
- Good Friday
- Ash Wednesday
- Easter Sunday
- ✓ Shrove Tuesday — Correct answer
The day before Lent starts is Shrove Tuesday, also called Pancake Day. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.
Which festival celebrates the end of Ramadan?
- Eid ul Adha
- ✓ Eid ul Fitr — Correct answer
- Vaisakhi
- Bonfire Night
Eid ul Fitr marks the end of Ramadan. Muslims have fasted for a month, and they thank Allah for giving them the strength to complete the fast.
What happens at 11.00 am on Remembrance Day?
- ✓ There is a two-minute silence — Correct answer
- Banks and businesses close for the day
- Fireworks are set off
- The National Lottery draw is made
At 11.00 am on Remembrance Day, there is a two-minute silence. Wreaths are also laid at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.
What does Eid ul Adha remember?
- ✓ The prophet Ibrahim being willing to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to — Correct answer
- The founding of the Sikh community known as the Khalsa
- The plan to kill the Protestant king with a bomb in the Houses of Parliament
- The end of Ramadan after a month of fasting
Eid ul Adha remembers the prophet Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to. It also reminds Muslims of their own commitment to God.