A modern, thriving society (Part 4)

1. Who was the British scientist who was awarded the Nobel prize for the discovery of the structure of the DNA molecule?

• James Goodfellow
• John Macleod
• Francis Crick
• Alan Turing

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.

2. Who wrote about their experiences in the First World War?

• Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon
• Elizabeth and Robert Browning
• Lord Byron and John Masefield
• Wilfred Owen and William Blake

Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon - were inspired to write about their experiences in the First World War.

3. When was the famous satirical magazine 'Punch' published?

• 1840s
• 1820s
• 1860s
• 1880s

In the 19th century, satirical magazines began to be published. The most famous was 'Punch', which was published for the first time in the 1840s. Today, political cartoons continue to be published in newspapers, and magazines such as Private Eye continue the tradition of satire.

4. Which TWO describe the Wimbledon Championships?

• Only 'Grand Slam' event played on grass
• Only tennis tournament that Andy Murray won
• Only 'Major' tournament held outside the US
• Oldest tennis tournament in the world

Modern tennis evolved in England in the late 19th century. The first tennis club was founded in Leamington Spa in 1872. The most famous tournament hosted in Britain is The Wimbledon Championships, which takes place each year at the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club. It is the oldest tennis tournament in the world and the only 'Grand Slam' event played on grass.

5. Where is the Royal Crescent is located?

• Portsmouth
• London
• Bath
• Edinburgh

In the 18th century, simpler designs became popular. The Scottish architect Robert Adam influenced the development of architecture in the UK, Europe and America. He designed the inside decoration as well as the building itself in great houses such as Dumfries House in Scotland. His ideas influenced architects in cities such as Bath, where the Royal Crescent was built.

6. The Mousetrap','Jesus Christ Superstar' and 'Evita' are examples of British what?

• Art
• Music
• Theatre
• Films

They are examples of theatre plays.

7. The Lake District is the largest national park in Scotland

• True
• False

The Lake District is England's largest national park. It covers 885 square miles (2,292 square kilometres). It is famous for its lakes and mountains and is very popular with climbers, walkers and sailors. The biggest stretch of water is Windermere. In 2007, television viewers voted Wastwater as Britain's favourite view.

8. Where is the Eden Project located?

• Cornwall
• Dorset
• London
• Liverpool

The Eden Project is located in Cornwall, in the south west of England. Its biomes, which are like giant greenhouses, house plants from all over the world. The Eden Project is also a charity which runs environmental and social projects internationally.

9. When is St George's Day?

• 30th November
• 17th March
• 23rd April
• 1st March

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have a national saint, called a patron saint. Each saint has a special day: 1 March: St David's Day, Wales;17 March: St Patrick's Day, Northern Ireland; 23 April: St George's Day, England; 30 November: St Andrew's Day, Scotland.

10. Where does the Grand National takes place?

• Near Manchester
• Near London
• Near Suffolk
• Near Liverpool

There are racecourses all over the UK. Famous horse-racing events include: Royal Ascot, a five-day race meeting in Berkshire attended by members of the Royal Family; the Grand National at Aintree near Liverpool; and the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. There is a National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket, Suffolk.

11. How many ski centres are there in Scotland?

• 1
• 2
• 5
• 13

Skiing is increasingly popular in the UK. Many people go abroad to ski and there are also dry ski slopes throughout the UK. Skiing on snow may also be possible during the winter. There are five ski centres in Scotland, as well as Europe's longest dry ski slope near Edinburgh.

12. Hanukkah is celebrated to remember the Jews' struggle for religious freedom and it is in November or December for how many days?

• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9

Hanukkah is in November or December and is celebrated for eight days. It is to remember the Jews' struggle for religious freedom. On each day of the festival a candle is lit on a stand of eight candles (called a menorah) to remember the story of the festival, where oil that should have lasted only a day did so for eight.

13. Which film or film franchise produced in UK has been the biggest gross earner?

• Lord of the rings
• James Bond
• Matrix
• Charlie Chaplin

Many of the films now produced in the UK are made by foreign companies, using British expertise. Some of the most commercially successful films of all time, including the two highest-grossing film franchises (Harry Potter and James Bond), have been produced in the UK.

14. In 1998, what was the estimated population of the UK?

• 75 million
• 42 million
• 57 million
• 62 million

(1951, 50 million), (1998, 57 million), (2005, Just under 60 million), (2010, Just over 62 million)

15. Sir Kingsley Amis was a famous English novelist and poet who wrote more than 20 novels, including 'Lucky Jim'

• True
• False

Sir Kingsley Amis (1922-95) was an English novelist and poet. He wrote more than 20 novels. The most well-known is Lucky Jim.

16. What country is Swansea in?

• Wales
• England
• Scotland
• Northern Ireland

Swansea is a Welsh city.

17. Where does the Fringe take place?

• Edinburgh
• London
• Liverpool
• Newcastle

The Edinburgh Festival takes place in Edinburgh, Scotland, every summer. The most well-known is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, also known as the Fringe.

18. What was the population of the UK in 1998?

• 57 million
• 60 million
• 50 million
• 40 million

Population growth in the UK (Year, Population): (1600, Just over 4 million), (1700, 5 million), (1801, 8 million), (1851, 20 million), (1901, 40 million), (1951, 50 million), (1998, 57 million), (2005, Just under 60 million), (2010, Just over 62 million).

19. When did motor-car racing start in the UK?

• 1896
• 1899
• 1902
• 1930s

Motor-car racing in the UK started in 1902. The UK continues to be a world leader in the development and manufacture of motor-sport technology. A Formula 1 Grand Prix event is held in the UK each year and a number of British Grand Prix drivers have won the Formula 1 World Championship. Recent British winners include Damon Hill, Lewis Hamilton and Jenson Button.

20. What is the capital of Northern Ireland?

• Belfast
• London
• Edinburgh
• Cardiff

Belfast is the capital city of Northern Ireland.

21. Sir Ian Botham is famous for his achievements in which sport?

• Cricket
• Football
• Rugby
• Cycling

Sir Ian Botham (1955-) captained the English cricket team and holds a number of English Test cricket records, both for batting and for bowling.

22. Who governs the Church of Scotland?

• Ministers and elders
• The Pope
• Local Authorities
• The Archbishop of Canterbury

In Scotland, the national Church is the Church of Scotland, which is a Presbyterian Church. It is governed by ministers and elders. The chairperson of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is the Moderator, who is appointed for one year only and often speaks on behalf of that Church.

23. What is the day before Lent called?

• Easter Monday
• Pancake Day
• Shrove Monday
• Ash Wednesday

The 40 days before Easter are known as Lent. The day before Lent starts is called Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day.

24. Who was John Constable?

• An important contributor to the 'pop art' movement of the 1960s
• A Welsh artist, best known for his engravings and stained glass
• A very successful Northern Irish portrait painter
• A landscape painter, most famous for his works of Dedham Vale on the Suffolk-Essex border in the East of England

John Constable (1776-1837) was a landscape painter most famous for his works of Dedham Vale on the Suffolk, Essex border in the east of England.

25. Ralph Vaughan Williams was strongly influenced by traditional English folk music

• True
• False

Ralph Vaughan Williams (1872-1958) wrote music for orchestras and choirs. He was strongly influenced by traditional English folk music.

26. What food is traditionally associated with Wales?

• Roast beef, which is served with potatoes, vegetables, Yorkshire puddings
• Haggis
• Ulster fry
• Welsh cakes

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

27. Which river banks the London eye?

• Thames
• Severn
• Trent
• Wye

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. It was originally built as part of the UK's celebration of the new millennium and continues to be an important part of New Year celebrations.

28. Eid ul Adha remembers that the prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to

• True
• False

Eid ul Adha remembers that the prophet Ibrahim was willing to sacrifice his son when God ordered him to. It reminds Muslims of their own commitment to God. Many Muslims sacrifice an animal to eat during this festival. In Britain this has to be done in a slaughterhouse.

29. England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have a national saint, called a patron saint

• True
• False

England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland each have a national saint, called a patron saint. Each saint has a special day: 1 March: St David's Day, Wales;17 March: St Patrick's Day, Northern Ireland; 23 April: St George's Day, England; 30 November: St Andrew's Day, Scotland.

30. The UK has hosted the Olympic Games three times. When did the UK host the games in the 20th century? (Choose TWO)

• 1908
• 1916
• 1928
• 1948

The UK has hosted the Olympic Games on three occasions: 1908, 1948 and 2012. The main Olympic site for the 2012 Games was in Stratford, East London. The British team was very successful, across a wide range of Olympic sports, finishing third in the medal table.

31. People over 70 can apply for a free TV licence and blind people can get a 75% discount

• True
• False

People over 75 can apply for a free TV licence and blind people can get a 50% discount. You will receive a fine of up to £1,000 if you watch TV but do not have a TV licence.

32. A 60 second silence is observed on the Remembrance Day

• True
• False

Remembrance Day, 11 November, commemorates those who died fighting for the UK and its allies. Originally it commemorated the dead of the First World War, which ended on 11 November 1918. People wear poppies (the red flower found on the battlefields of the First World War). At 11.00 am there is a two-minute silence and wreaths are laid at the Cenotaph in Whitehall, London.

33. What % of the UK population does Wales account for?

• 1
• 2
• 5
• 10

As per 2021 census, the UK population at mid-year was estimated to be 67.0 million, an increase of 3.7 million (5.9%) on the population in mid-2011. Wales accounted for 3,064,000 people - just above 4.5% of the UK population.

34. As per 2021 census, what percentage of the population in England and Wales doesn't follow a religion?

• 21%
• 14%
• 37%
• 6%

The 2021 Census results released so far show 37% of people in England and Wales (from a total sampled 60 million) stated not to follow any religion. 46% of people identified themselves as Christian. Much smaller proportions identified themselves as Hindu (2%), Sikh (1%), Jewish or Buddhist (both around 0.5%), while 0.5% of people followed another religion.

35. Which of the following is correct?

• England makes up 83% of the total population
• Scotland makes up 8% of the total population
• Wales makes up 6% of the total population
• Northern Ireland makes up 4% of the total population

The population is very unequally distributed over the four parts of the UK. England more or less consistently makes up 84% of the total population, Wales around 5%, Scotland just over 8% and Northern Ireland less than 3%.

36. Which TWO are used in making an Ulster fry?

• Bacon
• Sausage
• Beef
• Oatmeal

Ulster fry - a fried meal with bacon, eggs, sausage, black pudding, white pudding, tomatoes, mushrooms, soda bread and potato bread.

37. Who of the following is associated with the Bonfire Night?

• Guy Fawkes
• Ian Fleming
• Roger Bannister
• Napoleon

Bonfire Night, 5 November, is an occasion when people in Great Britain set off fireworks at home or in special displays. The origin of this celebration was an event in 1605, when a group of Catholics led by Guy Fawkes failed in their plan to kill the Protestant king with a bomb in the Houses of Parliament.

38. What do you require by law to watch TV using any medium?

• A valid TV licence
• A TV
• The Internet
• An Antenna

If you watch or record live TV programmes on any channel, or download or watch BBC programmes on BBC iPlayer on any digital devices, you need to be covered by a TV Licence.

39. Which TWO religions celebrate Diwali?

• Hindu
• Sikh
• Buddhism
• Islam

Diwali normally falls in October or November and lasts for five days. It is often called the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated by Hindus and Sikhs. It celebrates the victory of good over evil and the gaining of knowledge. There are different stories about how the festival came about. There is a famous celebration of Diwali in Leicester.

40. What percentage of the total UK population lives in Wales?

• 5%
• 10%
• 20%
• 1%

UK population is very unequally distributed over the four parts of the UK. Wales makes around 5%.

41. Dame Ellen MacArthur is famous for her achievements in which sport?

• Athletics
• Cycling
• Sailing
• Swimming

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

42. When were films first shown publicly in the UK?

• 1890
• 1896
• 1901
• 1906

Films were first shown publicly in the UK in 1896 and film screenings very quickly became popular

43. Which flower is associated with Northern Ireland?

• Rose
• Thistle
• Daffodil
• Shamrock

Shamrock is associated with Northern Ireland

44. Where does the Scottish Grand National take place?

• Ayr
• Aintree
• Berkshire
• The borders

Famous horse-racing events include: Royal Ascot, a five-day race meeting in Berkshire attended by members of the Royal Family; the Grand National at Aintree near Liverpool; and the Scottish Grand National at Ayr. There is a National Horseracing Museum in Newmarket, Suffolk.

45. What is the most famous rugby tournament?

• The Six Nations Championship
• The Wimbledon Championship
• The Super Bowl
• Royal Ascot

The most famous rugby union competition is the Six Nations Championship between England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, France and Italy. The Super League is the most well-known rugby league (club) competition.

46. When were films first shown in the UK?

• 1896
• 1901
• 1902
• 1894

Films were first shown publicly in the UK in 1896 and film screenings very quickly became popular.

47. Which of these TWO is correct about Halloween?

• It is an ancient festival and has roots in the pagan festival to mark the beginning of winter
• It is when lovers exchange cards and gifts
• It is celebrated on the 31 October
• It is not celebrated in Scotland

Halloween, 31 October, is an ancient festival and has roots in the pagan festival to mark the beginning of winter. Young people will often dress up in frightening costumes to play 'trick or treat'. People give them treats to stop them playing tricks on them. A lot of people carve lanterns out of pumpkins and put a candle inside.

48. What yearly event happens between Oxford and Cambridge Universities?

• A Rowing Race
• A Game of Football
• A Tennis Match
• A game of Basketball

Rowing is also popular, both as a leisure activity and as a competitive sport. There is a popular yearly race on the Thames between Oxford and Cambridge Universities.

49. The chairperson of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is the Moderator, who is appointed for the whole lifetime to speak on behalf of that Church.

• True
• False

In Scotland, the national Church is the Church of Scotland, which is a Presbyterian Church. It is governed by ministers and elders. The chairperson of the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland is the Moderator, who is appointed for one year only and often speaks on behalf of that Church.

50. Which TWO are famous British fashion designers?

• Mary Quant
• Robert Adam
• Alexander McQueen
• Isambard Kingdom Brunel

Britain has produced many great designers, from Thomas Chippendale (who designed furniture in the 18th century) to Clarice Cliff (who designed Art Deco ceramics) to Sir Terence Conran (a 20th-century interior designer). Leading fashion designers of recent years include Mary Quant, Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood.

51. Which organization looks after the Edinburgh Castle?

• Historic Scotland
• The National Trust
• The Red Cross
• NSPCC

The Edinburgh Castle has a long history, dating back to the early Middle Ages. It is looked after by Historic Scotland, a Scottish government agency.

52. As per 2021 survey, what percentage of Wales and England identified as Muslim?

• 6%
• 2%
• 11%
• 16%

Islam is the second largest religion in the United Kingdom. The 2021 Census results released so far show a population of 3,868,133 (6.5%) in England and Wales (from a total sampled 60 million). 46% of people identified themselves as Christian. Much smaller proportions identified themselves as Hindu (2%), Sikh (1%), Jewish or Buddhist (both around 0.5%), 0.5% of people followed another religion and 37% stated not to follow any religion.

53. Which of these UK landmarks is in Wales?

• Snowdonia
• Loch Lomond
• The Giant's Causeway
• The Lake District

Snowdonia is a national park in North Wales. It covers an area of 838 square miles. Its most well-known landmark is Snowdon, which is the highest mountain in Wales.

54. What does the Turner Prize celebrate?

• Contemporary Art
• The Best Album
• The Best Song
• The Best Play

The Turner Prize was established in 1984 and celebrates contemporary art.

55. Which flower is associated with Northern Ireland?

• A shamrock
• A rose
• A thistle
• A daffodil

A shamrock is associated with Northern Ireland. A rose is associated with England, a thistle with Scotland and a daffodil with Wales.

56. Which of these is not a valid bank note?

• £100
• £50
• £20
• £5

The currency in the UK is the pound sterling (symbol £). There are 100 pence in a pound. The denominations (values) of currency are - coins: 1p, 2p, 5p, 10p, 20p, 50p, £1 and £2; notes: £5, £10, £20, £50.

57. Which is not a Protestant Christian group?

• Catholics
• Methodists
• Presbyterians
• Baptists

There is no established Church in Wales or Northern Ireland. Other Protestant Christian groups in the UK are Baptists, Methodists, Presbyterians and Quakers. There are also other denominations of Christianity, the biggest of which is Roman Catholic.

58. What does the TV licence money pay for?

• The BBC
• Freeview Channels
• All Free Radio Channels
• Electricity

The money from TV licences is used to pay for the British Broadcasting Corporation also known as the BBC.

59. You are not responsible for cleaning up after your pet in public places

• True
• False

The owner is responsible for keeping the dog under control and for cleaning up after the animal in a public place.

60. When did a group of Catholics led by Guy Fawkes fail in their plan to kill the Protestant king with a bomb in the Houses of Parliament?

• 5th November 1605
• 5th November 1405
• 5th November 1505
• 5th November 1705

Bonfire Night, 5 November, is an occasion when people in Great Britain set off fireworks at home or in special displays. The origin of this celebration was an event in 1605, when a group of Catholics led by Guy Fawkes failed in their plan to kill the Protestant king with a bomb in the Houses of Parliament.

61. What are the 40 days before Easter known as?

• Fast
• Lent
• Dent
• Starve

The 40 days before Easter are known as Lent. It is a time when Christians take time to reflect and prepare for Easter. Traditionally, people would fast during this period and today many people will give something up, like a favourite food. The day before Lent starts is called Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day. Lent begins on Ash Wednesday.

62. On average, girls leave school with better qualifications than boys

• True
• False

The Statement is true

63. What is known as 'canvassing'?

• Persuade people to vote for the party you represent
• Filling in the ballot paper for those who cannot do it themselves

Political parties are particularly busy at election times. Members work hard to persuade people to vote for their candidates - for instance, by handing out leaflets in the street or by knocking on people's doors and asking for their support.

64. When is Boxing Day?

• The day after Christmas Day
• The day before Christmas Day
• The day before Easter
• The day after Easter

Boxing Day (26th of December) is the day after Christmas Day (25th of December) and is a public holiday.

65. What did the Queen Elizabeth II celebrate in 2012?

• Diamond Jubilee
• Platinum Jubilee
• Gold Jubilee
• Silver Jubilee

Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Diamond Jubilee in 2012. The clock tower 'Big Ben' was named 'Elizabeth Tower' in honour of this event.

66. What percentage of the population has a grandparent born outside of the UK?

• 10%
• 15%
• 5%
• 20%

Post-war immigration means that nearly 10% of the population has a parent or grandparent born outside the UK.

67. What is the Cenotaph associated with?

• Government office
• War Memorial
• Garden
• Park

After the First World War, Sir Edwin Lutyens was responsible for many war memorials throughout the world, including the Cenotaph in Whitehall. The Cenotaph is the site of the annual Remembrance Day service attended by the Queen/King, politicians and foreign ambassadors

68. What celebrates the end of Ramadan?

• Eid al-Fitr
• Eid ul Adha
• Vaisakhi
• Hanukkah

Eid al-Fitr celebrates the end of Ramadan, when Muslims have fasted for a month. They thank Allah for giving them the strength to complete the fast.

69. Who wrote 'The Lord of the Rings'?

• JRR Tolkien
• Ian Fleming
• J K Rowling
• Charles Dickens

The Lord of the Rings by JRR Tolkien was voted the country's best-loved novel in 2003.

70. There are charities which may help people who cannot afford to pay for a vet

• True
• False

Vaccinations and medical treatment for animals are available from veterinary surgeons (vets). There are charities which may help people who cannot afford to pay a vet.

71. Roast beef is a traditional food of which country?

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Roast beef, which is served with potatoes is an example of English traditional food.

72. How old do you have to be to buy a lottery ticket or a scratch card?

• 16
• 15
• 17
• 18

As of 2021, people under 18 are not allowed to participate in the National Lottery (Previously 16). This includes buying Scratch Cards.