Red Squirrel Publishing Red Squirrel Publishing: 2011-02-17T14:59:46Z Copyright (c) 2011, George Sandison ExpressionEngine tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2011:02:17 Question bank expanded at LifeintheUK.net tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2011:index.php/site/index/1.72 2011-02-17T14:59:00Z 2011-02-17T14:59:46Z George Sandison george@redsquirrelbooks.com
To access the online tests you can register on our Online Tests page.

Don't forget that purchasers of our study guide series can register their book for free access to the question bank. ]]> 30% of new Brits don’t know where Liverpool is on a map tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2010:index.php/site/index/1.71 2010-11-29T09:00:00Z 2011-01-17T14:41:33Z George Sandison george@redsquirrelbooks.com
Nearly 40% thought the Angel of the North was near Leeds, Manchester or Birmingham, and 20% thought the Shetland Islands were the Channel Islands.

Despite immigration being high on the government's agenda these results suggest that the test still leaves migrants lacking in basic knowledge about the country. With such pressure to reduce net migration the issue of integration is being ignored.

Another recent study on people taking the Life in the UK Test placed British-born people 40th globally. With the Home Office study materials becoming increasingly inaccurate, it is clear that the test is in dire need of being updated.

Suggestions from survey respondants on the failings of the test included geography of the UK, consumer protection issues, and information on how to volunteer locally.

George Sandison, Managing Editor of Red Squirrel Publishing, which carried out the test, said: "It is clear that migrants to the UK want to become integrated with British life - the Home Office needs to review its responsibility to help them achieve this goal."

Further details about the research are available on http://www.redsquirrelbooks.com/press.

Notes for editors
  • Results of the geography test were taken from a sample of 59 respondants based on a survey sent to past users of www.lifeintheuk.net who have taken the Life in the UK Test. The survey, including all questions asked, can be found here
  • Further information on the global survey of Life in the UK Test results can be found here - China Takes Pole Position in Brit Test
  • Red Squirrel Publishing is a UK based publishing house specialising in citizenship test study guides. Its range of Life in the UK Test: Study Guides has helped hundreds of thousands of people achieve their goal of becoming British since the first edition was published in January 2006. The 2011 edition of this definitive guide is expressly designed to help people pass the Life in the UK Test
For further details please contact

George Sandison - Managing Editor
Red Squirrel Publishing
Suite 235, 77 Beak Street,
London
W1F 9DB
United Kingdom ]]> China takes the Pole position in Brit Test tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2010:index.php/site/index/1.68 2010-10-31T10:09:00Z 2011-01-17T14:41:14Z George Sandison george@redsquirrelbooks.com
The Philippines and Jamaica came second and third, respectively. British born citizens achieved a dismal ranking of 40th with 15.14, although this was an improvement on Germany’s 43rd and France’s 46th.

Iran and Iraq both passed on average, and even Afghanistan scored 15.54 - a clear half a mark ahead of the British. Some continuity was preserved in that the US remain at the bottom of the table, although Argentina took last place.

The multiple-choice exam was based on the Home Office’s ‘Life in the UK Test’; questions included ‘When is the national day for England?’ (23rd April) and ‘What is the largest ethnic minority in Britain?’ (Indian).

George Sandison, Managing Editor of Red Squirrel Publishing, which carried out the test, said: ‘This shows the test is far from straightforward and the average Brit would fail.’

‘But these figures also reflect people who haven’t studied for the test and with effective study a pass is achievable.’ Sandison said.

Further details about the research are available on the company's website www.redsquirrelbooks.com/press.

NOTES TO EDITORS

Users can take the test themselves by visiting www.lifeintheuk.net/facebook.

Over 193,000 people applied for British Citizenship in 2009, and over 900,000 people have taken the test since it was introduced - around three in ten people fail.

The Britishness league table
RankNationalityAverage ScoreRespondants
1China19.01206
2Philippines19.00865
3Jamaica18.92201
4Nepal18.84135
5Iran18.8481
6Colombia18.65153
7Nigeria18.49486
8Japan18.44167
9Ghana18.41271
10Pakistan18.35594
11India18.21810
12Brazil18.13214
13Bangladesh18.05201
14Zimbabwe18.03324
15Iraq18.0193
16Malaysia17.83248
17Russia17.69156
18Romania17.6978
19Thailand17.62320
20Bulgaria17.49178
21Albania17.29140
22Turkey17.19368
23Ukraine17.05100
24South Africa16.97912
25Norway16.42111
26Hong Kong16.08153
27Switzerland16.0867
28Sri Lanka15.98123
29Poland15.96411
30New Zealand15.86418
31Chile15.7399
32Belgium15.7189
33Sweden15.65368
34Afghanistan15.5498
35Finland15.50403
36Spain15.40223
37Irish Republic15.31286
38Netherlands15.28154
39Australia15.161,019
40Britain15.1441,301
41Denmark14.94177
42Greece14.91149
43Germany14.68507
44Italy14.60376
45Canada14.571,485
46France14.53837
47US14.422,841
48Argentina14.06103


About the research
The research data was collected using an application built within social networking website, Facebook. Participants were asked 24 sample questions taken from Red Squirrel Publishing’s Life in the UK Test: Study Guide.

The application was launched on 1 November 2007. Facebook members from around the world were invited to participate. Within two weeks over 10,000 people had taken the online test.

Users can take the test themselves by visiting www.lifeintheuk.net/facebook.

Sample Questions
The questions used in this research have been sourced from the publication Life in the UK Test: Study Guide. The Home Office keeps the official questions secret, however reader feedback indicates that the questions from this publication are very similar to those used in the real test.

Some of the questions used in the research are provided below

How often are general elections held?
(a) At least every year
(b) At least every four years
(c) At least every five years (correct answer)
(d) At least every ten years

What does the government programme New Deal provide?
(a) Funding and an advice service for small businesses
(b) Healthcare and medicines for the sick and elderly
(c) Accommodation and support for the homeless
(d) Help and support for unemployed people to get back into work (correct answer)

What is the largest ethnic minority in Britain?
(a) Black Caribbean descent
(b) Pakistani descent
(c) Bangladeshi descent
(d) Indian descent (correct answer)

When is the national day for England?
(a) 1 March
(b) 17 March
(c) 23 April
(d) 30 November

Which of these statements is correct?
(a) Only people on benefits are entitled to apply for council accommodation
(b) Everyone is entitled to apply for council accommodation (correct answer)

If you would like to request a full list of questions then please contact us.

Other data sources
  1. Red Squirrel Publishing is a UK based publishing house specialising in citizenship test study guides. Its range of Life in the UK Test: Study Guides has helped hundreds of thousands of people achieve their goal of becoming British since the first edition was published in January 2006. The 2011 edition of this definitive guide is expressly designed to help people pass the Life in the UK Test.

  2. National pass rates based on Home Office statistics obtained using the Freedom of Information Act.
  3. Nationality pass rates taken from the Britishness Test on Facebook and based on 59,102 responses. Please see attached spreadsheet for breakdown of scores.
  4. Red Squirrel Publishing pass rates based on customer feedback forms sent to http://www.lifeintheuk.net. 8,834 respondents.
For further details please contact

George Sandison
Red Squirrel Publishing
Suite 235, 77 Beak Street,
London
W1F 9DB
United Kingdom

Email: info@redsquirrelbooks.com
Website: www.redsquirrelbooks.com ]]> LifeintheUK.net - New Resources section launched tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2010:index.php/site/index/1.70 2010-10-27T09:34:00Z 2010-11-15T11:13:49Z George Sandison george@redsquirrelbooks.com www.lifeintheuk.net. With the launch of the new Resources section the site will now bring more information than ever before for people looking to make the United Kingdom their home.

The new section features detailed guidance on changes to the immigration system, such as the proposed Earned Citizenship due in July 2011, ESOL requirements, and also guidance on changes affecting the official study materials and up-to-date contact information for key organisations.

The Resources section also provides further information on life and culture in the United Kingdom which is not provided in the official study materials. This includes important dates and religious festivals in the British calendar, explanations of unusual concepts and systems and more.

We will continue developing and building this new section and would love to hear your input. Please contact us if you have any suggestions for information or articles that you feel would be useful for people seeking to make the UK their home. ]]> Life in the UK Test: Study Guide & CD ROM 2011 tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2010:index.php/site/index/1.67 2010-10-25T10:19:00Z 2010-10-27T11:15:45Z George Sandison george@redsquirrelbooks.com
This edition also includes a CD ROM featuring interactive testing software that lets you test yourself using your PC. Featuring tests on individual chapters as well as practice tests drawn from hundreds of questions, the CD ROM will help you focus your studies and develop your knowledge as well as preparing you for the experience of the test itself.

With over 200,000 people being granted British citizenship in 2009, and significant changes to the application process due in July 2011, we have updated our study guides to ensure that applicants have the latest information available for their studies now.

What's new in the 2011 Edition?
  • Updated CD ROM with hundreds of additional practice questions
  • More practice tests to help students prepare with confidence
  • Updated section containing trusted advice and answers to common questions from people who have successfully passed the test
  • Updated information on announced changes to citizenship and immigration laws


Passing the Life in the UK test is a requirement for anyone wanting to live permanently in Britain or become a British citizen. This practical study guide is designed to make preparing for the test a whole lot easier. According to statistics released by the Home Office in 2009, just under 71% of people passed the test. Feedback we have received from over 5,500 candidates who used Red Squirrel guides show that over 92% of them pass on their first attempt.

As well as the new features, the book is packed with useful information, including:
  • All the latest official study materials required for the Life in the UK Test
  • Easy to understand diagrams that explain difficult topics
  • Hundreds of multiple choice practice questions based on the study materials
  • Handy Words to Know section that explains difficult terms
  • A British timeline and calendar to help you remember all the dates required
  • Help with your citizenship ceremony and passport application once you have passed the test


Purchasers of the book can also take advantage of a free subscription to the online tests here. The site also contains the latest news and guidance on events and decisions affecting people looking to make the UK their home.

Revised and updated with everything you need to learn, this is the essential step-by-step guide to passing the Life in the UK Test.

Available online, or at WHSmith, Waterstones and all good bookstores

£7.99 | ISBN: 978-1-907389-04-7 ]]> Life in the UK Test: Study Guide 2011 tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2010:index.php/site/index/1.66 2010-10-25T10:15:00Z 2010-10-27T11:14:16Z George Sandison george@redsquirrelbooks.com
With over 200,000 people being granted British citizenship in 2009, and significant changes to the application process due in July 2011, we have updated our study guides to ensure that applicants have the latest information available for their studies now.

What's new in the 2011 Edition?
  • More practice tests to help students prepare with confidence
  • Updated section containing trusted advice and answers to common questions from people who have successfully passed the test.
  • Updated information on announced changes to citizenship and immigration laws.


Passing the Life in the UK test is a requirement for anyone wanting to live permanently in Britain or become a British citizen. This practical study guide is designed to make preparing for the test a whole lot easier. According to statistics released by the Home Office in 2009, just under 71% of people passed the test. Feedback we have received from over 5,500 candidates who used Red Squirrel guides show that over 92% of them pass on their first attempt.

As well as the new features, the book is packed with useful information, including:
  • All the latest official study materials required for the Life in the UK Test
  • Easy to understand diagrams that explain difficult topics
  • Hundreds of multiple choice practice questions based on the study materials
  • Handy Words to Know section that explains difficult terms
  • A British timeline and calendar to help you remember all the dates required
  • Help with your citizenship ceremony and passport application once you have passed the test


Purchasers of the book can also take advantage of a free subscription to the online tests here. The site also contains the latest news and guidance on events and decisions affecting people looking to make the UK their home.

Revised and updated with everything you need to learn, this is the essential step-by-step guide to passing the Life in the UK Test.

Available online, or at WHSmith, Waterstones and all good bookstores

£7.99 | ISBN: 978-1-907389-03-0 ]]> Out of print titles - October 2010 tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2010:index.php/site/index/1.69 2010-10-25T00:35:00Z 2010-10-25T15:23:06Z George Sandison george@redsquirrelbooks.com
British Citizenship Test: Study Guide & CD ROM 2010
ISBN 13: 9781907389016
First published: 15th Jan 2010
Out of print from: 25th October 2010
Replaced by: 9781907389047
Trade returns accepted until: 25th January 2010

British Citizenship Test: Study Guide 2010
ISBN 13: 9781907389009
First published: 15th Jan 2010
Out of print from: 25th October 2010
Replaced by: 9781907389030
Trade returns accepted until: 25th January 2010

British Citizenship Test: Study Guide & CD ROM (Third Edition)
ISBN 13: 9780955215964
First published: 18th May 2007
Replaced by: 9781907389047
Out of print from: 15th Jan 2010

British Citizenship Test: Study Guide (Third Edition)
ISBN 13: 9780955215940
First published: 18th May 2007
Replaced by: 9781907389030
Out of print from: 15th Jan 2010

Life in the UK Test: Practice Questions (First edition)
ISBN: 9780955215902
First published: 31st July 2006
Replaced by: 9780955215933
Out of print from: 20th April 2007

Returns Procedure
Since these titles will no longer be useful to persons once the new Life in the UK test is implemented, we do not require unsold books to be returned. Instead please follow our standard returns process and include the front cover of the book with your returns claim as proof of destruction.

Is my book up-to-date?
If you are preparing to take the Life in the UK Test and need guidance on whether or not your study guide is up to date, please see lifeintheuk.net/index.php/about_the_test/what_to_study_for_the_test. ]]> Australian Citizenship Test: Practice Questions (Second Edition) tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2010:index.php/site/index/1.64 2010-05-05T06:45:00Z 2010-05-05T08:49:16Z Red Squirrel Publishing info@redsquirrelbooks.com
This book has been expressly designed to help would-be citizens check their knowledge of the official materials, and pass the test on their first attempt.
Packed with hundreds of practice test questions and expert advice on how to get the most out of your study. This book is expressly designed to help would-be citizens check their knowledge of the official materials and pass the test on their first attempt.

1. Hundreds of practice questions
The government’s official handbook only contains 20 practice questions, however this useful guide is packed with hundreds of practice questions to help candidates prepare for their test.
2. Bonus material available online
A free subscription to further online computer-based tests is included with the book. Further details available at the publisher’s website AussieTest.com.
3. Cross referenced material
All answers have page references to the government’s official handbook so that you can quickly and easily find further information regarding a specific question.

Also included with this book is a free subscription to further online computer based tests at the publisher's website http://www.AussieTest.com

Bibliographic details
Title : Australian Citizenship Test: Practice Questions
Subtitle : Questions and Answers for the Australian Citizenship Test
Edition : Second
ISBN: 9781907389023
Replaces : 9780955215957
Available : April 2010
Retail price : AUD $15.99 (including GST) / GBP £9.99
Websites : Includes free access to computer based practice tests
Category : Non fiction, Study and Revision, Mock Tests
Trim size : 210 x 135 mm
Length : 96 pages
Binding : Paperback
Cover : Four colour film laminated. ]]> Theatremonkey: A Guide to London’s West End tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2009:index.php/site/index/1.59 2009-09-24T10:59:00Z 2009-12-20T16:39:00Z Red Squirrel Publishing info@redsquirrelbooks.com
Unique selling points
1. Trusted advice based on the opinions of thousands of other theatregoers.
2. Colour-coded seating plans of over 50 West End venues that highlight seats offering the best value, and those with problems or restricted views.
3. Practical tips for saving money making the most of your theatre visit.
4. Comprehensive venue information including booking de- tails, theatre history and facilities.
5. Easy-to-read 3D map of London's theatreland to help take the stress out of getting to your venue on time.

Steve Rich began the now famous Theatremonkey.com website in 2000. Today, it is a thriving community for thousands of like minded theatregoers.
Mark Shenton, theatre critic for the Sunday Express, introduces the guide with an insightful foreword. He describes it as a "treasure trove" of information, which will help the theatre live on "as one of London's defining features".

Title: Theatremonkey: A Guide to London's West End
ISBN: 9780955215988
Publication: 2 November 2009
Retail price: GBP 9.99
Category: Travel Guides, Theatre, London
Trim size: 21 x 13 cm
Extent: 160 pages
Binding: Paperback
Rights: World; all languages ]]> New theatre guide to reveal the West End’s best and worst seats tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2009:index.php/site/index/1.58 2009-09-21T09:28:00Z 2009-09-21T11:35:48Z Red Squirrel Publishing info@redsquirrelbooks.com
One of the main features of the book are the colour-coded seating plans that highlight where the best places are to sit in every part of each theatre - and any problems that might arise, row-by-row and sometimes even seat-by-seat.

Mark Shenton, theatre critic for the Sunday Express, introduces the guide with an insightful foreword. He describes it as a "treasure trove" of information, which will help the West End live on "as one of London's defining features".

Red Squirrel Publishing MD Henry Dillon said "There simply isn't a more definitive guru than Theatremonkey. If you love the theatre then you'll love this indispensable guide".

The title will be released in November as a £9.99 paperback.



NOTES TO EDITORS
1. Theatremonkey.com is one of the UK's leading independent guides to London theatre.
"Decent and independent theatre websites are few and far between. Theatremonkey.com is one of those rare exceptions." - The Times
"Quirky guide run by a smart-alecky London Theater buff" - Desktop Traveller - Wall Street Journal
"... [shows you] where to sit and not to sit at each of London's theatres." ThisIsMoney.co.uk
2. Excerpts, previews & pre-publication news will be posted at http://redsquirrelbooks.com/theatremonkey
3. For images relating to this title please visit http://www.flickr.com/redsquirrelpublishing
4. Follow Theatremonkey on Twitter at http://twitter.com/theatremonkeyuk ]]> How British Are You? A challenge to all Brits tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2008:index.php/site/index/1.56 2008-11-23T10:19:00Z 2008-11-23T11:06:58Z Red Squirrel Publishing info@redsquirrelbooks.com

  • What type of food is traditionally eaten on Christmas Day?

  • How might you stop young people playing tricks on you at Halloween?

  • What is the role of the Council of the European Union?


This is the ultimate quiz book for the nation with hundreds of practice questions that every British citizen should be able to answer.

Renowned playwright David Edgar (Pentecost, Testing the Echo) adds to the debate in a provocative and insightful foreword based on his observations.

Do you, your family and friends have what it takes to pass the British citizenship test?

For more information visit http://www.HowBritishAreYou.com ]]> How British Are You: Questions From the Citizenship Test tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2008:index.php/site/index/1.57 2008-10-04T10:17:00Z 2008-11-23T11:25:42Z Red Squirrel Publishing info@redsquirrelbooks.com
Bibliographic details
Title: How British Are You?
Subtitle: Questions from the Citizenship Test - A Quiz Book for the Nation
ISBN 13: 978-0-9552-1597-1
Author: Henry Dillon
Available: 4 October 2008
Retail price: £7.99
Category: Non-fiction, Gift, Quiz & Trivia, Christmas
Trim size: 162 x 105 mm
Extent: 128 pages
Binding: Hardback
Cover: Full colour laminated

For more information visit the How British Are You? website - http://www.HowBritishAreYou.com ]]> Home Office makes changes to Life in the UK handbook tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2008:index.php/site/index/1.55 2008-08-29T14:22:00Z 2010-10-25T14:26:29Z Red Squirrel Publishing info@redsquirrelbooks.com
The Home Office has modified five pages of text within the handbook, but has refrained from issuing a new edition. The changes were made to correct facts regarding immigration during the 1970s, smoking laws, the structure of the Presbyterian Church and child employment law.

Henry Dillon, editor of Red Squirrel Publishing, which publishes a range of British citizenship test study guides, said that some people with earlier copies of the handbook may be at a disadvantage and should check what has changed.

“Although some of the changes may be obvious, such as the minimum legal age for buying cigarettes, there have been some large changes to the child employment section” Dillon said. “Our study guides include these changes, however if you do own an earlier impression then replacement pages can be download from our website”.

How to download replacement pages

If you have a study guide from Red Squirrel Publishing then you can download replacement pages. This is only necessary if you have:
- Study Guide, third edition - fourth impression or earlier (ISBN 9780955215940)
- Study Guide + CDROM, third edition - second impression or earlier (ISBN 9780955215964)
Click here to start downloading replacement pages ]]> New learning website to assist would-be German citizens. tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2008:index.php/site/index/1.54 2008-08-22T07:02:00Z 2008-08-22T09:14:08Z Red Squirrel Publishing info@redsquirrelbooks.com einbuergerungsquiz.com, a website designed to help would-be German citizens pass the test.

From September 2008, anyone wanting to become a German citizen will have to take a new citizenship test. The test is made up of 33 questions selected from a database of over 300 possible questions.

Visitors are able to register a free account at einbuergerungsquiz.com and can choose to either practice the general question bank or those specific to the German state where they live.

For more information visit http://www.einbuergerungsquiz.com ]]> Are there new Life in the UK Test books for 2008? tag:redsquirrelbooks.com,2008:index.php/site/index/1.50 2008-04-12T07:51:00Z 2008-04-12T09:59:23Z Red Squirrel Publishing info@redsquirrelbooks.com lifeintheuk.net plus announcements regarding updates or revised editions.

The following books by Red Squirrel Publishing are valid to use for study for the Life in the UK Test


Life in the UK Test: Practice Questions (2nd Ed)
ISBN 978-0-9552-1593-3

Life in the UK Test: Study Guide (3rd Ed)
ISBN 978-0-9552-1594-0

Life in the UK Test: Study Guide + CD ROM
ISBN 978-0-9552-1596-4
]]>