Chapter 24 of 32 · Updated for 2026

Customs, Traditions & Leisure: practice questions

Ten Life in the UK test questions on Customs, Traditions & Leisure, each checked against the official handbook and set in the four formats the real test uses. Pick your answer, then tap Show the answer to see why.

1. One answer

   1. In which year was the British Museum founded?

   • A1683
   • B1753
   • C1824
   • D1851
   Show the answer

   B: 1753

   Parliament founded the British Museum in 1753, based on the collection of Sir Hans Sloane, and it opened to the public in 1759.

2. One answer

   2. Who in the UK must have a television licence?

   • AOnly people who watch BBC channels on a television set
   • BOnly households that have a satellite dish or cable TV
   • CAnyone with a TV, computer or other device used for watching TV
   • DOnly people who own a TV set bought within the last ten years
   Show the answer

   C: Anyone with a TV, computer or other device used for watching TV

   Everyone who uses a TV, computer or other device to watch TV must be covered by a licence; one licence normally covers all the equipment in one home.

3. True or false

   3. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?

   In Scotland, the New Year celebration at which Auld Lang Syne is sung is called Hogmanay.

   • ATrue
   • BFalse
   Show the answer

   A: True

   New Year is called Hogmanay in Scotland, and Burns' Auld Lang Syne is sung there and around the world.

4. One answer

   4. What is Boxing Day?

   • AThe day after Christmas Day, which is a public holiday
   • BThe day before Christmas Day, also called Christmas Eve
   • CThe Tuesday before Lent, when people eat pancakes
   • DThe last day of the year, called Hogmanay in Scotland
   Show the answer

   A: The day after Christmas Day, which is a public holiday

   Boxing Day is the day after Christmas Day and is a public holiday.

5. Choose TWO answers

   5. Which TWO countryside leisure activities are mentioned in the handbook?

   • AIce skating
   • BWalking
   • CFishing
   • DTheatre-going
   Show the answer

   B: Walking
   C: Fishing

   The handbook mentions walking, camping and fishing as popular leisure activities in the countryside.

6. One answer

   6. Which satirical television show was popular in the 1980s and 1990s?

   • AThat Was The Week That Was
   • BMonty Python's Flying Circus
   • CCoronation Street
   • DSpitting Image
   Show the answer

   D: Spitting Image

   Satire has remained important on television, with That Was The Week That Was in the 1960s and Spitting Image in the 1980s and 1990s.

7. Which statement is correct

   7. Which of these statements is correct?

   • AThe BBC began the world's first regular television service in 1936.
   • BThe BBC began the world's first regular television service in 1922.
   Show the answer

   A: The BBC began the world's first regular television service in 1936.

   The BBC started radio broadcasts in 1922 and the world's first regular television service in 1936.

8. One answer

   8. What do lovers traditionally exchange on Valentine's Day?

   • APancakes and eggs
   • BPoppies and wreaths
   • CLanterns and candles
   • DCards and gifts
   Show the answer

   D: Cards and gifts

   On Valentine's Day, 14 February, lovers exchange cards and gifts.

9. True or false

   9. Is the statement below TRUE or FALSE?

   Gardening and flower shows in the UK range from major national exhibitions to small local events.

   • ATrue
   • BFalse
   Show the answer

   A: True

   Flower and gardening shows happen at every scale, from national exhibitions to small local events.

10. One answer

    10. What do people usually grow on an allotment?

    • ATrees for timber
    • BFruit and vegetables
    • CGrass for animals
    • DCotton and flax
    Show the answer

    B: Fruit and vegetables

    An allotment is extra land that people rent to grow fruit and vegetables.

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