A new handbook to help foreign nationals who wish to become UK citizens understand the ‘values and principles at the heart of being British’, went on sale yesterday.

The book forms the basis of the Government’s revised Life in the UK test, set to be introduced in March, which all aspiring British citizens must pass.

Ministers have said the modified 45-minute exam will cover events and people “who have contributed to making Britain great”.

Immigrants will be quizzed on a range of topics, including sport, music and key historical facts, as part of the overhaul designed to focus less on the practicalities of daily living in Britain and more on the nation’s culture and past.

The new book rightly focuses on values and principles at the heart of being British. Instead of telling people how to claim benefits, it encourages participation in British life

Immigration Minister Mark Harper said: “We’ve stripped out mundane information about water meters, how to find train timetables, and using the internet.

“The new book rightly focuses on values and principles at the heart of being British. Instead of telling people how to claim benefits, it encourages participation in British life.

“This is just part of our work to help ensure migrants are ready and able to integrate into British society and forms part of our changes which have broken the automatic link between temporary and permanent migration.

“We have made radical changes to the immigration system and are determined to reduce net migration from the hundreds of thousands into the tens of thousands by the end of the Parliament.”

The test will cover some of Britain’s most celebrated writers, scientists and politicians, from William Shakespeare and Robert Burns to Isaac Newton and Winston Churchill.

Immigrants will be expected to know British history stretching back to the Stone Age, through to the Romans, Norman Conquest and the Magna Carta, the Home Office said.

Sporting knowledge, including questions on the London 2012 Olympics, will also be included.

The handbook features “an exploration of Britons’ unique sense of humour and satire”, and highlights the natural beauty of the country’s national parks and countryside.

Knowledge of British cultural and artistic heritage will be tested, from the music of composer Henry Purcell to the worldwide influence of the Beatles and Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Foreign nationals will be asked about the nation’s artistic achievements, Britain’s love of gardening and garden design and the work of influential architects, including Christopher Wren and Norman Foster.

References to literary masterpieces by poets and authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer, Jane Austen and Wilfred Owen are also included in the handbook.

More than 150,000 Life in the UK tests were taken nationally last year, including 77,000 in London.

Facts foreign nationals in Britain should know

Here are some of the possible questions that will be posed in new UK citizenship test:

1. Which landmark is a prehistoric monument which still stands in the English county of Wiltshire?

A) Stonehenge
B) Hadrian’s Wall
C) Offa’s Dyke
D) Fountains Abbey

2. What is the name of the admiral who died in a sea battle in 1805 and has a monument in Trafalgar Square, London?

A) Cook
B) Drake
C) Nelson
D) Raleigh

3. In 1801, a new version of the official flag of the UK was created. What is it often called?

A) The British Standard
B) The Royal Banner
C) The St George Cross
D) The Union Jack

4. Who is the patron saint of Scotland?

A) St Andrew
B) St David
C) St George
D) St Patrick

5. What flower is traditionally worn by people on Remembrance Day?

A) Poppy
B) Lily
C) Daffodil
D) Iris

6. Which of these sporting events was hosted in London in 2012?

A) The Commonwealth Games
B) Cricket World Cup
C) European Football Championship
D) Paralympic Games

7. At her Jubilee in 2012, how many years as queen did Queen Elizabeth II celebrate?

A) 25
B) 40
C) 50
D) 60

8. The second largest party in the House of Commons is usually known by what name?

A) The Senate
B) The Opposition
C) The Lords
D) The Other Side

9. From what age can you be asked to serve on a jury?

A) 16
B) 18
C) 21
D) 25

10. What is the title given to the person who chairs the debates in the House of Commons?

A) The Speaker
B) The Chairman
C) The Leader of the House
D) The Prime Minister

Answers
1. A – Stonehenge
2. C – Nelson
3. D – The Union Jack
4. A – St Andrew
5. A – Poppy
6. D – Paralympic Games
7. D – 60
8. B – The Opposition
9. B – 18
10. A – The Speaker