China Takes the Pole Position in Brit Test

LONDON, October 31, 2010 - The Chinese know more about life and culture in the UK than the British
according to new research. Similar research two years ago placed Poland in
the top spot, however they have been overtaken.

The news comes as the Home Office celebrates the fifth anniversary of the
test this month. The pass mark is 18 for the test and the Chinese scored an
impressive 19.01, on average. Poland, meanwhile, plummeted to 29th place.

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 (coming fifth) 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 this time round.

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 that 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.

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

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

Contact details: George Sandison, Managing Editor - Life in the UK Test: Study Guides (Red
Squirrel Publishing). Tel: +44(0)207-7496928 / +44(0)770-8227282, george at redsquirrelbooks.com