How to Pass the Australian Citizenship Test
The Australian citizenship test is designed to assess whether or not those wishing to become Australian citizens have an adequate knowledge of the country, as well as an awareness of the responsibilities and privileges associated with citizenship. However, for somebody who hasn’t grown up in Australia, the prospect of taking a test to prove themselves as potential citizens can be daunting. Here we take a look at a few things to keep in mind to help you pass your Australian citizenship test, including using online resources, immersing yourself in Australian culture and attending English school.
Resource book
First and foremost, you should read the Australian Citizenship Test Resource Book, which can be downloaded at http://www.citizenship.gov.au/learn/cit_test/test_resource_book. It contains everything you need to know to help pass the test, including test questions covering topics such as the democratic beliefs of Australia, as well as its laws, government and citizenship privileges and responsibilities. Best of all, the resource book is free. This is a must-have for anyone taking the citizenship test.
Look at online tests
Aside from the tests in your resource book, there are also several websites available which provide practice test questions. A quick Google search of “Australian citizenship test practice questions” will reveal a range of websites which can be super useful in helping you to pass the test. Practise these questions over and over again; they will put you in a very good position leading into the test.
Immerse yourself in Australian culture
All the theory in the world isn’t going to matter if you haven’t got out there and experienced Australia for yourself. As a potential Australian citizen, you should be thrilled not only at the prospect of receiving the privileges and responsibilities associated with citizenship, but also with becoming a part of and contributing to Australian culture. Interact with people down at your local shopping centre or head to the local pub for dinner and a drink every now and then; not only will it improve your grasp of Australian culture and language, but you’re also likely to meet loads of friendly people.
Study English
One of the biggest obstacles many people who speak English as a second language face when they take the citizenship test is not having a proper grasp of the English language and, as a result, struggling to comprehend the test questions. Luckily, there are loads of English schools available around the country which allow you to study English at a basic to intermediate level, as well as giving you the opportunity to meet and converse with other students who are also trying to learn the language.
Time management
When coming to a new country there can be many constraints on your time. Between finding a place to live and settling in, looking for work, finding schooling options for yourself or the family and the basic requirements of day-to-day living, it can seem impossible to set time aside to study for a citizenship test. However, study you must. Try creating a schedule that you can stick by on a daily basis in the weeks leading up to the test, allowing yourself an hour of study time each night. If you begin early enough, this is all you need to put yourself in good stead to pass the test.