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Chapter 4 · A modern, thriving society

Life in the UK test questions on British literature

Writers named in the handbook include Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, Thomas Hardy, Robert Louis Stevenson, Evelyn Waugh and Agatha Christie. Poets such as William Wordsworth, Lord Byron and Robert Burns are remembered too, and famous lines from their work are often quoted in questions. The Booker Prize is awarded each year for the best novel.

Below are 8 free questions on British literature, taken from handbook section 4.10. Every one is written out in full with its answer and a plain-English explanation — no account, no sign-up and nothing hidden.

Practise British literature

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Questions and answers on British literature

The same 8 questions again, this time with the answers shown. Read the explanation even where you were right — the test asks the same facts several ways.

  1. 1. What is the Booker Prize for Fiction awarded for?

    • The best fiction novel of the year — correct answer
    • The best first poem by a new writer
    • The best play staged in the West End
    • The best history book of the year

    The Booker Prize for Fiction is given each year for the best novel, written by an author from the Commonwealth, Ireland or Zimbabwe. Handbook section 4.10.

  2. 2. Which novel was written by Jane Austen?

    • Pride and Prejudice — correct answer
    • Oliver Twist
    • Treasure Island
    • Brighton Rock

    Jane Austen wrote Pride and Prejudice and Sense and Sensibility, which are still widely read and filmed today. Handbook section 4.10.

  3. 3. Which Charles Dickens novel follows the life of an orphan boy in London?

    • Oliver Twist — correct answer
    • Ivanhoe
    • Lucky Jim
    • Under Milk Wood

    Charles Dickens wrote Oliver Twist, the story of an orphan boy, as well as Great Expectations and many other novels. Handbook section 4.10.

  4. 4. Who wrote Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde?

    • Robert Louis Stevenson — correct answer
    • Thomas Hardy
    • Graham Greene
    • Sir Walter Scott

    Robert Louis Stevenson, a Scottish writer, wrote Treasure Island and Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. Handbook section 4.10.

  5. 5. Which famous detective was created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle?

    • Sherlock Holmes — correct answer
    • Oliver Twist
    • Robinson Crusoe
    • James Bond

    Sir Arthur Conan Doyle created Sherlock Holmes, the detective whose stories are still read and filmed all over the world. Handbook section 4.10.

  6. 6. Which series of children's books was written by J K Rowling?

    • The Harry Potter books — correct answer
    • The Sherlock Holmes stories
    • The Narnia books
    • The Discworld books

    J K Rowling wrote the Harry Potter books, which have sold millions of copies and been made into films. Handbook section 4.10.

  7. 7. Which Scottish poet is known as 'the Bard' and wrote in the Scots language?

    • Robert Burns — correct answer
    • Sir Walter Scott
    • William Wordsworth
    • Dylan Thomas

    Robert Burns is known as 'the Bard' and wrote poems and songs in Scots, including the words to 'Auld Lang Syne'. Handbook section 4.10.

  8. 8. Which poet wrote 'The Daffodils', a poem inspired by the Lake District?

    • William Wordsworth — correct answer
    • Lord Byron
    • Wilfred Owen
    • William Blake

    William Wordsworth wrote 'The Daffodils', one of the best-loved poems in English, after a walk in the Lake District. Handbook section 4.10.

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