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Chapter 5 · The UK government, the law and your role

Life in the UK test questions on looking after the environment

Everyone is encouraged to help protect the environment: recycling what can be recycled, walking or cycling instead of driving, and using public transport where you can. Buying food that is produced locally cuts the distance it has to travel. Many people also support conservation charities or join local clean-up days.

Below are 4 free questions on looking after the environment, taken from handbook section 5.20. Every one is written out in full with its answer and a plain-English explanation — no account, no sign-up and nothing hidden.

Practise looking after the environment

Questions
4
Time limit
No limit
Pass mark
3 of 4 (75%)
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Questions and answers on looking after the environment

The same 4 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. Why is recycling encouraged in the UK?

    • It reduces waste and saves the natural resources used to make new products — correct answer
    • It increases the amount sent to landfill
    • It removes the need for rubbish collections
    • It is required to vote in elections

    Recycling turns used materials into new products, cutting both the waste that goes to landfill and the raw materials that have to be dug up or grown. Handbook section 5.20.

  2. 2. What is one benefit of walking or cycling instead of driving?

    • It cuts pollution and congestion and is good for your health — correct answer
    • It removes the need for a driving licence for others
    • It reduces your council tax
    • It is required by law for short journeys

    Leaving the car at home for short trips reduces traffic and air pollution, and the exercise is good for you too. Handbook section 5.20.

  3. 3. Which action helps reduce the energy a household uses?

    • Turning off lights and appliances that are not being used — correct answer
    • Leaving the heating on with the windows open
    • Running the washing machine half empty every day
    • Boiling a full kettle for one cup of tea

    Small habits add up. Switching things off, insulating the home and using full loads all cut both energy use and bills. Handbook section 5.20.

  4. 4. Why are shoppers in the UK encouraged to bring reusable bags?

    • It cuts down on single-use plastic waste — correct answer
    • Shops are not allowed to sell any bags
    • It is a condition of holding a bank account
    • Plastic bags are illegal to own

    A charge applies to single-use carrier bags across the UK, and reusing your own bags is a simple way of reducing plastic waste. Handbook section 5.20.

8 more questions on looking after the environment

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