Is my English good enough? How to pass the citizenship language test

The naturalization test has three parts: a spoken interview, a civics test, and a language test. All tests are performed in English, to assess the applicant's reading, writing and speaking English skills. While it may seem scary, the test is very manageable. According to USCIS over 90% of applicants pass the naturalization exam. 

About the U.S. citizenship spoken English test

For the reading part of the English test an applicant will be asked to read one of three sentences correctly. For the writing part of the test, an applicant will be asked to write one of three sentences correctly. 

An applicant’s English skills are determined by answers to very simple questions asked by USCIS Officers during the naturalization interview. USCIS Officers have to repeat or rephrase questions for the applicant to fully understands the question. Applicants can also ask an officer to repeat or rephrase the question. If the applicant generally understands and can answer these questions, they demonstrate the ability to speak English.

Some of the typical questions asked during the spoken interview of the naturalization test include: : 

• Can you tell me your name? 
• Can you give me your passport?
• Can you read one of these sentences?
• Can you write one of these sentences?
• Do you have questions?

It’s important to understand that applicants are not failed because of their accent when speaking English. This is how applicants are scored: 

Pass 

• Reads one sentence without long pauses
• Reads all words in a long sentence but may leave out short words that do not interfere with meaning
• Makes pronunciation or intonation errors that do not interfere with meaning

Fail 

• Does not read a sentence
• Leaves out words in a sentence or substitutes words without having meaning 
• Pauses for long periods of time while reading a sentence
• Makes pronunciation or intonation errors that interfere with meaning

About the U.S. citizenship written English test

To show the ability to write in English, an applicant must write one out of three sentences that the USCIS officer will dictate. An applicant cannot abbreviate or substitute any word in the written sentence. Once the applicant writes one of three sentences correctly the USCIS Officer will stop the writing test.

It’s important to understand that applicants are not failed because of spelling, capitalization, or punctuation errors unless the errors prevent understanding the meaning of the sentence. This is how applicants are scored:

Pass 

• The written sentence has the same general meaning as the dictated sentence
• The written sentence may contain some grammatical, spelling, punctuation, or capitalization errors that do not interfere with meaning
• The written sentence may omit short words that do not interfere with meaning
• Numbers may be spelled out or written out

Fail 

• Nothing is written or only one or two words are written
• The written sentence is different sentence than the dictated sentence
• The written sentence does not communicate the meaning of the dictated sentence
• The written sentence has an abbreviation for a dictated word 

Preparing for the USCIS Language Test

While the citizenship language test is designed for people who are not native speakers, the test questions assume that the people being tested for citizenship have a basic knowledge of English and U.S. history. 

The best thing applicants can do to prepare for the test is find a nonprofit organization that offers free English speaking and writing classes or practice groups, as well as civics classes. Applicants can begin taking classes and practice tests as soon as they submit their USCIS application and continue practicing until the day of their interview. 

USCIS has a variety of practice tool on their website available for free, and OPA has a video library full of free resources as well. In one particular video, you can learn if your English skills are sufficient to pass the exam: Is my English good enough to pass the naturalization interview?  After watching you can send more questions to this expert directly and received more support.

Passing the citizenship test is possible, using the right tools to prepare makes this happen. 

Citizenship Language Test FAQs 

What is the citizenship language test?

The citizenship language test is a part of the naturalization test that assesses the applicant's ability to speak, read, and write in English.

What are the requirements to pass the citizenship language test?

To pass the citizenship language test, an applicant must demonstrate the ability to speak, read, and write simple English sentences. They should be able to read one of three sentences correctly, write one of three sentences dictated by the USCIS officer, and answer basic questions asked by the officer during the interview.

Is it necessary to have perfect English to pass the citizenship language test?

No, it's not necessary to have perfect English to pass the citizenship language test. The USCIS officers understand that the applicants are not native speakers and may have an accent or make some grammatical errors. As long as the applicant can speak, read, and write simple English sentences, they can pass the test.

The information provided on www.onepercentforamerica.org is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered as professional advice or a substitute for seeking professional guidance.