Friday, September 28, 2007

More info on the Redesigned Naturalization Test (New USCIS 100Qs)


New USCIS 100Qs Bulletin

Who takes what test when?

1. A legal permanent resident who is (1) eligible for Naturalization; (2) applies BEFORE October 1, 2008; and (3) is scheduled for his or her naturalization interview BEFORE October 1, 2008, will take the current test.

2. A legal permanent resident who is (1) eligible for Naturalization; (2) applies BEFORE October 1, 2008; and (3) is scheduled for his or her naturalization interview AFTER October 1, 2008, he or she can choose to take the current test or the redesigned version.

3. A legal permanent resident who is (1) eligible for Naturalization; (2) applies AFTER October 1, 2008 will take the redesigned version.

3. A legal permanent resident who is (1) eligible for Naturalization; and (2) scheduled for his or her naturalization interview AFTER October 1, 2009, (regardless of when he or she applied), will take the redesigned version.

Here is a list of the documents supporting the newly Redesigned Naturalization Test (New USCIS 100Qs).

Redisigned Naturalization Test: Main Page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
The Redesigned Naturalization Test

Redesigned Naturalization Test Informational Brochure
A brochure outlining the content and guidelines for the redesigned naturalization test.

Redesigned Naturalization Test: Civics (History and Government)
Items List of 100 history and government items for the redesigned naturalization test.

Redesigned Naturalization Test: Vocabulary List for the Reading Test
Vocabulary list for the reading portion of the redesigned naturalization test.

Redesigned Naturalization Test: Vocabulary List for the Writing Test
Vocabulary list for the writing portion of the redesigned naturalization test.

Content Comparison: Current vs. Redesigned Naturalization Test
Side-by-side comparison of the current questions and the redesigned questions.

Honestly, I shouted for joy when I saw that the writers standardized the questions with the 5Ws. I deeply appreciate the re-organization of the questions, because it is easier to teach and learn material in right-relation. I feel that the infomation is much more reflective of what a US citizen "needs to know" about US History, Politics, and civic culture. And I swooned when I saw the Comparison pdf between the old 96 Qs and the new 100Qs.

Thanks to the USCIS for the extreme care and effort taken during the revision of the of the new USCIS 100 US History and Government Questions. Thanks to the examiners and interviewees who tested the Pilot Questions. A special thanks to writers, document designers, and webfolk who prepared the documents that support the newly Designed Test. The process of the Redesigned Naturalization Test is a great example of "democracy in action". Congratulations USCIS!

The New USCIS 100 Questions!


New USCIS 100Qs Bulletin


Get the new 100 Questions here! More info coming soon!

Thursday, September 27, 2007

Q34-35: USCIS 96 Questions 34-35: Constitution, Bill of Rights

USCIS 96 Questions 34-35


Today we will listen to Questions 34-35 plus M-638 comments. You can download the Class Handout 34-35 to deepen your knowledge of US History and Politics and broaden your English language skills. Look for new vocabulary, grammar structures, and idioms.

Note the key words--these words will help you remember the questions and answers. The key words for 34-35:

  1. The Constitution
  2. Bill of Rights

Dictation Sentences

  1. The Constitution is the supreme law of our land.

  2. He knows how to a ride a bike.

You can get more info about the the Constitution and the Bill of Rights from

EL Civics: The US Constitution
NCC: Explore the Constitution
Simple Wiki: The US Constitution