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Naturalization English Test
How USCIS tests your English at the naturalization interview, and every word that can appear in the reading and writing tests. If English is your first language, you will not need to study for it, but these lists show you exactly what to expect.
How the English test works
The English test has three parts. Speaking is judged from how you answer questions about your N-400 during the interview. For reading, you must read aloud one of up to three sentences correctly. For writing, you must write one of up to three sentences correctly, as the officer reads it to you. Every word in the reading and writing sentences comes from the two USCIS lists below. If you fail the English or civics test, you get a second attempt at the part you failed, usually 60 to 90 days later.
Source: USCIS Policy Manual, Vol. 12, Part E. Some applicants are exempt from the English test because of their age and years as a permanent resident; see test exemptions.
Reading and writing vocabulary
Source: USCIS, Reading Vocabulary and Writing Vocabulary for the Naturalization Test (rev. 07/14). USCIS also publishes printable vocabulary flash cards (M-715), word strips and copy sheets (M-1178).
Words from the N-400 interview
The speaking test is your conversation with the officer about your application, so the N-400's own wording matters as much as the civics list. USCIS's practice test "Vocabulary for the Naturalization Interview: Self-Test 2" pairs 20 of these words with plain English:
| You may hear | It means |
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Before the interview, practice saying your own N-400 answers aloud: your full name, date and country of birth, current and previous addresses, employers, marital status and family, and every trip outside the US. The officer places you under oath first ("Do you swear or affirm…?" "I do."), then goes through the form. The 16-minute USCIS Naturalization Interview and Test video shows a full mock interview, including the civics, reading and writing tests.
Sources: USCIS teacher guides to "Vocabulary for the Naturalization Interview" Self-Tests 1 and 2, and to the Naturalization Interview and Test video, all on the USCIS Citizenship Resource Center.