USCIS Citizenship Reading & Writing Test Practice (2025)
The USCIS English test has two parts: a reading test and a writing test. You must read one out of three sentences correctly and write one out of three sentences correctly to pass. This page covers all the vocabulary words and provides practice sentences to help you prepare.
Reading Vocabulary — 64 Official USCIS Words
People(2 words)
Civics(14 words)
Places(3 words)
Holidays(7 words)
Question Words(6 words)
Verbs(11 words)
Function Words(9 words)
Content Words(12 words)
Writing Vocabulary — 74 Official USCIS Words
People(3 words)
Civics(14 words)
Places(9 words)
Months(7 words)
Holidays(7 words)
Verbs(9 words)
Function Words(10 words)
Content Words(15 words)
Practice Sentences
Reading Sentences(11 sentences)
Abraham Lincoln was the most famous President.
George Washington is the Father of Our Country.
What is the capital of the United States?
Where does the President live?
The President lives in the White House.
Who elects Congress?
When is Independence Day?
Why do we have the Bill of Rights?
How many Senators does Congress have?
We vote for the President in November.
The American flag has red, white, and blue colors.
Writing Sentences(11 sentences)
Adams was the second President.
Lincoln was President during the Civil War.
Washington is on the dollar bill.
The United States flag is red, white, and blue.
Citizens have the right to vote.
Congress meets in Washington, D.C.
Alaska is the largest state.
Delaware was the first state.
Independence Day is in July.
Presidents' Day is in February.
We pay taxes to the government.
Interactive Practice
The President lives in the White House.
What to Expect on the English Test
The USCIS English test is administered during your naturalization interview. It has two components: a reading test and a writing test. Both are designed to evaluate your basic ability to read and write in English.
Reading test: A USCIS officer will ask you to read one of three sentences out loud. The sentences use vocabulary from the official USCIS reading vocabulary list. You must read at least one sentence correctly to pass.
Writing test: The officer will read a sentence to you, and you must write it down. You will have three attempts and must write at least one sentence correctly to pass. The sentences use vocabulary from the official USCIS writing vocabulary list.
If you do not pass: You will be scheduled for a second interview, typically within 60 to 90 days. You only need to retake the component you did not pass.
65/20 exemption: If you are 65 years of age or older and have been a lawful permanent resident for at least 20 years, you are exempt from the English reading and writing test entirely. You may take the civics test in your native language.
Study Tips for Non-Native English Speakers
- Start with the vocabulary lists. Learn to recognize and spell each word before practicing full sentences. Focus on one category at a time.
- Practice reading out loud every day. Use the text-to-speech button to hear correct pronunciation, then repeat each sentence several times until it feels natural.
- Write each sentence by hand. During the real test, you write on paper. Practice writing the sample sentences by hand, not just typing them.
- Study with a partner or tutor. Have someone read sentences to you while you practice writing them down. This simulates the actual test experience.
- Focus on commonly confused words. Pay special attention to words like "President" vs. "Presidents' Day," "state" vs. "states," and "right" vs. "write." Spelling counts on the writing test.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on the USCIS English reading test?
What is on the USCIS English writing test?
How many vocabulary words do I need to learn for the English test?
What if I fail the English test?
Is the 65/20 exemption available for the English test?
Ready to study for the full citizenship test?
Master all 128 civics questions, practice with interactive flashcards and quizzes, and track your progress to your naturalization interview.