Citizenship Test Reading and Writing: Practice Examples and Tips

While most citizenship test preparation focuses on the civics questions, the English reading and writing components often catch applicants off guard. These tests are straightforward but require specific preparation. This guide explains exactly what to expect on the English reading and writing tests, provides the complete vocabulary lists, offers practice examples, and shares proven tips to help you pass with confidence.

Understanding the English Test Requirements

The citizenship interview includes three English language components that demonstrate your ability to use basic English:

Three Parts of the English Test

• Speaking: Assessed throughout the interview conversation (not a separate test)
• Reading: Read 1 out of 3 sentences correctly
• Writing: Write 1 out of 3 sentences correctly

This guide focuses on the reading and writing components, which have specific vocabulary lists and sentence structures you can practice in advance.

The Reading Test Explained

How the Reading Test Works

• The USCIS officer will show you a sentence printed on paper
• You must read the sentence out loud
• If you read it correctly, you pass this component (test is over)
• If you make a mistake, the officer will show you a second sentence
• If needed, you'll get a third sentence
• You must successfully read 1 out of 3 sentences to pass

What Counts as "Reading Correctly"

• Pronunciation: You must pronounce words clearly enough for the officer to understand
• Accuracy: All words must be read correctly
• Fluency: Doesn't need to be perfect – you can read slowly
• Accent: Having an accent is completely fine
• Self-Correction: If you catch your mistake immediately and correct it, that's usually okay

Reading Test Vocabulary List

USCIS provides an official reading vocabulary list of approximately 50 words. All reading test sentences use only words from this list:

People and Government

• Abraham Lincoln
• George Washington
• President
• Vice President
• Congress
• Senator
• citizen
• people
• we

Places

• America
• United States
• U.S.
• Washington
• Washington, D.C.
• White House
• Delaware River

Civic Concepts

• vote
• freedom
• flag
• right
• Bill of Rights
• capital
• country
• government

Verbs

• can
• come
• do/does
• elect
• have/has
• is/are/was/be
• lives/lived
• meets
• vote
• want

Other Important Words

• a, an, the
• and
• during
• for
• here
• in
• of
• on
• to
• we

Months and Numbers

• February
• May
• June
• July
• September
• October
• November
• one, two, three (and other basic numbers)

Sample Reading Test Sentences

Here are 20 example sentences similar to what you'll see on the actual test:

• The President lives in the White House.
• Citizens have the right to vote.
• Congress meets in Washington, D.C.
• Abraham Lincoln was President during the Civil War.
• George Washington was the first President.
• We elect a President in November.
• The American flag has stars and stripes.
• Citizens can vote for the President.
• The capital of the United States is Washington, D.C.
• People in America have the right to freedom.
• The President lives in the White House.
• Congress makes laws for the country.
• Washington was the Father of Our Country.
• Lincoln was President during the Civil War.
• Citizens have many rights.
• People want to be free.
• America is the land of freedom.
• All people want to be free.
• The United States has a flag.
• The flag of the United States has stars and stripes.

Reading Test Tips

• Practice Out Loud: Don't just read silently – always practice reading sentences aloud
• Read Slowly: There's no time limit; slow and accurate beats fast and sloppy
• Point to Words: Use your finger to track along if that helps you focus
• Practice Difficult Words: Pay special attention to "Abraham," "February," "Delaware"
• Take a Breath: Pause before starting to read; don't rush
• Capital Letters: Notice when names and places are capitalized
• Punctuation: Pause slightly for commas and periods

The Writing Test Explained

How the Writing Test Works

• The USCIS officer will read a sentence aloud to you
• You must write down exactly what you hear
• You'll write on paper provided by the officer
• If you write it correctly, you pass this component (test is over)
• If you make a mistake, the officer will read a second sentence
• If needed, you'll get a third sentence
• You must successfully write 1 out of 3 sentences to pass

What Counts as "Writing Correctly"

• Spelling: All words must be spelled correctly
• Capitalization: Proper nouns and first word of sentence must be capitalized
• Punctuation: Sentence must end with a period
• Handwriting: Must be legible (readable), but doesn't need to be beautiful
• Minor Errors: Very minor grammatical issues may be overlooked if meaning is clear

Writing Test Vocabulary List

The writing vocabulary list is similar to the reading list but slightly shorter (about 50 words total):

People and Civic Terms

• Adams
• Washington
• Lincoln
• President
• Congress
• Senator
• citizen
• people

Places

• America
• United States
• U.S.
• Washington
• Washington, D.C.
• White House
• Alaska
• California
• Canada
• Mexico
• New York

Verbs (Most Common)

• can
• come
• elect
• have/has
• is/are
• lives/lived
• meets
• vote
• want

Other Words

• a, the
• and
• for
• in
• of
• on
• to
• we

Months (Frequently Used)

• February
• May
• June
• November

Sample Writing Test Sentences

Here are 20 example sentences the officer might dictate to you:

• The President lives in the White House.
• Citizens can vote.
• Congress meets in Washington.
• Lincoln was President.
• Washington was the first President.
• We elect the President in November.
• The flag is red, white, and blue.
• Citizens have the right to vote.
• The capital is Washington, D.C.
• America is a free country.
• People want freedom.
• Congress makes laws.
• The President lives in Washington, D.C.
• Alaska is a state.
• Canada is north of the United States.
• Citizens can vote for President.
• Washington is on the dollar bill.
• Lincoln was President during the Civil War.
• The White House is in Washington, D.C.
• People in America are free.

Writing Test Tips

• Listen to the Complete Sentence: Don't start writing until the officer finishes reading
• Ask for Repetition: You can politely ask the officer to read the sentence again
• Write Clearly: Print in clear letters if your cursive is hard to read
• Double-Check Spelling: Take a moment to review what you wrote
• Capitalize Properly: First word of sentence and all proper nouns (names, places)
• Add a Period: Don't forget the period at the end
• Practice by Hand: Type less, write by hand more during practice
• Know Tricky Spellings: "President," "February," "November," "White House"

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Reading Test Mistakes

• Reading Too Fast: Slow down and pronounce each word clearly
• Skipping Words: Read every single word in the sentence
• Adding Words: Don't add words that aren't written
• Mispronouncing Names: Practice "Abraham," "Lincoln," "Washington"
• Ignoring Punctuation: Pause at commas and periods

Writing Test Mistakes

• Misspelling Common Words: "President" not "Presedent," "November" not "Novemeber"
• Forgetting Capitals: "Washington" not "washington," "The" at start of sentence
• Missing Periods: Always end sentences with a period
• Illegible Handwriting: If the officer can't read it, it's wrong
• Writing What You Think vs. What You Heard: Write exactly what was dictated

How to Practice Reading and Writing

Daily Practice Routine (10 minutes)

• Reading (5 minutes): Read 5-10 practice sentences out loud
• Writing (5 minutes): Have someone dictate 3-5 sentences to you, or listen to online audio
• Review: Check your writing for spelling and capitalization errors

Practice Resources

• USCIS Website: Official vocabulary lists and practice sentences
• Family/Friends: Have them read sentences while you write
• Recording Yourself: Record sentences, play back, and write what you hear
• Flashcards: Create reading flashcards with sentences on them
• Citizenship Classes: Many offer reading and writing practice sessions

Week-by-Week Practice Plan

Weeks 1-2: Vocabulary Focus

• Memorize spelling of all vocabulary words
• Practice reading each word correctly
• Write each word 5-10 times by hand

Weeks 3-4: Simple Sentences

• Practice reading and writing short sentences
• Focus on capitalization and punctuation
• Build speed and confidence

Weeks 5-8: Full Sentences

• Practice all sample sentences
• Daily reading practice (5-10 sentences)
• Daily writing practice (3-5 sentences)

Weeks 9-12: Simulation

• Simulate test conditions
• Have someone randomly select sentences
• Practice writing from dictation only (don't see the sentence)

Special Considerations and Exemptions

Age-Related Exemptions

You may be exempt from the English test if you meet certain criteria:

• Age 50+, 20 years as permanent resident: English test waived
• Age 55+, 15 years as permanent resident: English test waived
• Age 65+, 20 years as permanent resident: English waived + easier civics test

Disability Accommodations

• Medical disability may qualify you for English test waiver
• File Form N-648 (Medical Certification) with your N-400
• Must be completed by licensed medical professional
• USCIS reviews on case-by-case basis

What to Expect on Interview Day

Order of Tests

During your interview, tests typically happen in this order:

• Speaking: Assessed throughout interview conversation
• Reading: Officer shows you sentences to read
• Writing: Officer dictates sentences for you to write
• Civics: Oral questions about US history and government (10 or 20 depending on test version)

What to Bring

• Reading glasses if you need them
• Don't rely on officer having materials – they will provide paper and pen
• Arrive calm and confident

During the English Tests

• Take your time – there's no speed requirement
• Ask for repetition if needed
• Stay calm if you make a mistake – you get two more chances
• Breathe deeply if you feel nervous

Frequently Asked Questions

"What if my handwriting is messy?"

As long as the officer can read what you wrote and it's spelled correctly, messy handwriting is okay. Practice printing clearly if your cursive is difficult to read.

"Can I use abbreviations like 'US' instead of 'United States'?"

Write exactly what the officer dictates. If they say "United States," write it out. If they say "U.S.," you can write "U.S."

"What if I have an accent when reading?"

Accents are completely acceptable. The officer just needs to understand what you're saying. Clarity matters more than perfect American pronunciation.

"Do I need to use cursive or can I print?"

Either is fine. Use whichever style is clearest and most legible for you.

"What happens if I fail the English test?"

You'll be scheduled for a retake within 60-90 days. Use that time to practice more intensively, consider joining a citizenship class, or work with an ESL tutor.

You Can Pass the English Test

The citizenship test reading and writing components are designed to assess basic English proficiency, not perfect fluency. With the vocabulary lists limited to about 50 words and sentences using simple structures, these tests are very manageable with proper practice.

Key points to remember:

• You only need to pass 1 out of 3 sentences for both reading and writing
• All sentences use words from the official USCIS vocabulary lists
• Practice by actually reading out loud and writing by hand
• Take your time – accuracy matters more than speed
• Having an accent is completely acceptable
• Most applicants find these tests easier than the civics questions

Start practicing today by reading the sample sentences in this guide out loud. Then have a family member or friend dictate sentences while you write them. With 15-20 minutes of daily practice over 4-6 weeks, you'll be fully prepared for the English reading and writing tests.

Focus most of your study time on the civics questions, but don't neglect the English components. Practice the civics test with our interactive flashcards, and dedicate 10 minutes daily to reading and writing practice.

You're almost there – the path to US citizenship is clear, and you have all the tools you need to succeed. Good luck!