N-400 English Language Requirements 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How is the English writing portion of the naturalization interview administered?
- The officer dictates one sentence for the applicant to write (Correct answer)
- The applicant writes a short essay
- The applicant completes a fill-in-the-blank worksheet
- The officer asks the applicant to copy a paragraph
Correct answer: The officer dictates one sentence for the applicant to write
The officer dictates one sentence and the applicant must write it legibly and accurately to pass the writing test.
Question 2: What vocabulary is used in the N-400 English reading and writing tests?
- USCIS-approved civics and history vocabulary (Correct answer)
- Random everyday English vocabulary
- Medical and legal terminology
- SAT-level academic vocabulary
Correct answer: USCIS-approved civics and history vocabulary
The reading and writing tests use vocabulary from USCIS's official civics and U.S. history word list.
Question 3: How many attempts does an applicant get to pass the English reading and writing tests at the initial interview?
- 3 attempts for reading and 3 for writing (Correct answer)
- 1 attempt only
- 2 attempts each
- Unlimited attempts
Correct answer: 3 attempts for reading and 3 for writing
USCIS allows up to 3 attempts for each of the reading and writing tests during the naturalization interview.
Question 4: What happens if an applicant fails the English or civics test at the initial N-400 interview?
- They are rescheduled for a second interview within 60–90 days (Correct answer)
- Their application is denied immediately
- They must reapply from the beginning
- They are placed on a 2-year waiting list
Correct answer: They are rescheduled for a second interview within 60–90 days
Applicants who fail the English or civics test are scheduled for a second interview, typically within 60–90 days.
Question 5: A disability or impairment may excuse an applicant from which part of the N-400 requirements?
- Both the English and civics requirements with a Form N-648 (Correct answer)
- Only the civics requirement
- Only the English requirement
- All requirements without any form
Correct answer: Both the English and civics requirements with a Form N-648
Form N-648 (Medical Certification for Disability Exceptions) can exempt applicants with qualifying medical conditions from both the English and civics requirements.
Question 6: Which of the following best describes the speaking portion of the N-400 English test?
- It occurs throughout the interview as the officer evaluates conversational responses (Correct answer)
- It is a separate formal oral exam at the start
- It requires reading a prepared speech
- It involves answering standardized questions from a script
Correct answer: It occurs throughout the interview as the officer evaluates conversational responses
USCIS evaluates English speaking ability naturally throughout the entire interview by observing the applicant's conversational responses.
N-400 English Language Requirements 2
How is the English writing portion of the naturalization interview administered?