The U.S. citizenship test includes English reading and writing portions alongside the civics test. You must read 1 of 3 simple sentences aloud and write 1 of 3 dictated sentences. USCIS publishes the official vocabulary lists — the sentences use only those words. Most applicants pass with basic English skills.
What to expect:
- Reading: officer shows 1 of 3 simple sentences in English; you read aloud
- Writing: officer dictates 1 of 3 simple sentences; you write it
- Vocabulary uses basic civics words: president, Congress, citizen, vote, flag, etc.
- USCIS publishes the official reading and writing vocabulary lists at uscis.gov
- Exemptions: 50/20 rule (age 50+, 20+ years as PR) and 55/15 rule allow native-language testing
What the English Test Looks Like
The English test has two parts:
Reading Test
The USCIS officer asks you to read aloud 1 out of 3 sentences in English. The sentences are simple and use vocabulary related to civics and American history.
You must read at least 1 sentence correctly to pass this portion.
Writing Test
The officer reads a sentence aloud and you write it down. You are given up to 3 sentences. You must write at least 1 sentence correctly to pass.
Correct means the officer can understand what you wrote. Minor spelling mistakes are usually acceptable as long as the meaning is clear.
Example Reading Sentences
Here are the types of sentences you might be asked to read:
- "George Washington was the first President."
- "The United States has 50 states."
- "Citizens have the right to vote."
- "Congress makes federal laws."
- "The White House is in Washington, D.C."
- "Abraham Lincoln freed the slaves."
- "The Constitution is the supreme law."
The sentences are short, use common words, and relate to topics you are already studying for the civics test.
Example Writing Sentences
The officer will say a sentence and you write it:
- "The President lives in the White House."
- "All citizens can vote."
- "Congress is part of the government."
- "America has 50 states."
- "The flag has 50 stars."
- "Washington is the capital of the United States."
- "Lincoln was the 16th President."
Again — simple, short, and civics-related.
Vocabulary You Should Know
USCIS publishes official reading and writing vocabulary lists. Here are the most important words:
Civics Terms
President, Congress, Constitution, government, country, state, capital, citizen, flag, vote, law, right, freedom, American
People
Washington, Lincoln, Adams, Jefferson
Action Words
is, was, has, have, can, do, lives, elected, vote, come, want, need
Question Words
who, what, when, where, why, how
Places
America, United States, Washington D.C., White House
Numbers and Time
one, first, second, fifty, hundred, year, day, month
Holidays
Independence Day, Presidents' Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Flag Day
Tips for the Reading Test
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Practice reading out loud. Read English sentences every day — from a book, a website, or our study materials. The key is being comfortable reading aloud, not silently.
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Focus on civics vocabulary. The sentences use the same terms you are studying for the civics test. If you know the civics material, you already know the vocabulary.
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Do not rush. Take your time. Read slowly and clearly. It is better to read slowly and correctly than to rush and make mistakes.
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Sound out unfamiliar words. If you see a word you do not recognize, try sounding it out letter by letter.
Tips for the Writing Test
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Practice writing by hand. The test is handwritten, not typed. Practice writing sentences with a pen or pencil.
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Listen carefully. The officer reads the sentence once. If you do not understand, you can ask them to repeat it.
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Write clearly. The officer needs to read your writing. Print clearly rather than using cursive if that is easier.
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Spelling does not have to be perfect. Minor mistakes are acceptable as long as the sentence makes sense. "Prezident" might be accepted for "President" — but try to spell correctly.
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Practice dictation. Have a friend or family member read sentences to you while you write them down. This is exactly what the test is like.
How MyCitizenPrep Helps
While studying civics on MyCitizenPrep, you are simultaneously building your English vocabulary:
- Reading questions and answers — every study session practices reading
- Explanations — reading the "why" behind answers builds comprehension
- Word Scramble game — unscramble civics terms, reinforcing spelling
- Word Search game — find hidden words, building visual recognition
- Audio — listen to questions read aloud to improve comprehension
By the time you are ready for the civics test, your English will be ready too.
Who Is Exempt?
Some applicants are exempt from the English test:
- Age 50+ with 20+ years as a permanent resident
- Age 55+ with 15+ years as a permanent resident
These applicants may take the civics test in their native language with an interpreter. Check USCIS guidelines for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on the English reading test?
The officer shows you up to 3 sentences in English. You must read 1 of the 3 correctly out loud. The sentences use simple civics vocabulary published by USCIS, like "George Washington was the first President."
What is on the English writing test?
The officer dictates up to 3 sentences. You must write 1 of the 3 correctly. Like the reading test, the sentences use simple civics vocabulary, like "Citizens can vote."
Where can I find the USCIS reading and writing vocabulary lists?
USCIS publishes the official reading and writing vocabulary lists at uscis.gov/citizenship. The lists are short (about 100 words each) and cover common civics terms.
Do I need perfect English to pass?
No. You need to demonstrate basic English understanding — speaking, reading, and writing at a simple level. The officer assesses your English throughout the entire interview, including the conversation about your N-400.
Are there exemptions from the English test?
Yes. The 50/20 rule (age 50+ with 20+ years as a permanent resident) and 55/15 rule (age 55+ with 15+ years) exempt you from the English requirement. You may take the civics test in your native language with an interpreter.
What if I cannot read or write the sentences correctly?
You get up to 3 chances on each portion. If you fail, you can retake just that portion within 60-90 days. Most prepared applicants pass on the first try.
Key Takeaways
- The English test includes reading (1 of 3 sentences) and writing (1 of 3 sentences)
- Sentences are short, simple, and civics-related
- Practice reading aloud and writing by hand every day
- Minor spelling mistakes are usually acceptable
- The vocabulary overlaps with what you study for the civics test
- Word Scramble and Word Search games help reinforce spelling and recognition
- Some older permanent residents are exempt from the English test