Skip to content
Our community · 1 min read

English as the national language

AUSTRALIAN VALUES In the real test, every values question must be correct.

Australian society values the English language as the national language of Australia, and as an important unifying element of society. People living in Australia should make an effort to learn English.

It is important to learn to speak English because it helps to get an education, a job, and better integrate into the community. It is essential for economic participation and social cohesion. Applicants for Australian citizenship must undertake to make reasonable efforts to learn the English language, if it is not their native language.

Test yourself on this topic

5 questions on this topic, each with the answer explained.

  1. 1. An employer tells a new arrival that English matters for more than everyday conversation. Why is English described as essential in Australia?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • It is essential for joining a local sporting club
    • It is essential for economic life and social cohesion
    • It is essential for owning property, land and a home
    • It is essential for holding an Australian driver licence

    Explanation: English is needed to take part in the economy and to keep society working together as one community.

  2. 2. At a citizenship ceremony a speaker says English brings Australians together. How does Australian society regard the English language?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • As a language needed only for government work
    • As one of several official national languages
    • As the national language and a unifying element
    • As less important than the languages of migrants

    Explanation: English is Australia's national language and is valued because it helps hold society together.

  3. 3. Hana has lived in Australia for several years and still speaks only her first language. What is expected of people living in Australia?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • They should make an effort to learn English
    • They must speak English with their neighbours only
    • They may ignore English if they use an interpreter
    • They must stop using their first language at home

    Explanation: Everyone living in Australia is expected to try to learn English, whatever other languages they speak.

  4. 4. Karim is applying for Australian citizenship and English is not his native language. What must applicants undertake to do?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Pass a university-level English examination first
    • Make reasonable efforts to learn the English language
    • Employ an interpreter for all official business
    • Speak only English inside their family home

    Explanation: People applying for citizenship promise to make a genuine effort to learn English if it is not their first language.

  5. 5. Sofia is deciding whether to attend English classes. Which TWO things does learning to speak English help a person to do?

    AUSTRALIAN VALUES
    • Get an education and a job
    • Receive a free housing grant
    • Pay a lower rate of income tax
    • Integrate better into the community

    Explanation: English opens up study and work, and it helps a person become part of the community around them.

From Australian Citizenship: Our Common Bond, the official booklet