The English test: speaking, reading and writing

Besides civics, the naturalization test checks that you can speak, read and write basic English. This page sets out how each part is judged, as described in the USCIS Policy Manual (Volume 12, Part E, Chapter 2), which we read on 12 November 2026.

The standard: words in ordinary usage

The policy manual says an applicant must show the ability to read, write, speak and understand words in ordinary usage. It explains that this means simple vocabulary and grammar, and that it may include noticeable errors in pronouncing, spelling and understanding certain words and sentences. You may ask for words to be repeated or said another way. Perfect English is not required.

Speaking

There is no separate speaking exam. The officer judges your speaking and understanding from how you answer the questions normally asked in the interview, which are about your application and your eligibility. According to the manual, you pass if you generally understand and respond meaningfully to those questions. You do not need to understand every word on the application form. A person fails this part when they do not understand enough English to be placed under oath or to answer the eligibility questions.

How to prepare: read your own Form N-400 again before the interview. Be ready to say your name, address, work, family details and travel history in simple sentences, and learn the meaning of the words used in the form's yes or no questions.

Reading

• You are shown up to three sentences.
• You must read one of them aloud correctly.
• When you read one correctly, the officer stops the reading test.

The manual says you pass if you read a sentence without long pauses so that its meaning is clear. You may leave out short words or make pronunciation errors that do not change the meaning. You fail a sentence if you leave out a content word or swap it for another, pause for long periods, or mispronounce so much that the meaning is lost.

Writing

• The officer reads up to three sentences aloud.
• You must write one of them so that the officer can understand it.
• When you write one acceptably, the officer stops the writing test.

The manual says you do not fail because of spelling, capital letter or punctuation mistakes unless they change the meaning. Some grammar or spelling errors are allowed, and numbers may be written as words or digits. You must not abbreviate words.

What the sentences are about

USCIS publishes official reading and writing vocabulary lists on its Study for the Test page. The words are about civics and history, so studying the civics questions helps with the English test too. Download the vocabulary lists from uscis.gov and practise reading and writing short sentences made from those words.

Who does not take the English test

Some older long-term residents are exempt from the English requirement and can take the civics test in their own language through an interpreter. See exceptions and accommodations.

A simple practice routine

1. Each day, copy five answers from the civics list by hand. This practises spelling the names and words that appear in the writing test.
2. Read five questions aloud, slowly and clearly.
3. Ask someone to dictate a short sentence, such as "Washington was the first president", and write it without looking.
4. Practise saying "Please repeat that" and "I do not understand the word ...". You are allowed to ask.

Next

Exceptions and accommodations All guides

Independent study site. Citizenship Test is not a government website and is not connected with USCIS or any agency. Questions and accepted answers are quoted from the official USCIS lists; the notes are ours. Rules were read on uscis.gov on 12 November 2026. Always confirm with uscis.gov/citizenship before your interview.