The English reading and writing portions of the citizenship test use only words from the official USCIS vocabulary lists. This means you can study exactly what will appear β no surprises.
How the Vocabulary Lists Work
USCIS publishes official reading and writing vocabulary lists. All sentences used in the reading test and all sentences dictated in the writing test come exclusively from these lists. If you know every word on both lists, you have everything needed for the English portion of the citizenship interview.
Reading Vocabulary Categories
People: Abraham Lincoln, George Washington, American Indians, citizens, Presidents, senators, people, Father of Our Country.
Civics: Bill of Rights, capital, Constitution, Civil War, Congress, flag, freedom of speech, government, right, White House.
Places and Holidays: America, United States, Washington D.C., Independence Day, Memorial Day, Thanksgiving, Presidents Day, Columbus Day, Labor Day.
Writing Vocabulary Key Words
Key writing vocabulary includes: Adams, America, American Indians, capital, citizens, Civil War, Congress, dollar bill, Father of Our Country, flag, free, freedom, George Washington, government, holiday, July 4th, land, Lincoln, lives, money, north, obey the law, pay taxes, people, President, right, senators, states, taxes, the United States, vote, Washington D.C., White House, and more.
Practice Sentences
The following sentences are representative of the type you will encounter on the test. Practice reading each one aloud and writing each one from dictation:
- America is the land of freedom.
- The President lives in the White House.
- Congress makes the laws in the United States.
- Citizens have the right to vote.
- George Washington was the first President of the United States.
- The flag of the United States has stars and stripes.
- People in America have the right to freedom of speech.
- Abraham Lincoln was a great American president.
- All people are created equal.
Practice Strategies
For reading practice: read each sentence aloud clearly and at a natural pace. Focus on words you find difficult to pronounce. Ask a family member to listen and give you honest feedback. For writing practice: have someone read a sentence to you, write it without looking, then check your spelling carefully. Pay special attention to Constitution, government, President, citizens, senators, and Congress β these words are commonly misspelled. Use our free English practice tool at USCitizenship101 for structured daily practice with instant feedback.