The short answer
You read one sentence aloud correctly out of up to three, and you write one sentence correctly out of up to three. USCIS publishes the vocabulary the sentences use.
Checked against USCIS on 12 September 2026
How does the reading test work?
The officer gives you a sentence to read aloud. You must read one sentence correctly from up to three. The officer stops once you read a sentence correctly. This is separate from the civics question bank.
How does the writing test work?
The officer says a sentence for you to write. You must write one sentence correctly from up to three. The officer stops once you write a sentence correctly. You do not choose the sentence yourself.
Where are the vocabulary lists?
USCIS publishes reading and writing vocabulary on its study page. Use the official lists to see the words used in the test. Listening to a word can help you connect its sound and spelling.
What counts as correct?
For reading, the officer must understand the sentence’s meaning. Some pronunciation errors may be accepted if the meaning stays clear.
For writing, the officer must understand the sentence. USCIS policy explains which spelling and punctuation errors may be accepted. Read the official policy for the full scoring rules.
What if I qualify for an English exemption?
The 50/20 and 55/15 rules may remove the English test requirement. The civics test still applies. Check the exemption rules before preparing for your interview.
How the app helps
Study 139 vocabulary items, each with audio. Hear each word and practise at your own pace. See this feature
