US Citizenship Reading Test 2026 — Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

Prepare for the official USCIS reading test with official vocabulary and practice sentences used in the naturalization interview. You’ll also find the 100 Civics Questions and Answers and Writing Test practice — covering all parts of the US citizenship exam.

Practice All 100 Questions for Free Try 10 Random Questions for Free

 

How the USCIS Reading Test Works

In the reading portion of the US citizenship interview, the USCIS officer will ask you to read up to three sentences in English about U.S. civics or history.

✔ You only need to read one sentence correctly (out loud) to pass the USCIS reading test.
✔ The sentence is shown on a screen, usually on a tablet.
✔ You read the sentence aloud to the officer.

→ All reading test sentences come from a fixed USCIS vocabulary list, not random English phrases.

 

 

The USCIS reading and writing tests are closely connected.

In many interviews:

  • You read a sentence out loud during the reading test
  • The writing sentence is often the answer to that reading sentence

Because of this, the reading and writing tests use the same vocabulary and very similar sentence structures.
Recognizing common reading sentences makes the writing test much easier.

 

What Matters (and What Doesn’t)

✔ What matters
  • Reading the words exactly as they appear
  • Recognizing common USCIS vocabulary
  • Reading clearly enough to show understanding
✖ What does NOT matter
  • Your accent
  • Reading fast
  • Perfect pronunciation
  • Being nervous

Your accent will not cause you to fail the reading test.

 

What the Officer Is Listening For

USCIS officers are not grading pronunciation or fluency.

They are checking that you can:

  • Recognize basic English words
  • Read a simple sentence aloud
  • Show general understanding

They are not testing advanced grammar or speaking skills.

 

Helpful Reading Tips

The reading test has no time limit, so slow and clear reading is best.

Helpful tips:

  • Read slowly and clearly
  • Focus on recognizing words, not speed
  • Practice reading from a screen, not just paper
  • If you make a mistake, pause and restart calmly

You are allowed to take a breath before reading.

 

Common Reading Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants make small mistakes due to nerves:

  • Skipping small words like the, of, or in
  • Guessing instead of reading what is on the screen
  • Rushing through the sentence
  • Freezing because of accent anxiety

Remember: ✔ one correct sentence is enough to pass.

 

Reading Vocabulary List (Official USCIS)

The USCIS reading test uses a limited, official vocabulary list. These words repeat across the reading test, writing test, and civics questions. Studying this vocabulary is one of the most effective ways to prepare.

Reading Vocabulary List:

People

  • ✔ Abraham Lincoln
  • ✔ George Washington

Places

  • ✔ America
  • ✔ United States
  • ✔ US

Holidays

  • ✔ Presidents’ Day
  • ✔ Memorial Day
  • ✔ Flag Day
  • ✔ Independence Day
  • ✔ Labor Day
  • ✔ Columbus Day
  • ✔ Thanksgiving

Question Words

  • ✔ How
  • ✔ What
  • ✔ When
  • ✔ Where
  • ✔ Who
  • ✔ Why

Civics

  • ✔ American flag
  • ✔ Bill of Rights
  • ✔ capital
  • ✔ citizen
  • ✔ city
  • ✔ Congress
  • ✔ country
  • ✔ Father of Our Country
  • ✔ government
  • ✔ President
  • ✔ right
  • ✔ Senators
  • ✔ state/states
  • ✔ White House

Verbs

  • ✔ can
  • ✔ come
  • ✔ do/does
  • ✔ elects
  • ✔ have/has
  • ✔ is/are/was/be
  • ✔ lives/lived
  • ✔ meet
  • ✔ name
  • ✔ pay
  • ✔ vote
  • ✔ want

Other (function)

  • ✔ a
  • ✔ for
  • ✔ here
  • ✔ in
  • ✔ of
  • ✔ on
  • ✔ the
  • ✔ to
  • ✔ we

Other (content)

  • ✔ colors
  • ✔ dollar bill
  • ✔ first
  • ✔ largest
  • ✔ many
  • ✔ most
  • ✔ north
  • ✔ one
  • ✔ people
  • ✔ second
  • ✔ south

 

Sample USCIS Reading Sentences

Below are examples of sentences similar to those used in the USCIS reading test. All sentences are based on official USCIS vocabulary.

✔ Who can vote?
✔ When is Thanksgiving?
✔ What state has the most people?
✔ Where is the White House?
✔ How many Senators does Congress have?
✔ Who was the second President?
✔ When is Labor Day?
✔ What was the first capital?
✔ Who was Abraham Lincoln?
✔ What are the colors of the American flag?
✔ How many Senators do we have?

 

US Citizenship Reading Test Strategy

The USCIS reading test is not random English phrases.

Reading sentences come from the same vocabulary used in:

  • Reading test sentences
  • Writing test sentences
  • Civics questions

Instead of practicing fast reading, focus on:

  • Recognizing USCIS vocabulary
  • Reading clearly and calmly
  • Getting comfortable reading from a screen

Applicants who use this strategy ✅ almost always pass.