US Citizenship Writing Test 2026 — Vocabulary and Sample Sentences

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

How the USCIS Writing Test Works

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

✔ You only need to write one sentence correctly to pass the USCIS writing test.
✔ The sentence is spoken aloud by the officer and is not shown on the screen.
✔ Most applicants write the sentence on a tablet, using a stylus or their finger.

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

How Reading and Writing Sentences Are Related

Many USCIS writing test sentences are directly connected to the reading test. 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 are not independent. They use the same vocabulary and very similar sentence structures. This means you do not need to invent a sentence or think creatively — you are usually copying a sentence you already recognize.

What Counts as a Correct Sentence

To pass the writing test, your sentence must include all required words and be clearly readable.

A sentence is considered incorrect if:
❌ You write nothing.
❌ You miss any word, even a small one.
❌ You use abbreviations.

Example:

• ❌ NYC → ✅ New York City
• ❌ US → ✅ United States

Minor spelling, capitalization, or punctuation errors are allowed if they do not change the meaning.

What Will NOT Cause You to Fail

Many applicants worry about details that do not affect the result.

The following will not cause you to fail the USCIS writing test:

• Writing in all capital letters
• Writing slowly
• Asking the officer to repeat the sentence
• Feeling nervous

USCIS officers are checking understanding, not perfection.

Writing Vocabulary List (Official USCIS)

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

Writing Vocabulary List:

Sample USCIS Writing Sentences

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

How to Practice for the Writing Test

The USCIS writing test is a recognition test, not a creativity test. The most effective way to prepare is to:

• Listen carefully to dictated sentences
• Write exactly what you hear
• Practice writing common USCIS sentences repeatedly

Because the test is often done on a tablet, it helps to practice writing:

• With a stylus on a tablet or phone
• Slowly and clearly
• Without abbreviations or shortcuts

Practicing only on paper can make the tablet feel unfamiliar on interview day.

Common Writing Mistakes to Avoid

Many applicants fail the writing test because of small, avoidable errors:

• Forgetting small words like the
• Leaving out plural endings (example: state vs states)
• Writing unclear letters on the tablet
• Using abbreviations or shortcuts
• Panicking and stopping mid-sentence

Stay calm — you are allowed to pause and continue.

US Citizenship Writing Test Strategy

The USCIS writing test is not random English phrases.

Writing sentences come from the same vocabulary used in:

• Writing test sentences
• Reading test sentences
• Civics questions

Instead of studying how to “write English,” focus on:

• Recognizing USCIS vocabulary
• Copying sentences accurately

Applicants who use this strategy ✅ almost always pass.