The process of naturalization is like an AP Test – the
curriculum is taught to the test. It is
composed of a fact based test and an interview that is conducted through a
verbal examination. The writing section
of the application is an extension of the fact based test.
First, applicants are asked conversation starter questions.
Then they are asked questions from the N-400 application just to see if the
info that they put matched with what they know.
After this, they are asked 10 possible history and civic questions from
a list of 100 that are published. If once applicants get 6 questions right, the
examiner stops asking question. For applicants that are 65 years old or older,
they are only asked questions from a pool of 20 questions where they have to
answer 6 right from the 10 questions that can be asked. Near the end of the
interview, the examiner will ask for the applicant to point to a certain
question and read it. The applicant will then write down the right answer on a
piece of paper in complete sentence.
In this process the following skills are examined: reading,
writing and comprehension skills along with civics and history knowledge. However, abstract skills like social
attitudes are evaluated as well. Questions like “what is your favorite color” or
“how was your day?” are questions that are geared at testing verbal
comprehension of the applicants. A tricky aspect of the whole process is the
interpretation of signs and signifiers that are not universal to many
immigrants. A firm handshake is crucial- as oppose the kiss on the hand for the
ladies in many countries.
