Writing Vocabulary for the Naturalization Test - How to Use the Writing Word Strips

Sep 18, 2026

Writing Vocabulary for the Naturalization Test provides word strips and copy sheets for the English writing portion of the U.S. naturalization test. Each test uses up to three sentences, and applicants must write one correctly to demonstrate writing ability. The resource supplies civics and history vocabulary, including sets of civics names, places, months, holidays, verbs, and other function/content words. It includes classroom and self-study guidance for forming accurate declarative sentences.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages18

Reading Time45 min

AccessFree to download

How to Use the Writing Word Strips

Preparing the Word Strips

Getting Started in Class

Variation for Higher Level Students

Writing Vocabulary for the Naturalization Test Each writing test administered to an applicant will contain no more than three (3) sentences. An applicant must write one (1) out of three (3) sentences correctly in order to demonstrate an ability to write in English. To help an applicant prepare, these word strips and copy sheets contain all the words found in the English writing portion of the naturalization test. The content focuses on civicsand history topics. M-1178 (09/17) (rev. 08/08) Writing Vocabulary for the Naturalization Test | PEOPLE CIVICS PLACES MONTHS HOLIDAYS | | | | | VERBS | OTHER
(FUNCTION) | OTHER
(CONTENT) | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Adams
Lincoln
Washington | American Indians capital
citizens
Civil War
Congress
Father of Our Country flag
free
freedom of speech President
right Senators state/states
White House | Alaska
California
Canada
Delaware
Mexico
New York City
United States
Washington
Washington, D.C. | February
May
June
July
September
October
November | Presidents’Day
Memorial Day
Flag Day
Independence Day Labor Day
Columbus Day
Thanksgiving | can
come elect have/has is/was/be
lives/lived
meets
pay
vote
want | and during for herein of
on
the
to
we | blue dollar bill fifty/50
first largest most north
one one hundred/100 people
red
second south
taxes
white | Writing Vocabulary Word Strips for the Naturalization Test The USCIS Writing Vocabulary Word Strips help immigrants study for the English writing portion of the naturalization test. These word strips contain all the words in the writing portion of the test. The content focuses on civics and history topics. These strips are designed for use in the classroom as an instructional tool for citizenship preparation or as a resource for self-study. They can be used to make declarative sentences that the applicant might be asked to write during the English writing portion of the test. Important note: While the writing and reading vocabulary lists have some shared vocabulary on civics and history, the lists are not the same. When creating your sentences, keep the lists and activities separate to avoid confusing your students. How to Use the Writing Word Strips Preparing the Word Strips: 1. Examine the Writing Vocabulary Word List and create as many declarative sentences (or statements) as you can, using only the words on the list. 2. For the classroom activity, choose 4 or 5 of your sentences and separate out the Writing Vocabulary Word Strips (including punctuation) needed to form those sentences. This is theset of strips that you will give to each group of students. 3. Prepare as many sets of strips as there are groups of students in your class. Plan on groups of 4 to 5 students. 4. Example: For a class of twenty students, prepare 4 identical sets of word strips to distribute to those groups. Getting Started in Class: 1. Have the students form small groups. 2. Give each group 1 set of word strips for the sentences you created. 3. Have students place the strips randomly face up on the table. 4. Dictate one of your sentences aloud to the class as each group works together to form that sentence from the strips on the table. 5. Encourage students to ask for repetition if needed. Repeat as much as needed in a natural speaking voice at normal speed. 6. Circulate around the room to check each group’s sentence. 7. After checking their work, write the sentence on the board for the students to copy, or ask a student to write it. Variation for Higher Level Students: 1. To prepare for this activity, choose 7 or 8 sentences on your list. Print out your list of sentences and cut the sentences into strips. 2. Have the students form small groups and pick one person to be the “teacher” or leader. 3. Distribute the sentence strips to the designated “tea

FAQs

What is the purpose of these writing vocabulary word strips?

They help applicants study for the English writing portion of the naturalization test by providing all words used in that writing portion.

How is the classroom activity typically conducted?

Students form small groups, receive word-strip sets, build sentences from the strips when the sentences are dictated aloud, and then copy the checked sentences.

What changes for higher level students?

The activity can use 7–8 sentences cut into strips, assign a group “teacher” to lead by reading a sentence aloud, add extra words to increase difficulty, and have the teacher verify accuracy.

Sep 18, 2026

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