MORE than 20,500 foreigners took up citizenship here last year, compared to 17,334 in 2007.

People become Singapore citizens either through birth, marriage or by having resided here as permanent residents for two to six years, according to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority website.

Citizenship application forms include questions on occupation, salary, educational qualifications and skills.

Applicants have to sign a statement swearing that they renounce any foreign nationality or citizenship, bear true allegiance to Singapore and observe its laws.

They must also be of good character and be able to support themselves and their dependants financially.

Applicants pay a $100 fee.

It takes about six months for cases to be processed.

They are also interviewed on why they want to become citizens before a decision is made.

New citizens are presented with their Singapore identity cards at a citizenship ceremony where they recite the Pledge as a group.

Academics, politicians and community leaders have welcomed the idea of a citizenship test, and suggested that questions cover a range of issues - from Singapore society, politics, history and government policies to community cohesion and, yes, food.

If the idea for a citizenship test is implemented, here are 10 possible questions based on the categories suggested:

Who founded colonial Singapore?

What is Singapore's land area and population size?

What animals are depicted on the national coat of arms?

What proportion of Singaporeans live in Housing Board flats?

What are Singapore's public holidays?

What are the four official languages?

Name three food items you can find in a hawker centre.

Who has to serve national service?

Name the oldest university, polytechnic and junior college here.

Expand these acronyms: ERP, CPF, GRC, LUP, MM, AYE and MICA.

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This article was first published in The Straits Times.