Types of Societies Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Comprehension

If you are preparing for the IELTS exam and need reading practice essays, then “Types of Societies” passage can be a good one for you. This passage is approximately 750 words long, divided into five paragraphs. There are 13 questions asked based on this passage, which are True / False / Not Given, MCQs and Answer the question in two words, types. The overall time for reading passage and attempting questions of each passage is 20 minutes, since IELTS reading section is of 60 minutes and has 3 passages. 

Passages like "Types of Societies" test your ability to understand factual, descriptive and analytical texts from books, journals and newspapers. To achieve an IELTS Reading band score of 7, accurately demonstrate skills like skimming, scanning, detail recognition, and interpreting opinions. 

This guide covers types of societies reading answers with an approach that students will easily be able to understand. The answers provided will have descriptive explanation with paragraph reference for better understanding. 

What is the Main Text of Types of Societies Reading Answers? 

Types of Societies 

Paragraph 1 

Although humans have established many classifications of societies throughout history, sociologists and anthropologists classify different societies according to the degree to which other groups have unequal access to advantages such as resources, prestige, or power, and usually refer to four basic types of societies. From least to most socially complex, there are clans, tribes, chiefdoms, and states. 

Paragraph 2  

They are small-scale hunting and gathering societies of fewer than 100 people who move seasonally to exploit wild (undomesticated) food resources. Many hunter-gatherer groups still exist, such as the Hadza of Tanzania or the San of southern Africa. Clan members are generally kinsfolk, related by descent or marriage. Clans lack formal leaders, so there are no marked economic differences or disparities in status among their members. Because clans are composed of mobile groups of hunter-gatherers, their sites consist mainly of seasonally occupied camps and other smaller and more specialised sites. Among the latter are kill, or butchery sites—locations where large mammals are killed and sometimes butchered— and work sites, where tools are made or other specific activities carried out. The base camp of such a group may give evidence of rather insubstantial dwellings or temporary shelters, along with the debris of residential occupation. 

Paragraph 3 

These are generally larger than mobile hunter-gatherer groups. Still, rarely number more than a few thousand, and their diet or subsistence is mainly based on cultivated plants and domesticated animals. Typically, they have settled farmers, but they may be nomadic with a very different, mobile economy based on the intensive exploitation of livestock. These are generally multi-community societies, with individual communities integrated into the larger society through kinship ties. Although some tribes have officials and even a "capital" or seat of government, such officials lack the economic base necessary for practical use. The typical settlement pattern for tribes is settled agricultural homesteads or villages. Characteristically, no one settlement dominates any of the others in the region. Instead, the archaeologist finds evidence of isolated, permanently occupied houses or permanent villages. Such villages may comprise a collection of free-standing houses, like those of the first farms of the Danube valley in Europe. They may also be clusters of buildings grouped, such as the pueblos of the American Southwest and the early farming village or small town of Catalhoyuk in modern Turkey. 

Paragraph 4 

These operate on the ranking principle, based on differences in social status between people. Different lineages (a lineage is a group claiming descent from a common ancestor) are graded on a scale of prestige, and the senior lineage, and hence the society as a whole, is governed by a chief. Prestige and rank are determined by how closely related one is to the chief, and there is no accurate stratification into classes. The role of the chief is crucial. There is often local specialisation in craft products, and surpluses of these and foodstuffs are periodically paid as an obligation to the chief. He uses these to maintain his retainers, and may use them for redistribution to his subjects. The chiefdom generally has a center of power, often with temples, residences of the chief and his retainers, and craft specialists. Chiefdoms vary significantly in size, but the range is generally between about 5000 and 20,000 persons. 

Paragraph 5 

These preserve many of the features of chiefdoms, but the ruler (perhaps a king or sometimes a queen) has explicit authority to establish laws and enforce them using a standing army. Society no longer depends on kin relationships: it is now stratified into different classes. Agricultural workers and the poorer urban dwellers form the lowest classes, with the craft specialists above and the priests and kinsfolk of the ruler higher still. The functions of the ruler are often separated from those of the priest: the palace is distinguished from the temple. The society is viewed as a territory owned by the ruling lineage and populated by tenants who must pay taxes. The central capital houses a bureaucratic administration of officials; one of their principal purposes is to collect revenue (often in the form of taxes and tolls) and distribute it to the government, army, and craft specialists. Many early states developed complex redistribution systems to support these essential services. This relatively simple social typology, set out by Elman Service and elaborated by William Sanders and Joseph Marino, can be criticised, and it should not be used unthinkingly. Nevertheless, if we seek to talk about early societies, we must use words and concepts. Service categories provide an excellent framework to help organise our thoughts. 

What is the Summary of the Types of Societies Reading Passage? 

In this passage, anthropologists describe that a society is divided into four main types based on social structure, resource access and political organization. The four main types are: Clans, Tribes, Chiefdoms and Early States. 

The simples form, clans or bands, consisted of small, mobile hunter-gatherers group with fewer than 100 members often led by kinship but lacking formal leadership. The tribes are larger from of clans, often farming and herding communities, also organized by kinship but lacking any formal leadership. Chiefdoms are more organized and larger groups having a hierarchical system led by a chief. He controls all surplus resources, redistributes goods and oversees craft specialization, typically governing 5,000 – 20,000 people. Early states is the most complex part of society where division of labour exists with proper legal authorities, standing armies, clear social classes. The passage emphasizes that these categories help anthropologists understand societal evolution, though real societies may overlap between stages. 

Also Read: Tips and Tricks for Scoring Band Score 9 in IELTS Reading 

What are the True/False/Not Given Questions asked in the passage? (Questions 1-5) 

In this task, you are given a set of statements. Based on your understanding of the passage, you aim to identify the nature of the given statement and write the correct answer. 

Write, 

• TRUE: If the statement agrees with the information. 
• FALSE: If the statement contradicts the information. 
• NOT GIVEN: If there is no information on this. 

Q1. In band societies, leadership is informal and based on personal qualities. 

Q2: Chiefdoms always have written laws to govern their people. 

Q3: The amount of land a person possesses determines their rank inside the chiefdom. 

Q4: Tribes are always composed of settled farmers. 

Q5: Clans usually consist of fewer than 100 people. 

(Answers to the questions will be given in the last) 

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What are the multiple-choice questions (MCQ) questions asked? (Questions 6-10) 

In this task, you are presented with a question followed by several answer options. Based on your understanding of the passage, you must select the option that best answers the question according to the information provided. 

Q6. What is a distinguishing feature of state societies? 

1. Lack of permanent settlements 
2. Centralized government and social stratification 
3. Leadership based on age 
4. Equal distribution of resources 

Q7. Which type of society is most likely to have a hereditary leader? 

1. Band 
2. Tribe  
3. Chiefdom 
4. State 

Q8. Which type of society is most likely to have specialized craft production? 

1. Band 
2. Tribe  
3. Chiefdom 
4. State 

Q9. Which society type is described as having no formal leaders and minimal economic differences among members? 

1. Band 
2. Tribe  
3. Chiefdom 
4. State 

Q10. In which type of society is social rank determined primarily by kinship ties to the leader? 

1. Band 
2. Tribe  
3. Chiefdom 
4. State 

(Answers to the questions will be given in the last) 

What is the answer in no more than two words questions asked in the Passage? (Questions 11-13) 

In this task, you’ll be asked question and the answer should be of at most 2 words, not more than that (one word or two words). The instructions are: 

• Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS or/a NUMBER from the passage for each answer. 
• Answers must be taken directly from the text and should not exceed the word or number limit. 
• If you write more than the allowed words or numbers, your answer will be marked incorrect. 

Q11. What is the smallest type of society mentioned in the passage? 

Q12. Which type of society is led by a hereditary chief? 

Q13. What feature distinguishes state societies in terms of government? 

Read the complete IELTS preparation guide for 2025. You’ll know about study plans, tips and resources. 

What are the Types of Societies reading answers with Explanations? 

The answers with explanations of each question are given below: 

Answer 1: TRUE 

Explanation: From Paragraph 2, it is clearly written that "Clans lack formal leaders, so there are no marked economic differences or disparities in status among their members." In band (clan) societies, there is no formal leadership structure; any influence is based on respect, experience, or personal qualities rather than official authority. This directly supports the statement as true. 

Answer 2: FALSE 

Explanation: Paragraph 4 describes chiefdoms as societies governed by a chief, where prestige and rank are determined by lineage. There is no mention of written laws; instead, the passage emphasizes the role of the chief and obligations paid to him but not codified legal systems. Written laws and formal enforcement are only mentioned in Paragraph 5 when describing early states, not chiefdoms. Therefore, the statement contradicts the passage and is false. 

Answer 3: NOT GIVEN 

Explanation: Paragraph 4 explains that rank in a chiefdom is determined by how closely related one is to the chief: "Prestige and rank are determined by how closely related one is to the chief," but there is no information about land ownership being a factor in determining rank. The answer is not given since the passage does not address land possession as a criterion. 

Answer 4: FALSE 

Explanation: Paragraph 3 states, “Typically, they have settled farmers, but they may be nomadic with a very different, mobile economy based on the intensive exploitation of livestock.” This means not all tribes are settled farmers; some are nomadic, directly contradicting the statement. 

Answer 5: TRUE 

Explanation: Paragraph 2 clearly mentions, “They are small-scale hunting and gathering societies of fewer than 100 people who move seasonally to exploit wild (undomesticated) food resources.” This directly supports the statement as true. 

Answer 6: B (Centralized government and social stratification) 

Explanation: Paragraph 5 states that early states have “explicit authority to establish laws and enforce them using a standing army” and describes a society “stratified into different classes” with a “central capital” and “bureaucratic administration.” These features clearly indicate centralized government and social stratification as the defining traits of state societies. 

Answer 7: C (Chiefdom) 

Explanation: Paragraph 4 explains, “the senior lineage, and hence the society as a whole, is governed by a chief. Prestige and rank are determined by how closely related one is to the chief.” This shows that leadership is hereditary in chiefdoms, passed down through family lines, making “chiefdom” the correct answer. 

Answer 8: C (Chiefdom) 

Explanation: Paragraph 4 states, “There is often local specialization in craft products, and surpluses of these and foodstuffs are periodically paid as an obligation to the chief.” This highlights that specialized craft production is a notable feature of chiefdoms, setting them apart from clans and tribes. 

Answer 9: A (Clan) 

Explanation: Paragraph 2 says, “Clans lack formal leaders, so there are no marked economic differences or disparities in status among their members.” 

Answer 10: C (Chiefdom) 

Explanation: Paragraph 4 states, “Prestige and rank are determined by how closely related one is to the chief,” indicating kinship as the primary determinant. 

Answer 11: Band 

Explanation: Paragraph 2 clearly states, “These are small-scale societies of hunters and gatherers, generally of fewer than 100 people,” referring to clans (bands). This makes “band” the smallest type of society described, as it is the least socially complex and smallest in population size. 

Answer 12: Chiefdom 

Explanation: Paragraph 4 explains, “the society as a whole, is governed by a chief. Prestige and rank are determined by how closely related one is to the chief,” and the leadership is hereditary. This matches the definition of a chiefdom, where leadership is passed down through lineage. 

Answer 13: Centralized Government 

Explanation: Paragraph 5 describes early states as having “explicit authority to establish laws and enforce them by using a standing army,” and “the central capital houses a bureaucratic administration of officials.” This points to a “centralized government” as the distinguishing feature of state societies. 

How to Effectively Practice - The Types of Societies Reading Answers? 

To effectively practice reading essays like “The Types of Societies”, you need a focus on specific things that are necessary for scoring high and ignore those which lead to loss of grades. So, some tips and tricks, vocabulary and common mistakes to avoid are given, which if you do can easily score more than 7 band score. 

What are the Tips & Tricks of Practicing the Essay? 

Here are five practical tips and tricks for tackling IELTS Reading passages like “Types of Societies”: 

• Skim for Structure First – Before reading in detail, quickly glance at headings, first sentences of paragraphs, and keywords to understand the overall flow and classification order. 
• Identify Keyword Families – Note recurring academic terms like “hierarchy,” “kinship,” “redistribution,” and “centralized authority,” as they often guide you to relevant answers. 
• Match Question Order to Passage Flow – IELTS questions for classification passages typically follow the text sequence, making it easier to locate answers by progressing paragraph by paragraph. 
• Watch for Paraphrasing – Be alert to synonyms (e.g., “small-scale” for “fewer than 100 people,” or “mobile” for “nomadic”), since questions rarely repeat exact wording from the passage. 
• Use Elimination in T/F/NG – If information contradicts the passage, mark it False; if it matches, mark it True; and if not mentioned, confidently choose Not Given without overthinking. 

What are the meaning of vocabulary / phrases used in paragraph? 

Below is a table with common types of society-related collocations and phrases with their meanings: 

Collocation / Phrase	Meaning
Hunter – Gatherer Society	A group relying on hunting and gathering food
Social Stratification	Division into social classes or ranks
Centralized Government	Authority is concentrated in a central body
Kinship Ties	Relationships based on family or ancestry
Craft Specialists	Individuals skilled in a specific craft or trade
Permanent Settlements	Long-term, stable communities
Redistribution of Resources	Allocation of goods by a central authority
Hereditary Chief	Leadership passed down through family lineage
Mobile Economy	An economic system based on movement
Temporary Shelters	Non-permanent housing structures

Check out a few tips to improve pronunciation and get valuable insights on improving your reading skills.  

Before you put your vocabulary skills to the test, it’s crucial to understand the mistakes that can undermine even the best-prepared candidates in the types of societies reading answers. 

What are the Common Mistakes to Avoid 

Nearly 40% of IELTS test-takers lose marks in the Reading section due to avoidable mistakes such as exceeding word limits, misreading instructions, or overlooking keywords. So here are some commonly done mistakes, which needs to be avoided. 

• Many Students exceed word / number limit due to which they lose marks. So, always double-check the instructions first and then attempt questions. 
• Skimming too quickly and ignoring keywords in question can lead you miss the key which you are searching for. Therefore, highlight or underline the keyword in the question. This will save your most of the time. 
• Copying incomplete phrases from passage can lead you lose marks. Always write exact phrase that is written in the passage. For eg: If the text says “centralized government,” don’t write “central government.” 
• Spending too long on one question can lead missing out others. If you feel you’re stuck on one question, it’s better move on and come back if time allows. 
• Rushing through True/False/Not Given questions can cause you to miss negatives, leading to misinterpretation. 

Conclusion 

The passage – Types of societies, provides a valuable insight on how our societies grew and evolved from a simple and complex structure. But more important is the way of reading and attempting questions. Reading carefully with understanding is the key of scoring, whether it is essay or questions. By practicing types of societies reading answers from this guide must impact your reading skills and improve your strategy of attempting questions.