Types of Societies Reading Answers in IELTS: Complete Guide

Latest Update In 2025, the IELTS Reading section will now include relevant documents such as emails and reports, not just academic articles. There is also a new focus on interpreting visual aids like graphs, charts, and diagrams, making comprehension skills more practical.

IELTS (International English Language Testing System) is taken by over 3 million candidates annually worldwide, with a global average score of 6.3 across the Academic and General Training modules. Recognized by over 12,000 organizations across 140+ countries, IELTS assesses four key skills: Listening, Reading, Writing, and Speaking.

If you're preparing for the IELTS, perfecting the Reading section is crucial; it features 40 questions across three passages, all to be completed in 60 minutes. The "Types of Societies" or "Classifying Societies" passage is a popular practice topic, testing your skills in skimming and answering multiple-choice or table completion questions. 

This blog aims to provide comprehensive guidance and strategies for excelling in the IELTS types of societies reading answers. 

Types of Societies Reading Answer in IELTS: An Overview

The IELTS Reading section is a key part of the exam, consisting of 40 questions to be completed in 60 minutes. For each correct answer, you earn one mark, and scores are reported on a 9-band scale. 

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.

Below is an overview of specific types of IELTS reading questions and their significance:

IELTS Reading Question Type	Significance
Multiple Choice	Tests comprehension and ability to identify specific details
Matching Headings	Assesses understanding of main ideas and paragraph structure
True/False/Not Given / Yes/No/Not Given	Evaluates the ability to distinguish between factual information and opinions
Matching Information	Checks skill in locating specific information within the text
Sentence/Note/Table/Flow-chart Completion	Measures the ability to summarize and extract key information
Short Answer Questions	Tests the ability to provide concise, accurate responses from the passage
Diagram/Label Completion	Assesses understanding of descriptions and visual information

Recommended Reads: IELTS Academic Reading

Want to improve your IELTS Reading test skills? Practice with real exam-style questions. Whether you're preparing to study abroad or aiming for a higher band score, mastering the IELTS passage task is essential for success.

Now that you know the basics, let’s look at various "types of societies" reading answer passages. 

Types of Societies Reading Answer Passages

The Types of Societies reading answer passage is a common topic in the IELTS, focusing on how sociologists classify societies such as clans, tribes, chiefdoms, and states. 

The paragraphs highlight differences in social structure, leadership, and resource distribution. The passage is accompanied by 13 questions, including True/False/Not Given and multiple choice, mirroring the IELTS test format of 40 questions.  

Here are some types of societies reading passages to help you achieve good IELTS scores:

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

Clan 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

Tribe 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

Chiefdom 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

Early State 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.

Explore IELTS Preparation Online Coaching, the best way to prepare comprehensively using expert resources and practical study tools from anywhere. Know more about How to prepare for IELTS at Home.

With an understanding of types of societies, reading answer passages, let's look at IELTS reading sample questions and answers. 

Types of Societies Reading Sample Question & Answer 

You will encounter detailed sample questions and answers in this section, specifically designed around the "Types of Societies" IELTS Reading passage. This passage typically presents four main society types- clans, tribes, chiefdoms, and states- explaining their population size, leadership structure, and social complexity. 

Here are some sample practice questions with formats such as True/False/Not Given, multiple choice, and table completion, mirroring the 13-question layout commonly found in actual IELTS Reading tests. 

Question 1-5 Type of question: True/False/Not Given

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. 

The statement is: 

• 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.

Focus: Leadership structure in band (clan) societies

Strategy: Locate references to leadership and social organization in Paragraph 2

Impact: Correctly identifying informal leadership helps avoid confusion with more structured societies, ensuring accurate answers.

Answer: TRUE Explanation: Paragraph 2 clearly states, "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.

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

Focus: Existence of written laws in chiefdoms

Strategy: Compare details on governance in Paragraphs 4 and 5 to distinguish chiefdoms from early states

Impact: Recognizing the absence of written laws in chiefdoms prevents misattributing features of state societies, reducing factual errors.

Answer: 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.

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

Focus: Criteria for rank in chiefdoms

Strategy: Search for explicit information on what determines rank in Paragraph 4

Impact: Spotting missing information avoids making unsupported assumptions, which is crucial for “Not Given” questions.

Answer: 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.

Q4: Tribes are always composed of settled farmers.

Focus: Lifestyle and economic base of tribes

Strategy: Identify phrases about both settled and nomadic tribes in Paragraph 3

Impact: Noticing exceptions in the passage ensures you don’t generalize, leading to more precise answers.

Answer: 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.

Q5: Clans usually consist of fewer than 100 people.

Focus: Typical population size of clans

Strategy: Find and highlight numeric details in Paragraph 2

Impact: Using exact figures from the text increases answer accuracy and demonstrates careful reading.

Answer: 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.

Question 6-10 Type of question: Multiple Choice

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.

The options are:

• Choose the answer that directly matches the information in the passage.
• Eliminate options that are not mentioned, are only partially correct, or contradict the passage.
• Only one answer is correct, and it should be supported by clear evidence from the text.

Q1: What is a distinguishing feature of state societies?

A) Lack of permanent settlements

B) Centralized government and social stratification

C) Leadership based on age

D) Equal distribution of resources

Focus: Key characteristics of state societies

Strategy: Scan for unique features in the “Early State” section, especially references to government and class structure

Impact: Identifying these features helps you distinguish states from other societal types, ensuring precise answers.

Answer: 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.

Q2: Which type of society is most likely to have a hereditary leader?

A) Band

B) Tribe

C) Chiefdom

D) State

Focus: Leadership succession in different societies

Strategy: Look for words like "hereditary,” "lineage," and "chief" in the chiefdom section

Impact: Correctly matching hereditary leadership to chiefdoms prevents confusion with other forms of governance.

Answer: 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.

Q3: Which type of society is most likely to have specialized craft production?

A) Clan

B) Tribe

C) Chiefdom

D) State

Focus: Economic specialization in societies

Strategy: Identify references to “specialisation” and “craft products” in the chiefdom description

Impact: Recognizing craft specialization in chiefdoms helps you accurately answer questions on economic roles.

Answer: C) Chiefdom Explanation: Paragraph 4 states, “There is often local specialisation 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.

Q4: Which society type is described as having no formal leaders and minimal economic differences among members?

A) Clan

B) Tribe

C) Chiefdom

D) State

Focus: Leadership and economic structure in small-scale societies

Strategy: Identify descriptions of leadership and economic equality in the passage’s opening sections

Impact: Pinpointing these features ensures you don’t confuse clans with more complex societies that have formal leadership.

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

Q5: In which type of society is social rank determined primarily by kinship ties to the leader?

A) Clan

B) Tribe

C) Chiefdom

D) State

Focus: Basis of social ranking

Strategy: Look for explanations of how rank or status is assigned in each society type

Impact: Understanding this distinction helps avoid mixing up the criteria for social hierarchy across societies.

Answer: 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.

Question 11-15 Type of question: No More Than Two Words or/and a Number

In this task, you are given a set of questions that require you to find specific information from the passage. Based on your understanding, you must write your answer using no more than the allowed number of words or numbers, as instructed in the question.

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.

Here are some sample  No More Than Two Words questions: 

Q1. What is the smallest type of society mentioned in the passage?

Focus: Identify the society type with the smallest population.

Strategy: Scan for numeric details and comparative statements about group size in the passage.

Impact: Ensures precise identification of social organization and prevents confusion with larger groups like tribes or chiefdoms.

Answer: 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.

Q2. Which type of society is led by a hereditary chief?

Focus: Determine which society has hereditary leadership.

Strategy: Look for keywords like “chief,” “lineage,” and “hereditary” in the chiefdom section.

Impact: Distinguishes chiefdoms from egalitarian bands and tribes with non-hereditary leadership.

Answer: 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.

Q3. What feature distinguishes state societies in terms of government?

Focus: Identify the unique governmental structure of state societies.

Strategy: Search for terms like “central,” “bureaucracy,” and “laws” in the state section.

Impact: Helps you clearly differentiate state societies from less formalized chiefdoms and tribes.

Answer: 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.

Q4. What is the typical lifestyle of a band society?

Focus: Find the main subsistence and settlement pattern of bands.

Strategy: Look for words like “mobility,” “move seasonally,” or “nomadic” in the band description.

Impact: Clarifies the adaptive strategies of bands and prevents confusion with sedentary societies.

Answer: Nomadic Explanation: Bands are described as highly mobile or nomadic, moving seasonally to exploit resources, with no permanent settlements.

Q5. What social structure characterizes band societies?

Focus: Identify the social hierarchy (or lack thereof) in bands.

Strategy: Scan for terms like “egalitarian,” “no formal leaders,” or “consensus” in the band section.

Impact: Reinforces understanding of social equality in bands, a key distinction from stratified chiefdoms and states.

Answer: Egalitarian Explanation: Bands are defined by an egalitarian structure, lacking formal leaders or hierarchies, with decisions made by consensus.

Start your IELTS exam preparation! Follow a structured plan with proven techniques and expert guidance.

Next, let’s understand some important vocabulary terms that will help you in reading passages about types of societies. 

Vocabulary List for Types of Societies Reading Answer in IELTS

A strong academic vocabulary is crucial for the Types of Societies reading answer IELTS passage, which typically features 13 questions. Candidates with a broader vocabulary score up to 1.5 bands higher on reading tasks, as understanding terms like “stratification” and “redistribution” directly improves accuracy and speed.

Here's a complete list of important terms from the Types of Societies reading answers passage and its contextual usage to expand your vocabulary for IELTS.​

Term	Meaning	Contextual Usage
Clan	Small kin-based group, often hunter-gatherers	"Clans lack formal leaders and have fewer than 100 people."
Lineage	Descent from a common ancestor	"Different lineages are graded on a scale of prestige."
Redistribution	Centralized allocation of resources	"Chiefs use surpluses for redistribution to subjects."
Stratification	Division into social classes or ranks	"State societies are stratified into different classes."
Prestige	Social respect or status	"Prestige and rank are determined by relation to the chief."
Craft Specialists	Skilled individuals in a specific trade	"Chiefdoms often have local specialization in craft products.”
Centralized Government	Authority is concentrated in a central governing body	"State societies have a centralized government and bureaucracy."
Nomadic	Moving from place to place rather than settling	"Bands are nomadic, moving seasonally to exploit wild food resources."
Kinship ties	Relationships based on family or ancestry	"Tribes are integrated through kinship ties among different communities."
Bureaucratic administration	System of officials managing government functions	"The central capital houses a bureaucratic administration of officials."

Also, check out IELTS Preparation Online - The Best Solution for a comprehensive approach to preparing for the exam using online resources and study tools.

Let's also explore key collocations for IELTS and important phrases that are commonly used in the types of societies reading answers. 

Collocations and Phrases

Focusing on collocations improves comprehension and enhances your Lexical Resource score, which accounts for 25% of your overall IELTS writing and supports higher performance in reading tasks.

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.

Common Mistakes to Avoid and Helpful Tips

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.

Focusing on precise answer formats, careful keyword identification, and strict time management can significantly reduce errors and help you achieve a high band score of 8 or above in passages like "Types of Societies".

Here are some common IELTS mistakes and reading tips to fix them:  

1. Exceeding Word/Number Limits

• Many candidates lose marks by not following the strict word or number limits set in the instructions, often adding unnecessary words.
• Tip: Always double-check the instructions and count your words. For example, if it says “NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS,” write “state society,” not “early state society.”

2. Ignoring Keywords in Questions

• Skimming too quickly can lead you to miss crucial keywords, causing you to answer the wrong aspect of the question.
• Tip: Underline or highlight keywords in the question. If it asks about a "hereditary leader,” focus on mentions of “chiefdom” in the passage.

3. Copying Incomplete or Incorrect Phrases

• Using your own words or incomplete phrases instead of the exact passage wording can result in incorrect answers.
• Tip: Use the exact words from the passage. If the text says “centralized government,” don’t write “central government.”

4. Overlooking Negatives (e.g., “NOT Given”)

• Rushing through True/False/Not Given questions can cause you to miss negatives, leading to misinterpretation.
• Tip: Read each statement carefully and look for negatives-“Chiefdoms always have written laws” is FALSE, not NOT GIVEN, if the passage contradicts it.

5. Misreading Numbers or Population Sizes

• Confusing details like population sizes between society types are a standard error, especially under time pressure.
• Tip: Make a quick note or table of key figures as you read (e.g., clans <100, chiefdoms 5,000–20,000) to avoid mixing them up.

6. Spending Too Long on One Question

• Getting stuck on a difficult question can waste valuable time, reducing your chances of answering others.
• Tip: Move on if you're stuck and return later if time allows; don't let one question cost you several easier marks.

Also Read: IELTS Preparation Tips & Tricks

Now that you know these common mistakes, you may wonder how to get the right guidance and practice to overcome them effectively. Let's explore some practice resources.

IELTS Preparation Resources

Whether you’re aiming for a higher band score or just starting your IELTS journey, accessing the right preparation resources is essential for efficient study and targeted improvement.

Access a range of official practice tests, interactive video lessons, expert tips, and targeted exercises that cover all exam sections, including challenging reading passages like “Types of Societies.” 

Here are some recommended resources to enhance your IELTS readiness:

Resource	Focus Area	Why Use It?
Free IELTS Exam Preparation Material	Comprehensive IELTS skills	Downloadable practice materials covering listening, reading, writing, and speaking sections to build overall proficiency.
IELTS Online Coaching	Full exam preparation	Structured online coaching with expert guidance, mock tests, and personalized feedback.
IELTS Reading Test	Reading skills	Practice tests focused on improving the IELTS reading section's reading comprehension and time management.
IELTS Preparation Videos	Visual learning	Engaging video lessons that explain strategies, tips, and common pitfalls across all exam sections.

Find a complete breakdown of registration costs and optional services in upGrad's detailed cost guide for IELTS. Check out all fees, including registration and optional services.

How Can upGrad Help You With IELTS Reading Passages?

upGrad helps you master IELTS reading passages by offering targeted practice materials that mirror real exam questions. You get access to expert-led video lessons that break down complex passages, teaching you effective skimming and scanning techniques. 

Personalized feedback points out your weak areas, while timed exercises improve your speed and accuracy. This focused approach ensures you build the precise skills needed to improve your IELTS reading score confidently.

Get in touch with upGrad's experts and book a free 1:1 counseling session with our expert for comprehensive guidance and personalized support to increase your reading scores.