Social Stratification - TOEFL Reading Practice Test

Excelling in academic text comprehension is critical for doing well in the TOEFL Reading section, which emulates the reading demands of English-speaking academic settings. This section tests abilities such as identifying main ideas, extracting details, making inferences, and recognizing text structure. Consistent practice will help you master these skills.

Our practice tests are designed to closely align with the actual TOEFL, giving you the preparation and confidence you need. Take the "Social Stratification" practice test to familiarize yourself with the exam format and highlight areas to enhance!

Reading Instructions

• You have 15 minutes to read the following passage and answer all 9 questions related to it.
• Most questions are worth 1 point, but the last question is worth more. The directions indicate how many points you will receive for that specific question.
• The specific section/paragraphs have been provided again with the question for ease of understanding and quick solution.
• Some questions include a word or phrase that is highlighted in the question as well as in the paragraph for quick reference.

Social stratification is a key idea in the study of society. It looks at how people and groups are ranked in a society based on things like wealth, income, education, job type, and social status. This isn't just about individual differences; it's woven into the social fabric and affects who gets access to resources and opportunities. There are different types of ranking systems, like social group systems, class systems, and achievement-based systems. Each type has its own features that influence social mobility, the chance for people to move up or down the social ladder. For example, in a social group system, your social status is set at birth and doesn't change much. In a class system, people might move up or down based on their achievements and situations.

Social stratification has its roots in the rise of agricultural societies, which started about 10,000 years ago. When people could gather surplus resources, some gained power and influence over others, creating social rankings. In ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt, the ruling class made up of kings, priests, and landowners held significant power over the common people. Cultural beliefs and beliefs, like the divine right of kings or social Darwinism, justified this unequal distribution of power and resources.

Today, social stratification is often looked at through the lens of class. Sociologists generally identify three main classes: the upper class, the middle class, and the working class. The upper class has significant wealth, high education, and exclusive social networks, often keeping their status through inheritance and connections. The middle class includes a wide range of jobs and income levels and is often seen as the backbone of society, helping to maintain economic stability and social unity. On the other hand, the working class usually does manual or low-skilled jobs and often faces economic uncertainty. These differences go beyond just money; they also include cultural aspects like lifestyle choices, values, and opportunities, which can deepen social divides.

Social mobility is a vital part of social stratification because it shows how much people can change their social standing. In societies where social mobility is high, people can improve their status through education, hard work, and starting businesses. However, obstacles like systemic inequality and discrimination can make this mobility difficult. For example, studies show that people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often struggle to access quality education and job opportunities, keeping them in cycles of poverty. Meanwhile, those from privileged backgrounds might benefit from inherited wealth and connections, solidifying their place in the upper class. This raises questions about the fairness of the idea that success is purely based on individual effort.

The effects of social stratification go beyond personal experiences; they shape how society works and influence political and economic systems. High levels of inequality can lead to social unrest and political instability, as overlooked groups may feel left out and excluded. Also, stratification can impact public policy, with those in power often prioritizing the interests of the upper class over the needs of the working class. For example, policies that give tax breaks to the wealthy or cut social welfare programs can worsen inequality. On the other hand, fairer societies tend to support policies that encourage social mobility and lessen differences, which helps build social unity. The link between ranking and societal health is complicated, but there's evidence that greater equality often leads to better social outcomes, like lower crime rates and improved public health.

In conclusion, social stratification is a complex issue that significantly affects individual lives and societal structures. Understanding how stratification works, including its historical roots and current effects, is crucial for tackling inequality and promoting social justice. As societies change, the challenge is to create systems that allow for more social mobility and fair access to resources. Future research and policy efforts should focus on breaking down the barriers that keep stratification in place, ensuring everyone has the chance to succeed, no matter their social background. The ongoing conversation about social stratification encourages further exploration into how effective current systems are and what reforms might be needed, highlighting the importance of a more inclusive approach to societal growth.

Directions: Once you have read the passage, answer the following questions.

Paragraph 1

Social stratification is a key idea in the study of society. It looks at how people and groups are ranked in a society based on things like wealth, income, education, job type, and social status. This isn't just about individual differences; it's woven into the social fabric and affects who gets access to resources and opportunities. There are different types of ranking systems, like social group systems, class systems, and achievement-based systems. Each type has its own features that influence social mobility, the chance for people to move up or down the social ladder. For example, in a social group system, your social status is set at birth and doesn't change much. In a class system, people might move up or down based on their achievements and situations.

Factual Information Question

1. According to paragraph 1, what are the factors that contribute to social stratification? 
   
   1. Wealth, income, education, job type, and social status 
   2. Age, gender, ethnicity, and education 
   3. Job type, social status, and cultural beliefs
   4. Income, education, and political influence

Negative Factual Information Question

1. In paragraph 1, each of the following is mentioned as a type of ranking system EXCEPT:
   
   1. Social group systems 
   2. Class systems 
   3. Achievement-based systems 
   4. Ethnic systems

Paragraph 2

Social stratification has its roots in the rise of agricultural societies, which started about 10,000 years ago. When people could gather surplus resources, some gained power and influence over others, creating social rankings. In ancient civilizations like Mesopotamia and Egypt, the ruling class made up of kings, priests, and landowners held significant power over the common people. Cultural beliefs and beliefs, like the divine right of kings or social Darwinism, justified this unequal distribution of power and resources.

Inference Question

1. What can be inferred from paragraph 2 about the impact of agricultural societies on social stratification?
   
   1. Agricultural societies eliminated social rankings. 
   2. Surplus resources led to the emergence of social hierarchies. 
   3. Social stratification was not present in ancient civilizations. 
   4. The ruling class was primarily composed of merchants and traders.

Paragraph 3

Today, social stratification is often looked at through the lens of class. Sociologists generally identify three main classes: the upper class, the middle class, and the working class. The upper class has significant wealth, high education, and exclusive social networks, often keeping their status through inheritance and connections. The middle class includes a wide range of jobs and income levels and is often seen as the backbone of society, helping to maintain economic stability and social unity. On the other hand, the working class usually does manual or low-skilled jobs and often faces economic uncertainty. These differences go beyond just money; they also include cultural aspects like lifestyle choices, values, and opportunities, which can deepen social divides.

Rhetorical Purpose Question

1. Why does the author discuss the three main classes in paragraph 3?
   
   1. To illustrate the complexity of social stratification 
   2. To argue that social mobility is impossible 
   3. To highlight the importance of wealth in society 
   4. To suggest that class distinctions are irrelevant

Paragraph 4

Social mobility is a vital part of social stratification because it shows how much people can change their social standing. In societies where social mobility is high, people can improve their status through education, hard work, and starting businesses. However, obstacles like systemic inequality and discrimination can make this mobility difficult. For example, studies show that people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds often struggle to access quality education and job opportunities, keeping them in cycles of poverty. Meanwhile, those from privileged backgrounds might benefit from inherited wealth and connections, solidifying their place in the upper class. This raises questions about the fairness of the idea that success is purely based on individual effort.

Vocabulary Question

1. The word obstacles in paragraph 4 is closest in meaning to:
   
   1. Challenges 
   2. Opportunities 
   3. Advantages 
   4. Resources

Paragraph 5

The effects of social stratification go beyond personal experiences; they shape how society works and influence political and economic systems. High levels of inequality can lead to social unrest and political instability, as overlooked groups may feel left out and excluded. Also, stratification can impact public policy, with those in power often prioritizing the interests of the upper class over the needs of the working class. For example, policies that give tax breaks to the wealthy or cut social welfare programs can worsen inequality. On the other hand, fairer societies tend to support policies that encourage social mobility and lessen differences, which helps build social unity. The link between ranking and societal health is complicated, but there's evidence that greater equality often leads to better social outcomes, like lower crime rates and improved public health.

Sentence Simplification Question

1. Which of the following sentences best expresses the essential information in the following text from paragraph 5?
   

"High levels of inequality can lead to social unrest and political instability, as overlooked groups may feel left out and excluded."

1. 1. Inequality can cause unrest and instability in society. 
   2. Social unrest is a common result of political instability. 
   3. Overlooked groups often feel included in society. 
   4. Political instability is unrelated to social inequality.

Paragraph 6

In conclusion, social stratification is a complex issue that significantly affects individual lives and societal structures. Understanding how stratification works, including its historical roots and current effects, is crucial for tackling inequality and promoting social justice. As societies change, the challenge is to create systems that allow for more social mobility and fair access to resources. Future research and policy efforts should focus on breaking down the barriers that keep stratification in place, ensuring everyone has the chance to succeed, no matter their social background. The ongoing conversation about social stratification encourages further exploration into how effective current systems are and what reforms might be needed, highlighting the importance of a more inclusive approach to societal growth.

Purpose of the Passage Question

1. What is the main purpose of the passage?
   
   1. To argue that social stratification is beneficial for society 
   2. To explain the historical development of social stratification 
   3. To discuss the implications of social stratification and the need for reform 
   4. To provide a detailed analysis of different social classes

Insert Missing Sentence Question

1. In paragraph 6, there is a missing sentence. The paragraph is repeated below and shows four letters (A, B, C, and D) that indicate where the following sentence could be added. 
   

"Addressing these issues is essential for creating a more equitable society." 

Where would the sentence best fit? 

In conclusion, social stratification is a complex issue that significantly affects individual lives and societal structures. (A) Understanding how stratification works, including its historical roots and current effects, is crucial for tackling inequality and promoting social justice. (B) As societies change, the challenge is to create systems that allow for more social mobility and fair access to resources. (C) Future research and policy efforts should focus on breaking down the barriers that keep stratification in place, ensuring everyone has the chance to succeed, no matter their social background. (D) 

1. 1. Option A
   2. Option B
   3. Option C
   4. Option D

Prose Summary Question

1. Directions: An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the THREE answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage. Some sentences do not belong in the summary because they express ideas that are not presented in the passage or are minor ideas in the passage. This question is worth 2 points.

"Social stratification is a significant aspect of society that influences individual lives and societal structures."

1. 1. It is essential to understand the historical roots and current effects of social stratification. 
   2. Social mobility is often hindered by systemic inequality and discrimination. 
   3. The upper class maintains its status primarily through education and hard work. 
   4. Greater equality tends to lead to better social outcomes and stability. 
   5. Social stratification is a recent phenomenon that emerged in the 21st century.

Before moving forward to check your answers, don't forget to go through the updated TOEFL Exam Pattern and Syllabus. 

Answer Key with Explanation for TOEFL Reading Passage - Social Stratification

1. Answer: A

Explanation: Paragraph 1 explicitly lists wealth, income, education, job type, and social status as the key factors that contribute to social stratification. These elements are essential in understanding how individuals and groups are ranked within society, highlighting the multifaceted nature of social stratification.

2. Answer: D

Explanation: The paragraph mentions social group systems, class systems, and achievement-based systems as types of ranking systems. However, it does not mention "ethnic systems," making option D the correct answer. This highlights the focus on economic and achievement-based factors rather than ethnic considerations in the context of social stratification.

3. Answer: B

Explanation: The passage indicates that the ability to gather surplus resources in agricultural societies allowed some individuals to gain power and influence, leading to the establishment of social rankings. This suggests that the accumulation of resources was a key factor in the development of social hierarchies, making option B the most accurate inference.

4. Answer: A

Explanation: The author discusses the upper, middle, and working classes to demonstrate the nuanced differences in social stratification. By detailing the characteristics and roles of each class, the author illustrates the complexity of social stratification beyond mere economic differences, making option A the best choice.

5. Answer: A

Explanation: In the context of the passage, "obstacles" refers to barriers that hinder social mobility, which aligns closely with the meaning of "challenges." Both terms imply difficulties that must be overcome, making option A the correct answer.

6. Answer: A

Explanation: This sentence succinctly captures the essence of the original text, which discusses how high levels of inequality can lead to social unrest and political instability. It effectively summarises the cause-and-effect relationship without introducing unrelated concepts, making option A the best choice.

7. Answer: C

Explanation: The passage explores the effects of social stratification on individuals and society, emphasising the need for reform to address inequality. This overarching theme aligns with option C, as it encapsulates the passage's focus on understanding and addressing social stratification.

8. Answer: D

Explanation: The missing sentence fits best after discussing the need for future research and policy efforts, as it reinforces the idea that addressing the barriers to equality is crucial for creating a more equitable society. This logical flow makes option D the most appropriate choice.

9. Answer: A, B, D 

The correct options are A, B, and D. Therefore, options C and E are deemed incorrect.

Explanation: These three choices encapsulate the key themes of the passage: the importance of understanding the historical context of social stratification (A), the challenges to social mobility due to systemic issues (B), and the positive effects of greater equality on society (D). Options C and E do not accurately reflect the passage's content.

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