The Lost City, featured in Cambridge 12 (an official book of practice tests for the IELTS), Test 6, is an IELTS Academic Reading passage that follows explorer Hiram Bingham’s 1911 expedition to Peru and his eventual discovery of Machu Picchu.
The passage takes you through Bingham’s route, his first reaction to the ruins, his later theories about Machu Picchu, and what researchers believe about the site today. The questions test your ability to identify main ideas, check factual information, and locate specific details in the passage.
In the sections below, you’ll find all “The Lost City Reading Answers” along with explanations and practical tips to help you work through each question type.
The Lost City IELTS Reading Passage
AnIELTS Reading passage is a short text that you read to find information, understand ideas, and answer questions based on the text. The Lost City is one such passage from the IELTS exam, with questions that require you to locate details, follow ideas, and understand paraphrased information.
Before you begin, here is a simple strategy that can help you read the passage with more purpose.
Read the questions first, then the passage, and return to the questions again.
This helps you know what to look for while reading. Instead of giving equal attention to every line, you can focus on the names, facts, and ideas linked to the questions. Once you finish the passage, go back to the questions and use what you noticed to find the answers faster.
Now, read the passage carefully with the questions in mind.
The Lost City
A. In 1911, when the American traveller and academic Hiram Bingham arrived in South America, he knew he was about to do the greatest achievement of his life: discovering a land far away from the west of Cusco. It was an old capital of the Inca empire in the Andes mountains of Peru. He aimed at finding the remains of a city called Vitcos, the last capital of the Inca civilization.
B. Cusco is located on a high plateau at an altitude of more than 3 thousand metres, and Bingham’s plan was to come down from this plateau along the valley of the Urubamba river, which takes a longer route down to the Amazon and passes through an area of canyons and mountain ranges.
C. In late July when Bingham and his team descended to the Urubamba, they had an advantage over the travellers who came after them. Recently a track had been made down the canyon to facilitate transportation of rubber by mules from the jungle. Almost all travellers who went earlier had left the river at Ollantaytambo and taken a longer way through the mountains to join the river at the bottom, thereby cutting an important corner, and never passing through the area around Machu Picchu.
D. On July 24th they were a few days down the valley. The day began slowly, with Bingham trying to arrange enough mules for the next part of the trek. His companions showed no interest in going with him up the nearby hill to see some remains that Melchor Arteaga, a local farmer, had told them about on the previous night. The morning was cloudy, and also seems to have been less than keen on the prospect of climbing the hill. In his book Lost City of the Incas, he relates that he climbed the hill without having the hope of finding anything at the top.
E. Bingham wrote about the mission clearly in his book. First, as he climbs up the hill, he narrates about the possibility of deadly snakes, ‘have the ability to spring when in pursuit of their prey’; not that he sees any. As he comes across great sweeps of terraces there’s a sense of mounting discovery. Then there is a mausoleum, monumental staircases and finally a grand ceremonial building of Machu Picchu. 'It seemed like an unbelievable dream. The sight held me fascinated', he wrote.
F. The Lost City of the Incas is, however, a work of hindsight, not written until 1948, many years after his journey. His stories of the time reveal a much more gradual admiration of his achievement. Noting down the dimensions of some of the buildings, he spent the afternoon at the ruins, and then went down and rejoined his colleagues, to whom he said nothing about his discovery. At that time, he didn’t realise the extent or the importance of the site, nor did he realise what use he could make of the discovery.
G. Soon after he returned, it occurred to him that he could be famous from this discovery. He knew he had to produce a big idea when he came to write the National Geographic magazine article that published the story to the world in April 1913,.
H. He wondered whether the very first Inca, Manco the Great, was born here, and whether it could also have been what chroniclers described as ‘the last city of the Incas’. This term refers to Vilcabamba, the community where the Incas had run away from Spanish invaders in the 1530s. Bingham made multiple attempts to prove this belief for nearly forty years. Sadly, he had inaccurate vision of the site as both the beginning and end of the Inca civilization. What we know is that Vilcabamba lies 65 km away in the jungle.
I. One question that has confused all the visitors, historians and archaeologists alike, is why the site seems to have been abandoned before the Spanish Conquest. It is not stated by any of the Spanish chroniclers. They would certainly have come in search of gold, if they had known of its existence so close to Cusco.
J. The idea that it was a country estate built by an Inca emperor to escape the cold winters of Cusco where the elite could enjoy monumental architecture and spectacular views has gained wide acceptance over the past years. The particular architecture of Machu Picchu suggests that it was constructed at the time of the greatest of all the Incas, the emperor Pachacuti (1438-71). By custom, Pachacuti’s descendants built other similar estates for their own use some 50 years before the Spanish Conquest, and so Machu Picchu would have been deserted after his death.
Now that you have read the passage, let’s go through the questions and see how the answers trace back to the text.
IELTS Reading Answers for “The Lost City”: Questions 1–15
The questions below test three different skills: matching headings with the main idea, identifying whether a statement is true, false or not given, and finding specific details for sentence completion.
In the first set, you need to match paragraphs with their main ideas. The next set checks whether a statement agrees with, contradicts, or is not mentioned in the passage. The final set asks you to complete sentences using information from the text.
Questions 1–5: Matching Headings Reading Answers
1. Which heading best matches Paragraph A? A) Bingham’s Mission B) The Difficult Terrain C) The Arrival of Bingham D) Bingham’s Early Journey
Answer: A) Bingham’s Mission
Explanation: Paragraph A mainly explains why Bingham travelled to South America. His main objective was to find the remains of Vitcos, the last capital of the Inca civilisation. Therefore, Bingham’s Mission is the best heading.
2. Which heading best matches Paragraph B? A) Bingham’s Mission B) The Journey Through the Valley C) A Discovery Hidden in the Hills D) The Mystery of Vilcabamba
Answer: B) The Journey Through the Valley
Explanation: Paragraph B describes Bingham’s planned route from the high plateau of Cusco through the Urubamba valley towards the Amazon. Therefore, The Journey Through the Valley best captures its main idea.
3. Which heading best matches Paragraph D? A) A Dull Morning B) The Uneventful Start C) A Discovery Hidden in the Hills D) A Reluctant Ascent
Answer: D) A Reluctant Ascent
Explanation: Paragraph D describes how Bingham decided to climb the nearby hill after hearing about some ruins from the local farmer. He was not expecting to find anything significant, making A Reluctant Ascent the best heading.
4. Which heading best matches Paragraph E? A) A Grand Discovery B) Recounting the Discovery C) A Journey of Realisation D) The Importance of the Site
Answer: B) Recounting the Discovery
Explanation: Paragraph E describes Bingham’s later account of climbing the hill and seeing the terraces, staircases and ceremonial buildings. Since the paragraph focuses on how he recounted the discovery, this is the most suitable heading.
5. Which heading best matches Paragraph J? A) Why Machu Picchu Was Abandoned B) The Great Inca Escape C) Mysteries of the Lost City D) Inca Legacy
Answer: A) Why Machu Picchu Was Abandoned
Explanation: Paragraph J presents the theory that Machu Picchu was a country estate associated with Emperor Pachacuti and explains why it may have been deserted after his death. Therefore, Why Machu Picchu Was Abandoned is the best heading.
Questions 6–10: True, False, Not Given Reading Answers
6. Bingham expected to find something important at the top of the hill.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Paragraph D states that Bingham climbed the hill without having the hope of finding anything at the top. Therefore, the statement contradicts the passage.
7. Bingham was highly impressed by Machu Picchu from the moment he discovered it.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Although Bingham later described the discovery dramatically, Paragraph F explains that his records from the time show a much more gradual admiration of his achievement. Therefore, the statement is false.
8. Bingham first believed that Machu Picchu might have been the birthplace of the first Inca.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Paragraph H states that Bingham wondered whether Manco the Great, the first Inca, was born there. This directly supports the statement.
9. Machu Picchu is generally believed to have been abandoned during the Spanish Conquest.
Answer: FALSE
Explanation: Paragraph I says that the site seems to have been abandoned before the Spanish Conquest. Therefore, the statement gives the opposite information.
10. Machu Picchu was deserted after the death of Emperor Pachacuti.
Answer: TRUE
Explanation: Paragraph J explains that similar estates were built for the Inca rulers and that Machu Picchu would have been deserted after Pachacuti’s death. Therefore, the statement is true.
11. Bingham’s main objective was to locate the remains of ______.
A) The Inca empire’s capital B) Vitcos C) Machu Picchu D) Vilcabamba
Answer: B) Vitcos
Explanation: Paragraph A states that Bingham aimed to find the remains of Vitcos, which was described as the last capital of the Inca civilisation.
12. The newly created track helped transport ______ from the jungle.
A) Supplies to Machu Picchu B) Rubber from the jungle C) Food for the expedition D) Tourists to the site
Answer: B) Rubber from the jungle
Explanation: Paragraph C explains that the track had recently been made to facilitate the transportation of rubber by mules from the jungle.
13. At the beginning of his climb, Bingham was not keen to ______.
A) Discover Machu Picchu B) Climb the hill to see the ruins C) Explore the Urubamba valley D) Take his companions to the site
Answer: B) Climb the hill to see the ruins
Explanation: Paragraph D describes Bingham’s reluctance to climb the nearby hill after hearing about the remains from the local farmer. He eventually climbed it, but did not expect to find anything important.
14. Bingham’s records suggest that he ______ after discovering Machu Picchu.
A) Immediately understood its full significance B) Was impressed by its grandeur from the start C) Gradually realised its importance D) Decided not to explore the site further
Answer: C) Gradually realised its importance
Explanation: Paragraph F contrasts Bingham’s later dramatic account with his records from the time, which show a gradual appreciation of his achievement.
15. The most widely accepted explanation for Machu Picchu’s abandonment is that it was ______.
A) Built for Pachacuti’s descendants B) A country estate for Inca elites C) A city destroyed by Spanish conquerors D) Used only for ceremonial purposes
Answer: B) A country estate for Inca elites
Explanation: Paragraph J explains that the widely accepted theory is that Machu Picchu was a country estate where the elite could enjoy monumental architecture and spectacular views. Therefore, option B is the best answer.
How to Approach The Lost City IELTS Reading Questions?
The Lost City includes three question types, and each needs a slightly different approach. A little planning before you start can help you find the answers more easily and avoid spending too long on one question.
Here are some simple strategies to keep in mind.
Match Information by Meaning, Not Exact Words
For Matching Headings, do not try to match a heading word by word.
What to do:
Read the full paragraph first.
Ask yourself, “What is this paragraph mainly about?”
Pick the heading that captures the central idea.
Ignore a heading just because it shares one keyword with the paragraph.
Example from The Lost City:
“His goal was to locate the remains of a city called Vitcos…”
This paragraph is about Bingham's purpose, so:
Paragraph A → The aim of the trip
The word aim does not need to appear repeatedly in the paragraph. You only need to recognise the meaning.
Use Keywords to Locate Answers in the Summary
For Sentence Completion, let the words around the blank guide you to the right part of the passage.
Look for:
Names
Places
Dates
Unusual nouns
Specific details
Example:
Question: The newly created track helped transport ______ from the jungle.
Keywords to scan:track + jungle
In the passage, you find:
“…a track had recently been made … to facilitate transportation of rubber…”
Answer → rubber
Once you spot the keywords, read a little before and after them to confirm the answer.
Pay Attention to Paraphrasing
The question may use different words from the passage even when both mean the same thing.
Question wording
Passage wording
Main objective
Goal
Gradually realised its importance
Gradual appreciation
Fled from the Spanish invaders
Run away from Spanish invaders
Do not wait for an exact word match. Look for the same idea in different words.
Check the Word Limit in Summary Completion
Before filling in a blank, check the instruction given above the questions.
For example, for the ONE WORD ONLY question set:
✓ rubber ✗ rubber from the jungle
Even when the longer answer appears in the passage, you must follow the word limit given in the question.
Eliminate Unsupported Options in Multiple Choice
When you see four options, do not choose the one that simply sounds logical.
Try this instead:
Find the relevant part of the passage.
Check what the writer actually says.
Cross out options that add information not given in the text.
Watch for options that change the meaning.
Example:
The passage says Machu Picchu was likely a country estate where the elite could enjoy monumental architecture and spectacular views.
So an option describing it as a leisure retreat for Inca elites is supported by the passage.
Remember: When checking The Lost City Reading Answers, choose the option supported by the text, not simply the one that seems reasonable.
Looking to strengthen your IELTS preparation before you take the test? Get practical guidance with upGrad’sfree IELTS course and work on your skills at your own pace.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in The Lost City IELTS Reading
The biggest traps in The Lost City come from similar-looking information. A paragraph may contain several details, while a question tests only one idea. The True, False, Not Given and Sentence Completion questions also require careful reading of small details.
Here are a few common mistakes students make while answering The Lost City Reading questions, along with simple ways to avoid them:
✗ Common Mistake
✓ What to Do Instead
Choosing a heading because one word in it appears in the paragraph.
Read the paragraph fully and identify its main idea before matching the heading.
Marking FALSE because the statement is not mentioned.
Use FALSE only when the passage gives opposite information. If the information is missing, choose NOT GIVEN.
Assuming Bingham understood the importance of Machu Picchu immediately.
Check the timeline carefully. His later description and his earlier records show different levels of appreciation.
Choosing an answer because it sounds reasonable.
Find the exact supporting detail in the passage before selecting it.
Searching only for the same words used in the sentence.
Look for paraphrased ideas, such as a goal for the main objective.
Writing more than the allowed number of words.
Check the instructions first and keep the answer within the stated word limit.
Always remember: When you finish, take a quick second look at the answers where the passage gives similar details, different timelines, or closely related ideas.
Looking for more IELTS Reading practice? Read these answer guides to practise different passage topics and question types:
The Lost City takes you through Bingham’s journey, his discovery of Machu Picchu, and the theories surrounding the site. Solving its questions becomes easier when you focus on the main idea, follow the details carefully, and look beyond exact word matches.
As you work on more IELTS passages, try to build the habit of reading with a purpose rather than trying to memorise everything. The same approach can make a real difference in your overall study abroad journey.
1. What is covered in The Lost City IELTS Reading Answers?
The Lost City follows Hiram Bingham’s 1911 expedition to Peru, his search for Vitcos, and his eventual discovery of Machu Picchu. The passage also explores his changing views about the site and theories about its past.
2. Which Cambridge IELTS test includes The Lost City Reading Answers?
The Lost City appears in Cambridge IELTS 12, Test 6, as an Academic Reading passage. It follows Bingham’s journey through Peru and examines his discovery of Machu Picchu and the questions surrounding its history.
3. Who was Hiram Bingham in The Lost City IELTS Reading passage?
Hiram Bingham was an American traveller, explorer, and academic. In 1911, he travelled to South America to search for Vitcos, the last capital of the Inca civilisation, and eventually came across Machu Picchu.
4. How many questions are included in The Lost City IELTS Reading?
The Lost City Reading test contains 15 questions. They are divided into Matching Headings, True/False/Not Given, and Sentence Completion, with each section testing a different reading skill.
5. What types of questions appear in The Lost City IELTS Reading?
The passage includes Matching Headings, True/False/Not Given, and Sentence Completion questions. To find the IELTS reading answers for The Lost City, you need to identify main ideas, check statements against the passage, and locate specific details.
6. What are the Reading Answers for The Lost City Matching Headings section?
The answers are 1-IV, 2-VI, 3-VIII, 4-V, 5-I, 6-VII, and 7-III. Each option matches a paragraph with its main idea, so focus on what the paragraph is mainly about rather than individual words.
7. How do I identify False and Not Given in The Lost City Reading Answers?
Choose FALSE when the passage directly contradicts the statement. Choose NOT GIVEN when the passage does not provide enough information either way. A statement that is simply missing should not automatically be marked FALSE.
8. What is the answer limit for the Sentence Completion section in The Lost City?
The Sentence Completion questions require ONE WORD ONLY for each answer. For example, the track was used to transport rubber from the jungle. Adding extra words would break the instruction even if the meaning remains correct.
9. How can I improve my IELTS Reading score?
To improve your IELTS Reading score, practise different question types regularly, build your scanning and skimming skills, and review your mistakes carefully. Focus on understanding why an answer is correct instead of simply memorising answer keys.
10. How much time do you get for the IELTS Reading test?
You get 60 minutes to complete the IELTS Reading test and answer 40 questions. Since there is no separate transfer time, divide your time carefully across all three passages and avoid spending too long on difficult questions.
11. How difficult is The Lost City IELTS Reading passage?
The Lost City Reading Answers can feel moderately challenging because the passage includes dates, theories, and changes in Bingham’s views. The different question types also require you to switch between identifying main ideas and locating specific information.
upGrad Abroad Editorial Team |4943 articles published
We are a dedicated team of study-abroad experts, ensuring intensive research and comprehensive information in each of our blogs. With every piece written, we aim at simplifying the overseas education ...
Refer Your Friend & Earn upto ₹15000
Help your friend upgrade to a Global Career and earn rewards together.
