The problem with graffiti
Read The problem with graffiti and check the IELTS Reading answers. The term graffiti derives from the Italian graffito meaning 'scratching' and can be defined as uninvited marking or writing scratched or applied to objects, built structures and natural features. It is not a new phenomenon: example…
Passage preview
The term graffiti derives from the Italian graffito meaning 'scratching' and can be defined as uninvited marking or writing scratched or applied to objects, built structures and natural features. It is not a new phenomenon: examples can be found on ancient structures around the world, in some cases predating the Greeks and Romans. In such circumstances it has acquired invaluable historical and archaeological significance, providing a social history of life and events at that time. Graffiti is now a problem that has become pervasive, as a result of the availability of cheap and quick means of mark-making.
Vocabulary from this passage
11 words worth learning before you sit the test, each with the sentence it appears in.
- abrade verb
To scrape or wear away a surface by friction or erosion; to remove material mechanically
Mechanical systems such as wire-brushing attempt to abrade or chip the media from the affected surface.
- deterioration noun
The process of becoming progressively worse in quality, condition, or value over a period of time
Graffiti can lead to serious vandalism and the deterioration of an area, contributing to social decline.
- emulation noun
The act of matching or surpassing a person or achievement, typically by imitation or copying
Removing graffiti quickly prevents copy-cat emulation which occurs once a clean surface is defaced.
- pervasive adjective
Spreading widely throughout an area or a group of people; present everywhere in a particular context
Graffiti has become a pervasive problem due to the availability of cheap and quick means of marking.
- prosecution noun
The institution and conducting of legal proceedings against someone in respect of a criminal charge
Photographs of the incident are useful to record graffiti and may assist the police in bringing a prosecution.
- recurring adjective
Occurring again periodically or repeatedly; happening at regular or irregular intervals
Preventive strategies can be adopted to combat a recurring problem of graffiti at a specific site.
- substrate noun
An underlying substance or layer on which a process occurs or a surface is applied
It is important to assess the ability of the substrate to withstand the prescribed cleaning treatment.
- surveillance noun
Close observation, especially of a suspected person or a location, often using electronic technology
Surveillance systems such as closed-circuit television have been shown to reduce anti-social behavior like graffiti.
- utilitarian adjective
Designed to be useful or practical rather than attractive; relating to basic functionality
Techniques designed for utilitarian surfaces may result in considerable damage when applied to sensitive historic structures.
- veneer noun
A thin decorative or protective covering applied to a surface to improve durability or appearance
Anti-graffiti coatings leave a thin veneer that serves to isolate the graffiti from the primary surface.
- viable adjective
Capable of working successfully; feasible or practical within the given constraints and resources
There may be situations where certain preventive strategies are not a viable proposition for a site.
Answers with explanations
- 14. D
Paragraph D explains that **chemical cleaning** (chemical 'cocktails') requires assessing if the surface (substrate) can 'withstand the prescribed treatment.' This implies that using these harsh chemicals might **cause damage** if the surface isn't resilient enough, forcing operatives to do small trial patches first. Therefore, D is the correct matching paragraph.
- 15. G
Paragraph G highlights the **benefit** of applying anti-graffiti coatings (a **precautionary strategy** outlined in Paragraph F). It notes that if a surface is treated this way, removal is easier and can be done 'using low-pressure water which reduces the possibility of damage' (a **gentle removal** method). Thus, G is correct.
- 16. B
Paragraph B outlines the **accumulative impact** of graffiti on a **community**. It states that leaving graffiti can lead to more serious vandalism, the 'deterioration of an area,' and overall 'social decline.' This perfectly describes the damaging and compounding effects on a neighborhood. Therefore, B is the correct match.
- 17. E
Paragraph E explicitly discusses the necessity for **different preventive measures**. It argues that 'no one set of protection measures will be suitable for all situations' and mandates that each site must be looked at individually, offering examples like cameras, patrols, and physical barriers. E is the correct matching paragraph.
- 18. C
Paragraph C advises the **owner of the building** on specific actions to take, including informing the police. Importantly, it suggests taking photographs to 'assist the police in bringing a prosecution.' Bringing a prosecution is a direct **legal proposal** or action against the graffiti culprits, making C the correct answer.
- 19. B
Paragraph B starts by directly stating it is a priority to **remove graffiti as quickly as possible**. It then explicitly lists 'several reasons' for doing so, such as preventing copy-cat emulation, addressing racist content, and preventing paints from drying out and becoming difficult to remove. B is the exact match.
- 20-21: BD
20: The question asks for a true statement regarding removal. Option B describes doing a '**small patch trial** before applying large scale of removing.' This correctly matches the text in Paragraph D, which states that 'small trial areas should be undertaken to assess the impact of more extensive treatment' to avoid damaging surfaces.
21: Option D states there are **risks** for both chemical and mechanical methods. Paragraph D confirms this by warning about hazardous chemical 'cocktails' and stressing the need to comply with 'health and safety legislation' to protect passers-by and cleaners from hazards like 'run-off, aerial mists, drips and splashes'. This validates Option D.
- 22-23: DE
22: The question asks for mentioned **preventive measures**. Option D suggests 'installing more visible security cameras.' Paragraph E explicitly supports this, noting that '**prominently placed cameras**' (visible cameras) have been shown to reduce graffiti. Options A, B, and C are either not supported as effective or not mentioned.
23: Option E suggests providing a '**new surface with a chemical coat**.' Paragraph F explicitly mentions applying 'Anti-graffiti coatings' that leave a 'thin veneer' to 'isolate the graffiti from the surface.' This perfectly matches the concept of applying a chemical coat as a preventive measure against recurring attacks.
- 24. social history
The blank requires a noun phrase detailing what ancient graffiti records. Paragraph A explains that ancient graffiti has historical significance because it provides a '**social history** of life and events at that time.' Therefore, 'social history' is the grammatically and contextually correct term to complete the sentence.
- 25. tags
The sentence needs a noun identifying the stylized signature familiar to police. Paragraph C directly states that these stylized signatures or nicknames are known as '**tags**', which local police may already recognize. The word 'tags' flawlessly completes the summary.
- 26. protective equipment
The completion requires a noun phrase describing what operatives ought to put on (wear) to comply with rules. Paragraph D instructs that operatives must 'wear the appropriate **protective equipment**.' The phrase 'protective equipment' fits perfectly into the two-word limit and matches the summary.