@SIROJ_NOTES
READING PASSAGE 2
You should spend about 20 minutes on Ques�ons 14-27 which are based on Reading Passage 2
below.
The problem of Graffiti
A The term graffi� derives from the Italian graffito meaning ‘scratching’ and can be defined as
uninvited marking or wri�ng 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 preda�ng 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 �me. Graffi� is
now a problem that has become pervasive, as a result of the availability of cheap and quick means
of mark-making.
B It is usually considered a priority to remove graffi� as quickly as possible a�er it appears.
This is for several reasons. The first is to prevent ‘copy-cat’ emula�on which can occur rapidly once a
clean surface is defaced. It may also be of a racist or otherwise offensive nature and many
companies and councils have a policy of removing this type of graffi� within an hour or two of it
being reported. Also, as paints, glues and inks dry out over �me they can become increasingly
difficult to remove and are usually best dealt with as soon as possible a�er the incident. Graffi� can
also lead to move serious forms of vandalism and, ul�mately, the deteriora�on of an area,
contribu�ng to social decline.
C Although graffi� may be regarded as an eyesore, any proposal to remove it from sensi�ve
historic surfaces should be carefully considered: techniques designed for more robust or u�litarian
surfaces may result in considerable damage. In the event of graffi� incidents, it is important that the
owners of buildings or other structures and their consultants are aware of the approach they should
take in dealing with the problem. The police should be informed as there may be other related
atacks occurring locally. An incidence patern can iden�fy possible culprits, as can stylised
signatures or nicknames, known as ‘tags’, which may already be familiar to local police. Photographs
are useful to record graffi� incidents and may assist the police in bringing a prosecu�on. Such
images are also required for insurance claims and can be helpful in cleaning opera�ves, allowing
them to see the problem area before arriving on site.
D There are a variety of methods that are used to remove graffi�. Broadly these divide
between chemical and mechanical systems. Chemical prepara�ons are based on dissolving the
media; these solvents can range from water to poten�ally hazardous chemical ‘cocktails’.
Mechanical systems such as wire-brushing and grit-blas�ng atempt to abrade or chip the media
from the surface. Care should be taken to comply with health and safety legisla�on with regard to
the protec�on of both passers-by and any person carrying out the cleaning. Opera�ves should
follow product guidelines in terms of applica�on and removal, and wear the appropriate protec�ve
equipment. Measures must be taken to ensure that run-off, aerial mists, drips and splashes do not
threaten unprotected members of the public. When examining a graffi� incident it is important to
assess the ability of the substrate to withstand the prescribed treatment. If there is any doubt
@SIROJ_NOTES
regarding this, then small trial areas should be undertaken to assess the impact of more extensive
treatment.
E A variety of preven�ve strategies can be adopted to combat a recurring problem of graffi� at
a given site. As no two sites are the same, no one set of protec�on measures will be suitable for all
situa�ons. Each site must be looked at individually. Surveillance systems such as closed-circuit
television may also help. In ci�es and towns around the country, prominently placed cameras have
been shown to reduce an�-social behavior of all types including graffi�. Security patrols will also act
as a deterrent to prevent recurring atacks. However, the cost of this may be too high for most
situa�ons. A physical barriers such as a wall, railings, doors or gates can be introduced to discourage
unauthorized access to a vulnerable site. However, considera�on has to be given to the impact
measures have on the structure being protected. In the worst cases, they can be almost as
damaging to the quality of the environment as the graffi� they prevent. In others, they might simply
provide a new surface for graffi�.
F One of the most significant problems associated with graffi� removal is the need to remove
it from surfaces that are repeatedly atacked. Under these circumstances, the repeated removal of
graffi� using even the most gentle methods will ul�mately cause damage to the surface material.
There may be situa�ons where the preven�ve strategies men�oned above do not work or are not a
viable proposi�on at a given site. An�-graffi� coa�ngs are usually applied by brush or spray leaving
a thin veneer that essen�ally serves to isolate the graffi� from the surface.
G Removal of graffi� from a surface that has been treated in this way is much easier, usually
using low-pressure water which reduces the possibility of damage. Depending on the type of barrier
selected it may be necessary to reapply the coa�ng a�er each graffi� removal exercise.
@SIROJ_NOTES
Ques�ons 14-19
Reading passage 2 has seven paragraphs, A-G.
Which paragraph contains the following informa�on?
Write the correct letter, A-G, in boxes 14-19 on your answer sheet.
NB You may use any letter more than once.
14 why chemically cleaning graffi� may cause damage
15 the benefit of a precau�onary strategy on the gentle removal
16 the damaging and accumula�ve impact of graffi� on the community
17 the need for different preven�ve measures being taken to cope with graffi�
18 a legal proposal made to the owner of building against graffi�
19 the reasons for removing graffi� as soon as possible.
Ques�ons 20-21
Choose TWO leters, A-E
Write your answers in boxes 20-21 on your answer sheet.
Which two statements are true concerning the removal of graffi�
A cocktail removal can be safer than water treatment
B small patch trial before applying large scale of removing
C Chemical treatments are the most expensive way of removing
D there are risks for both Chemical and medica�on method
E mechanical removals are much more applicable than Chemical treatments
@SIROJ_NOTES
Ques�ons 22-23
Choose TWO leters, A-E.
Write your answers in boxes 22-23 on your answer sheet.
Which TWO of the following preven�ve measures against graffi� are men�oned effec�vely in the
passage?
A organise more an�-graffi� movement in the city communi�es
B increase the police patrols on the street
C Build a new building with material repelling to water
D installing more visible security cameras
E Provide a whole new surface with a chemical coat
Ques�ons 24-27
Complete the Summary of the paragraphs of Reading Passage 2.
Use NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the passage for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 24-27 on your answer sheet.
Ancient graffi� is of significance and records the 24……………………… of details life for that period.
The police can recognize newly commited incidents of graffi� by the signature which is
called 25……………………….. that they are familiar with
Opera�ves ought to comply with relevant rules during the opera�on, and put on the
suitable 26…………………………
Removal of graffi� from a new type of coa�ng surface can be much convenient of
using 27…………………………
