Is Graffiti Art or Crime?- IELTS Reading Answer

‘Is Graffiti Art or Crime?’ is an academic reading passage that has appeared in an IELTS Test. The Reading Module of the IELTS can be the top-scoring category, with diligent practice. To achieve the best results in this section, you must understand how to approach and answer the different Question types in the Reading Module. By solving and reviewing Sample Reading Questions from past IELTS papers, you can ensure that your Reading skills are up to the mark. Before you begin, check out some quick IELTS exam preparation tips!

Reading Passage

Is Graffiti Art or Crime?

Questions 14-19

14 why chemically cleaning graffiti may cause damage

15 the benefit of a precautionary strategy on the gentle removal

16 the damaging and accumulative impact of graffiti on the community

17 the need for different preventive measures to be taken to cope with graffiti

18 a legal proposal made to the owner of the building against graffiti

19 the reasons for removing graffiti as soon as possible.

Questions 20-21

A cocktail removal can be safer than water treatment

B small patch trial before applying a large scale of removing

C Chemical treatments are the most expensive way of removing

D there are risks for both Chemical and medication method

E mechanical removals are much more applicable than Chemical treatments

Questions 22-23

A organize more anti-graffiti movements in the city communities

B increase the police patrols on the street

C Build a new building with material repelling water

D installing more visible security cameras

E Provide a whole new surface with a chemical coat

Questions 24-27

Ancient graffiti is of significance and records the 24……………………… of details life for that period. The police can recognize newly committed incidents of graffiti by the signature which is called 25……………………….. that they are familiar with. Operatives ought to comply with relevant rules during the operation, and put on the suitable 26……………… Removal of graffiti from a new type of coating surface can be much more convenient than using 27…………………………

‘Is Graffiti Art or Crime?’ IELTS Reading Answers With Location and Explanation

Read further for the explanations and location of the ‘Is Graffiti Art or Crime?’ IELTS Reading Answer!

14 Answer: D

Question type: Matching Information

Answer location: Paragraph D

Answer explanation: In the introductory lines of paragraph D, it is mentioned that there are a variety of methods that are used to remove graffiti. Broadly these divide between chemical and mechanical systems. Chemical preparations are based on dissolving the media; these solvents can range from water to potentially hazardous chemical ‘cocktails’. These lines suggest why chemically cleaning graffiti may cause damage. Hence, the answer is D.

15 Answer: G

Question type: Matching Information

Answer location: Paragraph G

Answer explanation: Paragraph G illustrates, “Removal of graffiti from a surface that has been treated in this way is much easier, usually using low-pressure water which reduces the possibility of damage.” These lines indicate the benefit of a precautionary strategy for gentle removal. Thus, the answer is G.

16 Answer: B

Question type: Matching Information

Answer location: Paragraph B, last line

Answer explanation: In the last lines of paragraph B, it is mentioned that Graffiti can also lead to move serious forms of vandalism and, ultimately, the deterioration of an area, contributing to social decline. These lines illustrate the damaging and accumulative impact of graffiti on the community. Hence, the answer is E.

17 Answer: E

Question type: Matching Information

Answer location: Paragraph E

Answer explanation: Paragraph E states, “A variety of preventive strategies can be adopted to combat a recurring problem of graffiti at a given site. As no two sites are the same, no one set of protection measures will be suitable for all situations. Each site must be looked at individually. Surveillance systems such as closed-circuit television may also help. In cities and towns around the country, prominently placed cameras have been shown to reduce anti-social behavior of all types including graffiti. Security patrols will also act as a deterrent to prevent recurring attacks. However, the cost of this may be too high for most situations.” These lines indicate the need for different preventive measures to be taken to cope with graffiti.

18 Answer: C

Question type: Matching Information

Answer location: Paragraph C, line 2

Answer explanation: In the 2nd line of paragraph C, it is mentioned that In the event of graffiti 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 attacks occurring locally. These lines suggest a legal proposal made to the owner of the building against graffiti. Thus, the answer is C.

19 Answer: B

Question type: Matching Information

Answer location: Paragraph B

Answer explanation: The initial lines of paragraph B states that It is usually considered a priority to remove graffiti as quickly as possible after it appears. This is for several reasons. The first is to prevent ‘copy-cat’ emulation 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 graffiti within an hour or two of it being reported. Thus, these lines indicate the reasons for removing graffiti as soon as possible. Hence, the answer is B.

20 Answer: B/ D

Question type: Multiple Choice Question

Answer location: Paragraph D, last line

Answer explanation: The last line of paragraph D states that when examining a graffiti incident it is important to assess the ability of the substrate to withstand the prescribed treatment. If there is any doubt regarding this, then small trial areas should be undertaken to assess the impact of more extensive treatment. These lines refer to the statement: small patch trial before applying a large scale of removal. Thus, the answer is B.

21 Answer: B/ D

Question type: Multiple Choice Question

Answer location: Paragraph D, line 3

Answer explanation: The 3rd line of paragraph D states that Chemical preparations are based on dissolving the media; these solvents can range from water to potentially hazardous chemical ‘cocktails’. Mechanical systems such as wire-brushing and grit-blasting attempt to abrade or chip the media from the surface. Care should be taken to comply with health and safety legislation concerning the protection of both passers-by and any person carrying out the cleaning. These lines illustrate that there are risks for both Chemical and medication methods. Hence, the answer is D.

22 Answer: B/ D

Question type: Multiple Choice Question

Answer location: Paragraph G, line 5

Answer explanation: The 5th line of paragraph G states that Photographs are useful to record graffiti incidents and may assist the police in bringing a prosecution. Thus, it’s clear that there’s an increase in police patrols on the street. So, the answer is B.

23 Answer: D/B

Question type: Multiple Choice Question

Answer location: Paragraph E, line 5

Answer explanation: In the 5th line of paragraph E, it is mentioned that the Surveillance systems such as closed-circuit television may also help. In cities and towns around the country, prominently placed cameras have been shown to reduce anti-social behavior of all types including graffiti. Security patrols will also act as a deterrent to prevent recurring attacks. These lines suggest that installing more visible security cameras would be an effective measure. Hence, the answer is D.

24 Answer: the social history

Question type: Summary Completion

Answer location: Paragraph A, line 3

Answer explanation: The 3rd line of paragraph A states that in such circumstances it has acquired invaluable historical and archaeological significance, providing a social history of life and events at that time. These lines indicate that ancient graffiti is of significance and records the social history of details life for that period. Hence, the answer is social history.

25 Answer: tag

Question type: Summary Completion

Answer location: Paragraph B, line 4

Answer explanation: The 4th line of paragraph B states that an incidence pattern can identify possible culprits, as can stylized signatures or nicknames, known as ‘tags’, which may already be familiar to local police. These lines suggest that the police can recognize newly committed incidents of graffiti by the signature which is called a tag that they are familiar with. Hence, the answer is a tag.

26 Answer: protective equipment

Question type: Summary Completion

Answer location: Paragraph D, line 5

Answer explanation: In the 5th line of paragraph D, it is stated that Operatives should follow product guidelines in terms of application and removal, and wear the appropriate protective equipment. Therefore, the operatives ought to comply with relevant rules during the operation, and put on suitable protective equipment. Hence, the answer is protective equipment.

27 Answer: (low pressure) water

Question type: Summary Completion

Answer location: Paragraph G

Answer explanation: Paragraph G illustrates, “Removal of graffiti from a surface that has been treated in this way is much easier, usually using low-pressure water which reduces the possibility of damage.” Thus, it is evident that the removal of graffiti from a new type of coating surface can be much more convenient than using low-pressure water. Hence, the answer is (low pressure) water.

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