Graffiti: IELTS Reading Passage with Questions and Answers

Introduction

Graffiti, often seen as a controversial form of urban art, has evolved over decades. This IELTS reading passage delves into the world of graffiti, exploring its history, cultural impact, and ongoing debates. Understanding such texts is crucial for IELTS success.

Passage

Graffiti has transformed urban landscapes globally. Once viewed merely as vandalism, today it's recognized as a legitimate form of artistic expression. This shift in perception began in the late 20th century when street artists like Banksy gained international fame. Graffiti often serves as a voice for the voiceless, conveying social and political messages. However, the legality of graffiti remains a contentious issue, with many cities enforcing strict anti-graffiti laws.

The evolution of graffiti showcases a blend of artistic innovation and technological advancements. Spray paints and markers have been the traditional tools, but digital graffiti, using projection mapping and LED lights, is gaining popularity. This form of expression has transcended into galleries and exhibitions, challenging the traditional boundaries of art.

Despite its growing acceptance, graffiti still sparks debates. Critics argue that it defaces public property and often conveys inappropriate messages. Meanwhile, proponents view it as a form of free speech and a tool for beautifying urban spaces.

As graffiti continues to evolve, it leaves an indelible mark on both art and society, symbolizing a dynamic form of expression that refuses to be confined.

Questions & Answers

Q1. What initially was the public perception of graffiti?

A) Artistic Expression

B) Vandalism

C) Digital Art

D) Legal Artwork

Answer: B) Vandalism

Explanation: The passage states that graffiti was "once viewed merely as vandalism," indicating the initial public perception.

Q2. Which famous street artist is mentioned in the passage?

A) Picasso

B) Banksy

C) Da Vinci

D) Warhol

Answer: B) Banksy

Explanation: Banksy is mentioned as having gained international fame, signifying the shift in perception towards graffiti.

Q3. How has graffiti been used according to the passage?

A) As a form of vandalism

B) To convey social and political messages

C) Only in art galleries

D) As digital art

Answer: B) To convey social and political messages

Explanation: The passage mentions graffiti serves as "a voice for the voiceless, conveying social and political messages."

Q4. What marks the transition of graffiti in recent times?

A) Strict laws against it

B) Use of spray paints

C) Recognition in galleries

D) Bans in urban areas

Answer: C) Recognition in galleries

Explanation: The passage indicates the transition with graffiti's "transcendence into galleries and exhibitions."

Q5. What is a major contention about graffiti?

A) Its cost

B) Its artistic value

C) Its legality

D) Its method of creation

Answer: C) Its legality

Explanation: The passage discusses the "contentious issue" regarding the legality of graffiti.

Q6. Choose the word that best describes graffiti's impact on art and society, as implied in the passage.

A) Temporary

B) Insignificant

C) Indelible

D) Controversial

Answer: C) Indelible

Explanation: The passage ends by stating graffiti leaves an "indelible mark on both art and society."

Q7. What traditional tools are mentioned for creating graffiti?

A) Brushes and Paints

B) Markers and Spray Paints

C) Digital Projectors

D) LED Lights

Answer: B) Markers and Spray Paints

Explanation: Traditional tools for graffiti mentioned are "spray paints and markers."

Q8. True or False: Digital graffiti uses projection mapping and LED lights.

True

False

Answer: True

Explanation: The passage mentions digital graffiti's use of "projection mapping and LED lights."

Q9. What is NOT a reason critics oppose graffiti?

A) It defaces public property

B) It is too expensive

C) It conveys inappropriate messages

D) It is illegal

Answer: B) It is too expensive

Explanation: The passage does not mention cost as a reason for opposition.

Q10. What skill is recommended for quickly identifying main ideas in the text?

A) Detailed reading

B) Memorization

C) Skimming

D) Guessing

Answer: C) Skimming

Explanation: One of the tips for students, T3, advises the development of skimming skills.

Tips for Students

T1. Understand the Context: Pay attention to the overall theme and context of the passage to answer questions accurately.

T2. Keywords are Key: Identify and remember keywords in the questions to find relevant information in the text.

T3. Practice Skimming: Develop the skill of skimming through the text to quickly identify the main ideas and relevant details.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of reading and comprehending passages like this is pivotal for acing the IELTS reading section. This practice passage on graffiti provides a glimpse into the type of texts encountered in the exam, combining cultural knowledge with critical thinking skills.