"Vandalism"

GSE level: 70 - 74 CEFR level: B2+ Word count: 412 Sentence count: 21

Vocabulary above the level of your text

blight | deprived | disintegration | societal | rampant | instill | paramount | aesthetic

| engaging | helplessness | targeted | relic | vandalism | shattered | aftermath |

disregard | morale | outreach

Vandalism: A Visual Reflection Vandalism is a pervasive issue that affects communities worldwide. The image
above captures a vivid example of vandalism: a damaged phone booth and defaced walls. These acts of
destruction mar the visual appeal of public spaces and reflect deeper societal issues. The Impact of Vandalism: A
Closer Look In the image, the phone booth stands as a relic of past communication, now shattered and
unusable. The walls, once perhaps a canvas for community expression, are now marred with graffiti and signs of
neglect. This scene is a common sight in many urban environments, where public amenities and properties fall
victim to such destructive behaviors. Personal Connection to Vandalism Reflecting on this image, I am reminded
of my own experiences with vandalism. Growing up in a neighborhood where vandalism was rampant, I often
witnessed the aftermath: broken windows, spray-painted tags, and defaced public structures. These acts of
vandalism instilled a sense of helplessness and frustration in the community, affecting not only the appearance
of our surroundings but also the collective morale. One particular incident stands out in my memory. Our local
playground, a place where children gathered to play and bond, was frequently targeted by vandals. Swings were
broken, slides were covered in graffiti, and trash was strewn about. This not only made the playground unsafe
but also deprived us of a vital communal space, impacting our social interactions and sense of community.
Conclusion: Thoughts on Vandalism Vandalism is more than just an aesthetic blight; it is a symptom of deeper
social issues such as neglect, lack of education, and community disintegration. It reflects a disregard for public
property and the efforts of others, often stemming from a sense of disenfranchisement or rebellion. Addressing
vandalism requires a multifaceted approach: fostering community pride, improving education and outreach, and
providing constructive outlets for expression. In my opinion, combating vandalism effectively involves engaging
with the community to instill a sense of ownership and responsibility towards shared spaces. Public art projects,
community clean-up initiatives, and educational programs about the impact of vandalism can all contribute to

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reducing such destructive behavior. By working together, communities can reclaim their spaces and foster
environments where respect and care for public property are paramount. Ultimately, the fight against vandalism
is a collective one, requiring the participation and commitment of every member of the community. By
understanding its root causes and addressing them head-on, we can create safer, more beautiful, and cohesive
environments for everyone.

Other readability measures

ARI Coleman Liau Flesch Kincaid FOG SMOG

14.4 15.2 14.5 18.8 16.4

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