Graffiti is a common feature of most Western cities. The word graffiti was from the Greek word, graphein, which only meant writing. These days, however, the word means drawing or writing {#blank#}1{#/blank#} the wall of buildings, or the public transportation, such as trains or buses.

    Graffiti, as a form of expression, was born in New York during{#blank#}2{#/blank#} 1960s and 1970s. At that time, a new modern culture about city life appeared. Graffiti was a written form of expression of that life. Later, it was {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(mix) with a musical form called hip-hop that was another expression of the city life.

    At first, graffiti artists used pens. But then, with the {#blank#}4{#/blank#}(develop) of graffiti, they became {#blank#}5{#/blank#}(experience). They turned to using spray paint. Spray paint allowed them to draw a greater area. And it also allowed them to work {#blank#}6{#/blank#}(quick) than before, which was an advantage when they worked in neighborhoods {#blank#}7{#/blank#} graffiti wasn't welcome.

    At the present time, different people have different ideas about graffiti. Some people say {#blank#}8{#/blank#} makes the cities dirty. It isn't allowed by many local governments in America. The governments spend more than a million dollars a year {#blank#}9{#/blank#}(clean) graffiti. The money, they say, could be better spent on health or education. Other people think it is a form of art. In fact, the {#blank#}10{#/blank#}(work) of some famous graffiti artists can be found in museums, galleries and art books.