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.

    An artist painted many pictures of great beauty. But he found that he had not yet painted a "real" picture.

    He began his trip to look {#blank#}1{#/blank#} the most beautiful thing in the world. {#blank#}2{#/blank#}the way, he met an aged priest(神父)who {#blank#}3{#/blank#} (ask)him where he was going. "I don't know, "said the artist." I want  {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (paint)the most beautiful thing in the world. Perhaps you can direct me to it. ""How easy, "replied the priest." In any church, you will find it 'Faith'(信仰, 信任)is the most beautiful thing in the world. "

    The artist traveled on.  {#blank#}5{#/blank#} (late), a young mother told him the most beautiful thing is "Love".

    "Love" {#blank#}6{#/blank#} (make)the world go round. Without love there is no beauty.

    Still the artist continued his search. He asked a soldier the same question and his answer was "Peace". He said, "War is ugly and wherever you find peace, you will find beauty, faith and love."

    "How can I paint all of  {#blank#}7{#/blank#} (they)—Faith, Love and Peace? "He thought and thought. He was surprised that without {#blank#}8{#/blank#} (think)where he was going, he had got to his familiar place. In the {#blank#}9{#/blank#} (face)of his wife and children, he saw Love and Faith. "We are thinking of you all the time. We prayed(祈祷)you would return to us safely, "said his wife. The artist sat on his favourite old chair and his heart was at peace.

    The artist painted the most beautiful thing in the world and {#blank#}10{#/blank#} (call)it "Home".

    Elephants are smart animals. They can {#blank#}1{#/blank#}(play) soccer or music. But they are in great danger. People cut down many {#blank#}2{#/blank#}(tree)so elephant are losing their homes. People also kill them for {#blank#}3{#/blank#}(they)ivory. Today there {#blank#}4{#/blank#} (be) only about 3, 000 elephants. We must save the trees and not buy things {#blank#}5{#/blank#}(make) of ivory.