2289 speaking tps

Personal
Information:
Free Time
Questions
Responses

How do you spend your free time?
Do you have any hobbies?
Do you play sport?

Personal
Information:
Where I live
Questions
Responses

Where do you live? What part of the city/town is that? How long have you been living there? If
you have moved here recently do you like it better than where you lived before? Is there
anything you particularly like/dislike about it? How do you think it could be improved?

Personal
Information:
My Family
Questions
Responses

Do you have any brothers and sisters? How well do you get on? Do you see much of your
grandparents? What are the advantages of being an only child / a member of a large family?

I don’t have much free time. I have quite a lot time at the weekends. In the summer I like going
to the beach. In my spare time I like playing basketball. I play in a team. I play for fun. I go to

training once / twice / three times a week. I like going out with my friends. I read books /
magazines / newspapers.
Model Response
I don’t have a great deal of free time during the week because of school and homework, but I have a bit at the
weekends. I can’t really say I have a hobby either, but I like music. I listen to music quite a lot, all kinds really –
rock, pop, rap, folk music, Greek and foreign groups. On Saturday afternoons I usually meet my friends and we
go to a cafeteria or the park and chat. Occasionally, I go to the cinema if there’s something good on. Of course
I play some sport. I’m quite keen on basketball and I support a team so that means I watch all their matches
on TV.

1

I live … in / near the centre of… / in a residential area / in a suburb / on the outskirts of the
town / …in a flat / house / block of flats on the ground floor / on the first floor
In addition to living in Athens, I’ve also lived in Kalamata. I’ve been living here for 10 years. I’ve
lived here all my life. I’ve only been here for a few months / years. I used to live in another part
of town, but we’ve recently moved here. It’s quiet / busy / crowded / pleasant / expensive /
convenient / stimulating / impersonal / friendly. I’d like it better if it was… I think it could be
better if it had more parks/more facilities. I think it could be better if it were less crowded /
less polluted. It seems to me that… Perhaps the mayor could…
Model Response
I live in a large block of flats on the fourth floor. It’s quite pleasant as it overlooks the square. We are quite
near the centre which is convenient as I can go around on foot. I’ve been living here for two years and before
that we lived in a village outside the town. I prefer living here because there’s more to do, but I miss my old
friends. In this town there’s a good school and there are basketball courts near my house where I often meet
my friends.

My family has / consists of 3 members. I have a lot of relations, cousins, aunts and uncles. I’m
an only child. I’m a member of a large family. We get on well. We are a very close knit family. I
am close to my brother. We argue a lot. We don’t see much of each other. There’s a large age

gap between my sister and me.
Model Response
I’ve got one sister, but she’s quite a lot older than me. She’s twenty-five now, and she doesn’t live at home so
in some ways it’s a bit like being an only child. Sometimes I feel a bit unhappy because I’m by myself at home.
I’d like to have company. But I don’t feel like that often as I’ve got a lot of friends. Two of my grandparents live
in a village quite far away son I only see them in the summer. But my other grandparents live in the flat below
us so I see them every day. My grandmother comes up and helps around the house and she used to look after
me when I was younger.


Personal
Information:
Plans for the
future
Questions
Responses

Have you any thought to what you’d like to do when you’ve finished school? Would you like to
study? What about your career plans? Why do you want to do this?

Personal
Information:
What do
you do?
Questions
Responses

What do you do? What class/year are you in? How long have you been at you school? Do you
like it? What subjects do you enjoy most? What do you like least?

Personal
Information:
Learning
English
Questions
Responses

How long have you been studying English? Where have you learnt your English? What factors
have played a role in your studies? Have you had any experiences that have affected you
positively or negatively? How do you think English will be useful to you in the future?

Personal

How often do you go away on holiday? Where do you usually go? What is it like there? What

When I finish school/college… I’d like to go to University / I’m planning to go to College. / I
hope to study… / I’d like to study Electronics / Engineering / Maths / Physics / Science /
Journalism / Psychology / Law / Medicine / Architecture / Nursing / Teaching / Agriculture /
Physical Education. I’m hoping to go into the family business / join my parents business. I’m
planning to start work immediately and receive on the job training. I haven’t made up my mind
yet, but I’m good at languages so I’d like to do something with them. I’m not sure yet. There
are a few things I could do. They are… I really don’t know. What I do know is that I don’t want
to…
Perhaps I’ll become a sports trainer / civil servant / farmer. To do that I’ll have to study.
I would like to follow in my mother’s/father’s footsteps and be a…
I would like to work freelance / outdoors / abroad. My father is a… so I’m familiar with the
profession / job. The most important reason why I want to do this is that I like / I’m good at
Maths / English. I’d like to do something personally fulfilling.
I would like to do something for others.
Model Response

When I finish school I’d like to go to University and study Medicine. The most important reason why I want to
do this is that I would like to do something for others. My father is a doctor so I’m familiar with the profession.

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I go to High School / Lyceum / University / College. I’m in the fist/second year.
It’s a state school / private school / technical college-university / vocational college-course
Model Response
I go to school and I’m in the 3 rd year of High School. It’s a state school quite close to my house and I’ve got lots
of friends there. The teachers are mostly friendly and nice, but of course there are exceptions! As for the
building – it’s a quite new school so it’s in good conditions but we do need some more facilities. For example,
we don’t have labs or an art room. I really like Maths because I find the subject stimulating. I can’t think of a
subject that I dislike. Each one has something to give to the students.

I’ve been studying English for 6 years. I go to a language school. I learn English at school. I have
private lessons. I’ve never been to England. I’ve been on a summer course. I’ve got a friend / a
pen friend / relatives living in America. There are lots of tourists in Crete where I go every
summer. I listen to English music. I watch English-speaking films/series.
Model Response
I have been studying English for 6 years. I go to a language school and we also do English lessons at school.
Due to the fact that English is an international language, I have realised through the years that it’s really
important to speak English. It will be really useful not only in communicating but also in my future career. I
have never been to England but I listen to English music and watch English films and series.


Information:
Holidays
Questions
Responses

do you do when you are on holiday? What are the best holidays you’ve ever had?

Personal
Information:
Fitness and
Sport
Questions
Responses

Do you take any form of exercise or do a sport? Where do you go to do it? What exactly do you
do when you go to the gym / go jogging / go swimming etc? Can you tell us some of the rules
of football / basketball?

Personal
Information:
Books and
Magazines
Questions
Responses

Do you read newspapers or magazines? Which ones? Can you tell us something about them?
What about books? Do you ever read English books or magazines? What kind? Can you tell us
about a book or magazine you’re read recently?

Once/twice/three times a year / in the summer / At Easter/Christmas / When my parents get
leave / To the sea / mountains / an island / my grandparents village / to the
north/south/east/west of Greece / very pleasant / near the sea / it’s mountainous / flat /
fertile / green / dry / quiet / noisy / busy / touristy / unspoilt / There lots to do / nothing much
to do there. Go swimming / walking / visiting friends and relations. You can play sport, go on
interesting day trips to local sights. I stay with relations / at a hotel / at a guest house / at a

campsite / in rented rooms. The best holidays I’ve ever had was a sightseeing tour / a camping
holiday / a trip abroad / a school trip / a cruise / a family holiday
Model Response
I go on holiday when my parents get leave, usually in the summer. We go to a different island every year. Last
year we went to Santorini. It was really busy and touristy but the scenery was awesome. There were lots to do
there. Generally when we go on holiday we stay at a campsite. We go swimming, walking and sightseeing.

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aerobics, gym, jogging, cycling, hang gliding, ice skating, skiing, volleyball, football, cricket,
tennis, golf, ping-pong, deep-sea diving, water-polo
Course, track, court, gym, football ground, ring, rink, pitch
Bat, racket, boots, skis, bicycle, spear-gun, hang glider, golf club, oxygen tank, mask, flippers
Uniform, swim-suit, cap, trainers, track suit
Play in teams of six / team members pass/kick the ball to each other / the aim is to score as
many goals as you can / you score goals by kicking the ball between the goal posts / by
throwing the ball through the hoop
Model Response
I’m in a basketball team. We train three times a week in a basketball court. During practice we do a lot of
running and exercising in order to warm up and then we practice various basketball techniques. We all wear
uniforms and trainers. To play basketball you need a hoop and a ball. You play in teams of five and the aim is
to score as many goals as possible by throwing the ball through the hoop. You have to dribble and pass the
ball to the other players.

I buy newspapers / magazines occasionally / regularly.
I subscribe to a (computer/music/English) magazine. It comes outs weekly/monthly.
Daily/local/school newspaper – Teenage/Sport/Music/Science magazine
Articles/reports/reviews/features on fashion-music-sport
Swap books with friends / borrow books from a library
Novels / classics / Greek / English / historical novels / poetry / drama / adventure stories / love

stories / science fiction
Model Response
I buy magazines regularly. My favourite one is “Difono” which is a music magazine and has biographies of
famous musicians and reviews on old and new CDs. I also buy a local newspaper which has political articles
and reports on things happening in our town. I really love books. I like reading poetry and historical novels.
I’ve read a couple of books in English. One book I’ve read recently is “The God of Little Things” by Aroudati
Roi, an author from India, who describes the discrimination than occurs in India.
Personal
How old are you? When is your birthday? What sign of the Zodiac are you? Do you know what


Information:
Birthdays
and Other
Celebrations
Questions
Responses

people born under your sign are supposed to be like? Are you like that? Apart from your
birthday, what else do you celebrate during the year?

My birthday is in December. I was born on the 30 th of December. My Zodiac sign is Aries,
Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, Pisces.
People born under Libra/Virgo are supposed/said to be fair, intelligent, quiet, gentle, calm,
passionate, energetic, generous, bold, courageous, creative, adventurous, strong, bossy, shy,
aggressive, stingy, impatient, bad tempered etc.
I think I’m like this sign is some ways. My friends say I am…
Name-day / Christmas / Easter / New Year
Have a party for my friends. Celebrate quietly at home with my family and relations. People
drop in. We offer them cakes and food. Have a large meal.

Model Response
th
I was born on the 30 of December. My Zodiac sign Capricorn. People born under Capricorn are supposed to
be fair, quiet, calm, creative, and shy. I think I’m like this sign is some ways. Apart from my birthday I also
celebrate my name-day which is on the 6 th of December. People drop in and we offer them cakes and food. Of
course, we also celebrate all the other national celebrations during the year, like Christmas, Easter etc.

4

P

The best solution would to be…

ersonal
Preferences

I prefer doing… than doing
I can’t really say which I prefer.
It depends on…
I mostly do…
As for which I prefer, well it
depends on…
I would choose the… because…
Personally speaking and being
actually a
teenager, I would definitely choose
/ prefer…
I’d rather do…

Decision

Making

Judging from the information you
have given me, I suggest you (open
the lines of communication with
your son)
Well, let’s see what the options
are.
Let’s talk about…
In my opinion, I think that…
Why don’t we…
I suggest we…
It would be a good idea to…
We could try…
If I were him, I would…

A

sking
your
partner’
s opinion

What do you think the second
picture is?
What do you think the second
book is about?
What about doing…?
How about doing…?

What do you think about doing…?
I wonder what… is about.
Which one would you choose?
I prefer…, what about you?
What do you think?
Wouldn’t you like to…?

W

hen you don’t
understand the
question

Please, forgive my nervousness.
I didn’t quite follow that. Could
you please repeat the question?
Sorry. Could you repeat that
please?
Do you mean we should…?


I didn’t catch what you said. Could
you repeat it please?
I didn’t grasp what you meant.
Could you say that again?
I didn’t quite catch that.

Agreeing

5

I agree with Maria. I also think that…
I am in complete agreement with…
I’m in favour of…
I think Maria is right, but I’d like to
add that…
I would also like to add…
Similarly, I believe that…
That’s a good point. I hadn’t
thought about that.
I suppose you’re right.
I suppose you have a point there.
I think that Maria’ got a good
point, but I believe we have to
remember that…
Yes, but we mustn’t forget that…
Another equally common problem
is…
That sounds right to me.
Generally speaking there are both
advantages and disadvantages to
either way. On the one hand… On
the other hand…
Undoubtedly it is true to say that…
By and large, the most popular
way of… is…
Actually, I could only give some
“poor” personal view on this since
I haven’t got the slightest idea



Are you saying that…?
I beg your pardon?
I’m not sure I understand “…”
I’m not clear about something.
Could I ask a question?
concerning the… nor have I ever
given it much thought.
I gather that… / I assume that…
It is my conviction that…
An illuminating example is the fact
that…
On the whole, I would say that…
To be more specific…
I strongly feel that…
We should point out the fact that…
At any rate, it can be undeniable
that…

Disagreeing
I don’t agree with Maria because I
think that…
I disagree with Maria because I
think that…
We should take into account the
fact that…
Unlike Maria, I believe that…
On the other hand…
I see what you’re saying but I

think…
Perhaps. But don’t you think
that…?
Another way of looking at it is…
On the contrary…

SPEAKING TOPICS



(Countries) No doubt ….. is considered to be one of the most attractive countries. I
haven’t had any personal experience concerning this country. Nevertheless, I have seen
films and documentaries revealing magnificent aspects of… . A striking feature
characterising its culture is… At any rate, it is common knowledge that their civilisation
(architecture, poetry, philosophy, painting etc.) has contributed immensely to the
world’s as far as the human spirit is concerned.



(Sports) A fact that cannot be denied is that sports can be exciting, rewarding and
spectacular, a really useful outlet in our daily routine. “Health mind in a healthy body”
as the saying goes. They can be done at our leisure time and can prevent us from being
“rusty”.



(Cosmetics) People have not always been satisfied with their lot. By and large, women
have always paid particular attention to their looks and outfit, at least to a greater
extent than males. If you ask me, I would quote “Moderation in all things”. No matter
how expensive a product might be, nothing can prevent time from moving on and

leaving its traces behind. “Time and tide wait for no man”, in this case “woman” mostly.


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

(Inventions) “Invention is perceiving need” was once said by Sinclair, the inventor of
the pocket calculator. Personally speaking, I reckon that human beings are inclined to
invention. Throughout human history, men have been busy all the time designing the
future of everything! We should also bear in mind the fact that a successful invention
could be someone’s passport to fame and fortune. Whatever the motive may be, the
truth is that due to the innumerable great inventions, our lives have indeed become a
lot easier and much more comfortable. Furthermore I gather that the vast majority of
inventions and innovations have contributed a lot more than we can imagine to human
history and evolution. After all, the purpose of invention is the complete mastery of
mind over the material world.



(Journalism) Much as being a journalist is supposed to be an interesting and well-paid
job, I strongly believe that things are not as they seem. On the one hand, a reporter has
to be an active, energetic and intelligent person in order to achieve distinction in his
field, It is doubtful that it is not an easy job/career to go in for. Being always on the
alert, being on the lookout for “hot news” and many times risking his life and limp (as
for instance at war zones) can definitely be unbearable for the average man. Last but
not least a journalist should always be well-informed and “up-dated” we dare say
sacrificing a great deal of his private life, in this fashion. On the other hand, I would
suggest that there are some negative aspects considering the job of a journalist.
Unfortunately we have spotted some examples of corruption among journalists. You

need to be – first and foremost – unbiased in this profession, looking at both sides of a
story. Nevertheless, lots of so-called professionals prefer to follow the easy “route” to
success that is bribery. I hate being the devil’s advocate but it is – unluckily enough –
rare to find reporters of great caliber and integrity. Therefore we would be well-advised
to be cautious when reading articles in newspapers or magazines so as to distinguish
mere facts from purposely written fiction.



(Current affairs-Censorship) Censorship is an issue, which frequently generates a great
deal of heated debate. Supporters suggest that it is vital in order to protect society.
Opponents claim that it is an unjustifiable restriction of public access to information. To
my mind all countries have secrets, which must be safeguarded for reasons of national
security. For instance, if an enemy country were to acquire such highly sensitive
information, the effects would be catastrophic. Secondly, I assume that censorship is
necessary to prevent the publication of offensive or harmful to public morals material.
Consequently, the government has a duty to impose certain restrictions on newspapers
by censoring texts, which contain explicit scenes of violence, sex or foul / vulgar
language. All things considered, the best course of action would be to attempt to
achieve a balance between the requirements of the country and the public on the one
hand, and individuals’ right on the other.



(Environment) For the last fifteen years Greeks have been more environmentally ware
then they used to be. Government and citizens alike have been trying to combine their
strength in an attempt to help save the environment. Firstly, Greeks were finally
accustomed to the idea of recycling goods. We are all familiar with the “Greenhouse
effect”, therefore we know the horrible consequences of the warming of the
atmosphere on the surface of our planet. Moreover, we avoid using products, which

are not environment-friendly such as spray-cans. We have been trying to follow a
nationwide campaign as to avoid polluting the environment by keeping our beaches
clean as well as our “world-famous” seas. Furthermore, several steps were taken as far
as pollution in Athens is concerned. Consequently, a measure that was introduced
some years ago is the ban on cars entering on odd or even number plates. Sadly
enough though, there is a major problem which hasn’t been solved yet, posing all of us
serious threat concerning our future. This problem is none other than deforestation.



(Pollution) It is generally admitted that most cities are so polluted nowadays that it is
almost impossible for people to live in them any longer. Life has become unbearable
because of the smog, the crowded streets with the heavy traffic, the food
contamination, the ugly surrounding in general. Vast amounts of rubbish “decorate”
our everyday activities. The damage to the ozone layer is getting worse. Factories
continue polluting the air we breathe by causing acid rain. The list is endless. Possible
solutions to the above may be the use of unleaded petrol, recycling, using public




7

transport, special factory legislation, boycotting pollutants and last but not least
responsible attitude.
(Nature) Nature can provide people with relaxation, a stress-free life, a quiet rhythm,
fresh air and above all it can help people find their true selves as humans.



(Success/Happiness) This question can be looked at from several points of view. To
start with, several illuminating examples from successful and distinguished people from
all walks of life reveal that success is definitely only one of the factors leading to
happiness. Bliss is a hard thing to conquer. Successful and talented though one may be,
they rarely are entirely satisfied that they’re doing their best. Success takes plenty of
time and precious energy and as a consequence one feels that life is just / merely
slipping away. ‘It’s the loneliest part of the world up there!” An illuminating example is
the Greek tycoon Aristotle Onassis. Despite his wealth and success he wasn’t happily
married.



(Twins) Identical twin brothers or sisters who are physically indistinguishable – like
“two pens in a pod” as the saying goes – quite frequently, despite their apparent
similarity prove to be completely different personalities. On better acquaintance, they
turn to be on the one hand telepathic at an astonishing degree, while on the other
hand quite different in their way of thinking or reacting.



(Smoking in public places) As far as smoking in general is concerned, it is - beyond the
shadow of any doubt – extremely damaging to our health. Smoking should be banned
in public places, especially where lots of people happen to be. Smokers shouldn’t
impose their own weakness on unwilling non-smokers and innocent children. However,
on the grounds of personal and individual freedom of choice, there should be specific
smoking and non-smoking areas in public places.



(Dreams and Ambitions) On the one hand dreams are scenes and images, which

appear in our sleep. They actually symbolise something according to psychologists in
the sense that they represent our hidden fears, hopes or worries. There is a certain
period after two and a half hours during our sleep, which is called REM. REM stands for
Rapid Eye Movement. This is the period during which our dreams take place. On the
other hand ambitions are our own actual hopes and plans concerning our future career
and personal life.



(Freedom – Human rights) Over the years, mankind has recognised the need for
personal and social freedom and this is perhaps one of the most important social
advancements ever made. Undoubtedly, people should have the freedom to raise their
standard of living and increase personal happiness. Freedom of speech, freedom of
choice, vote etc are some of the basic human rights not ever to be fought against.
Nevertheless, certain limits should be set to the “borders” of so-called freedom. An
illuminating example to support what was previously mentioned is the well-known
saying “The freedom of the individual is not to proceed any further that where
somebody else’s is to commence”.



(The Elderly) For many elderly people the latter part of their life is not a time to relax
and enjoy retirement, but rather a difficult and unhappy period owing to financial
worries, failing health and loneliness. There are several measures to be taken to
improve the lives of old people. It might sound odd, but an excellent way to improve
their lives could be to encourage them into exercising, taking up a sport – to their liking
– given that they are not restricted to bed due to some kind of illness. At any rate,
athletics have always been the best way to help give vent to any negative feelings and
depression. “Age” does not necessarily determine whether one can play tennis – for
instance – or stay at home and watch sterile films on TV. I strongly believe that elderly

people have still lots of energy to work upon and what’s more they can sometimes
achieve better results than younger ages. If the government and individuals alike were
to help, it would make retirement and old age a time to look forward to rather than
dread.



(Beggars - Poverty) Judging from the photograph those people are living in poverty. It’s
amazing that two thirds of the world’s population live in extreme unimaginable
poverty. In Greece beggars are quite frequent a sight. They have to depend on charity


to get something to eat, having obviously to struggle to make ends meet. Thought the
sheer scale of the problem may be frightening, governments don’t actually take certain
measures to deal with it and help in an effective ways to make a difference to these
people’s lives.

8



(War and Peace) The 20th century has already seen two world wars and many other
between individual countries. Undoubtedly, war has disastrous effects on either sides.
In addition to destroying generations of young people, war also makes civilization take
a step backwards. People suffer poverty, hardship and even starvation. Psychologically,
war develops feelings of hatred for the enemy, which can take many years to disappear.
The list is endless. Countries struggle to create friendly relations but unfortunately even
in this situation, peace is sometimes an absence of war, purposefully maintained in an
atmosphere of threats and counter threats. One thing is for certain. This is not a world
“angelically imaged” for our children to live in. “All we are saying is give peace a

chance!”



(The Arts) It is generally and widely admitted that Art can definitely enrich our
experience and broaden our horizons and minds. One can only benefit from any artistic
activity whether it is sculpture, music, painting, acting, composing, poetry or literature.
Poetry is actually my favourite. To be more specific I enjoy reading Greek poets like
Yiannis Ritsos and Nikos Kavadias and poets of the international scene like Pablo
Nerouda and Vladimir Mayakovski. At any rate, taking this opportunity I dare say that
humans would not be called so – in a wider sense – if it weren’t for poetry. Underlined
feelings, secret assumptions well hidden in verses, silent screams in words, the
everlasting struggle for justice, life itself made their way through poetry. Personally
speaking, I could spend hours reading poetry, contemplating and filtering myself and
the whole world, through a single verse.



Over-consumption – Extravagance: It is true to say that we live in a period of time
when everyone is pressed for money as unemployment rises and the value of earning
evaporates in inflation. Nevertheless, there has been observed a certain rise in overconsuming goods and products probably due to TV commercials and advertising
campaigns, which immensely influence us into buying most of the times “useless”
things. Roughly speaking, I gather that a small number of giant enterprises have
assumed control of the market, gradually turning us into “buying-machines”. Leading
companies have embarked on aggressive selling methods in order to increase their
profits and eliminate their rivals. At any rate, each individual as a free person who
thinks and chooses, makes decisions and evaluates, should actually have the common
sense to distinguish his/her real needs form what TV commercials or advertisements
“promise” to offer.



(Music) When it comes to music, most people would agree that it virtually represents
the “core’ of human existence. You may choose a particular kind to suit your mood;
perhaps if you feel gloomy you might prefer classical music and jazz would be more
appropriate if you wanted something lively and exciting. Pop music, on the other hand,
may have simple lyrics but it makes you want to “tap your foot” in time with the music
and you feel like dancing. Rock music is definitely the most favourable at least to
adolescents or even adults round their thirties, owing to the fact that represents
freedom and radical ideas. Whichever sort of music you pick up to listen to, you can get
carried away; it makes you forget yourself giving you the distinct impression that it’s
transporting you. Folk music in Greece can appeal to traditional rhymes in the Greek
way of life, though people from other cultures may have difficulty appreciating this. For
the last ten years or so, there has been an easily distinguishable movement as far as
modern Greek music is concerned. An abundance of new-coming music groups for a
brand new and really noteworthy “chapter” in Green music. Thankfully enough, the
average listener knows how to appreciate quality music and performers. Consequently,
all these “off springs” will probably make a difference to our mistreated, sensitive ears
as well as to our “musically depressed” hearts.



(Can it be justifiable for civilians to carry weapons?) Every year there must be many
victims of crime all over the world who half-wish they lived in the Wild West and could
take the law into their own hands. The criminal justice system has been trying to


neutralise the conflict between offenders and victims, so as to avoid the private
revenge and lynch law. Unfortunately, he criminal justice system quite often ignores the
needs of the victims, leaving them unprotected and helpless. This leads to the victims’

carrying weapons as a means of protection. Nevertheless, “it takes more than a licence
for a gun” as we read in a poem. Under no circumstances should a gun be allowed in
the hands of an ignorant thus dangerous person. If civilians were to carry weapons
freely, with no restrictions whatsoever, I strongly believe that the world would finally
turn into a battle- field with a dead-end since ‘violence can only be rewarded with
violence”.


9

(Graffiti) We are probably all acquainted with this amusing – we could say – form of
art. To my mind, graffiti is virtually the form of arm mostly appealing to seventy per
cent of young people. It only takes vivid imagination and plenty of spray-cans so as to
get the desirable result. As a matter of fact, one definitely needs to be a master of
colours, skilful and imaginative as well. The fact that graffiti largely concerns caricatures
in addition to the fact that it is highly humoristic, we could claim that the vast majority
of people love it. It undoubtedly represents freedom in expression and flexibility –
allow me to say – in Art in general. On the one hand there are those “pointless” little
efforts of immortality, which lead people to paint and sketch on walls of schools or
public buildings. On the other hand, graffiti seems to me to be the best way to protest
or criticize, making the walls alive with political commentary. It seems to be justified as
long as those messages could not otherwise reach the people and as long as the artists
of these “comments” have no regular access to other media such as TV or newspapers.
I only wish though they would confine their aerosol activities to walls and stop defacing
public announcements and statues.