1. Which bothers you most in your town:
loose pavement slabs
potholes in the road
litter
lack of rubbish collection
graffiti
vandalism
poor street lighting?
2. Have you been to Rome? What were your impressions of the city? Was it well-maintained? How did it compare to other Italian cities?
Read article here: Rome's Repairers Reading
What is your reaction?
3. Do you see the GAP activists as 'criminals and anarchists'?
4. Who do you blame for Rome's poor state: the local council, the government, its citizens, the Mafia?
5. How efficient is your local council? Does it carry out timely repairs?
6. What would be the outcome if you attempted to carry out repairs in your neighbourhood? When would be the best time to carry out the repairs?
7. Italy has the largest number of 'major tax evaders' in Europe, accounting for tax evasion of over €180 billion. Do you agree that this is the real problem?
8. Is it not ironic that we have a Colosseum that's lasted about two thousand years, but it's surrounded by streets that don't last a few seasons?
9. Who are/were the best builders in your country?
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Situation
Role A: You have decided to take matters into your own hands and repair something in your neighbourhood. Announce your plan to B.
Role B: You believe that it is the local council's duty to carry out repairs, and that it is foolhardy to undertake them. Persuade A with your argument.
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10. What sayings do you know about Rome i.e. 'It wasn't built in a day'?
11. What do other Italians say about Rome, do you imagine?
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Discuss quotes
"It takes half your life before you discover life is a do-it-yourself project."
--- Napoleon Hill
"The only thing that saves us from bureaucracy is its inefficiency."
--- Eugene McCarthy
"Italians know about human nature - they understand human nature perhaps better than anyone else does. They know that people are weak and greedy and lazy and dishonest and they just try to make the best of it; to work around it."
--- Donna Leon
"I would rather be first in a village than second at Rome."
--- Julius Caesar
Student Handout PDF: Rome's Repairers
Photo: Anastasia Zhenia