Задание 10 из ЕГЭ по английскому языку: задача 29

2. Sources of historical data

3. Pay attention to the design

4. Searching public information

5. А copy of your property’s abstract

6. Identifying styles and materials

7. Looking for old things

8. Exploring painted walls

A. Researching the history of your house is not only an exciting trip into the past, but it can tell you how the house was built and give you clues as to how it should be maintained. You can research the history of your house by examining the house itself, looking at government records, and reading through historical archives. Go to your local library or research on-line to find out the design style of your house and when that style was popular in your area.

B. If your house has a mansard roof, for example, it was likely built in the late 19th century. However, keep in mind that certain styles and housing designs were still being built in areas that are more provincial long after they had fallen out of favor in urban centres, so the location of your house will be important in identifying the era in which it was built. Look closely both inside and outside your house, and try to identify building materials used.

C. Cabinetry and design styles go in and out of fashion through the years, and these details tell you something about its history. The types of nails and molding used can provide some important clues as to when your house was built. You can review design books or look on-line to find other instances of original molding or cabinetry to help date your house. Even if these elements are not original, dating them can provide clues as to when that particular room was remodeled.

D. The walls of an older house may have 10 or more layers of paint. A professional can help you to analyze the age of the lower layers of paint. The colours used also can provide clues, since different interior colours go in and out of fashion through the years. The composition of the paint also can be analyzed to link it to a particular era, since paint has been made using different chemical compounds over the years.

E. You typically can uncover the names of previous owners by looking through the deed history of your house. Once you have a name, you can track them down on the internet for free, or through a commercial people-locator service. The best way to contact a previous owner typically is by sending a letter. Explain who you are and why you want to contact them. Provide them a means to contact you back if they are willing to talk.

F. You may need to make a trip to your local historical society. Moreover, a metal detector can be a great way to uncover old coins and other artifacts that may add their own unique story to your house and help you to learn more about the house’s history and its previous owners. Take care digging up artifacts in your yard. You may want to contact an archaeologist or local historian if you believe you have found something of possible historic significance.

G. The government office that issues building permits should have public records pertaining to your house. The building permit can contain a treasure trove of information including the house’s original dimensions, construction dates and costs, and the names of the people originally involved in its construction. Keep in mind that you typically must pay a small fee to acquire these documents. If your house is hundreds of years old, you may need to visit the local historical society to find the building permit.