History of a House or Building writing task 2 for 2022

 In many countries, increasing numbers of people are becoming interested in learning about the history of the house or building where they live.

What are the reasons behind this?

How can individuals research this?

There is a growing trend whereby residents are researching the history of their homes. In my opinion, this is due to a natural curiosity and practical concerns and should be done through official channels.

Many are interested in the past of their home because they desire to link with history and are worried about potential structural faults. The first reason is analogous to exhaustively studying family genealogy. By researching one’s ancestors or place of residence, it is possible to understand and establish a connection with the past. Moreover, there is a pragmatic reason related to historical, construction methods. Older homes in particular may have employed unsafe techniques or materials that will degrade, creating the risk of structural damage and, in the worst cases, collapses. By learning about the house and period when it was built, residents can take the necessary steps to ensure the house is structurally sound.

The method for carrying out such specialized research involves requesting local records. It is possible to do initial research through “word of mouth” and collecting relevant stories in a community. However, this information may be unreliable, and therefore an individual should endeavor to contact their local building authorities. In most countries, it is possible to register a freedom of information request and receive the required documents from municipal offices. Governments have little incentive to protect such information and are likely to be receptive and helpful in offering assistance. Residents can then be assured they have the most trustworthy information possible in order to better understand the history of their home and any possible defects in its construction.

To conclude, some today gather information concerning the history of their home to understand the past and guarantee their safety. This development is advisable and the authorities should comply and encourage such fact-finding.

or extra practice, write an antonym (opposite word) on a piece of paper to help you remember the new vocabulary:

growing trend increasingly common

whereby in which

residents people who live there

researching learning about

history past

due to because of

natural curiosity normal desire

practical concerns pragmatic worries

official channels through the government

desire want

link connection

worried about concerned about

potential structural faults possible weaknesses in a house or building

analogous same situation

exhaustively completely

genealogy history of a family

ancestors people from the past

place of residence where they live

understand recognize

establish create/find

connection link

pragmatic reason useful cause

related to concerning

construction methods how it was built

employed unsafe techniques use ways that are dangerous

materials substances

risk threat

structural damage weakness in the building itself

in the worst cases in extreme scenarios

collapses falls in on itself

period time

take the necessary steps do the needed actions

ensure make sure

structurally sound not weak in any way

method way

carrying out conducting

specialized research very specific research

requesting local records asking for files

initial first

“word of mouth” what people say

collecting finding

community neighborhood

unreliable untrustworthy

endeavor try

contact talk to

authorities those in charge

possible feasible

register submit

freedom of information request asking to find out something that is public record

receive get

required documents needed files

municipal offices government buildings

little incentive no reason

protect safeguard

receptive welcoming

offering assistance helping

assured can be sure of

trustworthy information reliable data

possible potential

defects weaknesses

gather information concerning find information about

development change

advisable good

comply work with to help

encourage motivate

fact-finding looking for information