to do textual research / to make textual criticism / to verify by means of research (esp. historical details) / to take an exam to get a certificate (abbr. for 考取證件|考取证件[kao3 qu3 zheng4 jian4])
考
=
⺹
+
丂
:
Karl Marx (k) has to take an exam (考) in the artoa's living room (ao3). It is very difficult for him because he has to wear a breathing mask (丂) due to the open fire, and he also has to wear a huge crown (⺹) which makes it difficult for him to see the exam papers.
证
=
正
+
讠
:
James II of England (zh) is not allowed to stay any longer in the engine, so in the bathroom ((e)ng4) he forges a visa (证) so he can stay. On an advertising column (讠) he scribbles his fake visa, but (like me) he sucks at drawing, so he is only able to draw a stick figure (正) where his photo should go.