Thomas Alva Edison (爱迪生)was awarded more patents（专利） on inventions than any other American. When he died in 1931, Americans wondered how they could best show their respect for him. One suggestion was that the nation observe a minute or two of total blackout(关闭，中断). All electric power(电源) would be shut off in homes, streets, and factories. Perhaps his suggested plan made Americans realize fully what Edison and his inventions mean to them. Electric power was too important to the country. Shutting it off for even a short time would have led to complete confusion（混乱）. A blackout was out of the question.
On the day of Edison’s funeral (葬礼),many people silently dimmed(使暗淡) their lights. In this way they honoured the man who had done more than anyone else to the great force of electrity
小题1: This says that Thomas Edison __________.
| A．was the only important American inventor |
| B．received the first American patent |
| C．received more patents than any other American |
| D．was the first American inventor |
小题2: People decided to honor Edison when ________.
| A．he made the first electric light |
B．electric power was 100 years |
| C．the country realized electricity’s importance |
D．he died in 1931 |
小题3: The suggested plan was to _________.
| A．turn off the lights in factories |
B．observe a few minutes of total silence |
| C．dim all electric lights |
D．shut off all electricity for a short time |
小题4: The plan was never carried out because________.
| A．not everyone wanted to honor Edison |
| B．it was too difficult |
| C．electric power was too important to the country |
| D．it honored only one of Edison’s inventions |
