I.阅读理解 A

Thomas Alva Edison was awarded more patents 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. All electric power would be shut off in homes, streets and factories. Perhaps this suggested plan made Americans realize fully what Edison and his inventions meant to them. Electric power was too important to the country. Shutting it off for even a short time would have led to complete confusion. A blackout was out of the question.

On the day of Edison's funeral, many people silently dimmed their lights to honour the man who had done more than anyone else to put the great force of electricity at his countrymen's fingertips.

1.This passage 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

2.The suggested plan was to 　　　.

　A. turn off the lights in factories and schools

　B. observe a few minutes of total silence

　C. dim all electric lights

　D. shut off all electricity in homes, streets and factories for a short time

3.Americans realized fully what Edison's inventions meant to them when they 　　　.

A. heard of his death

B. heard of the plan to honour him

C. first used electric power

D. tried to carry out the plan

4.The plan was never carried out because 　　　.