一．阅读理解（共20小题；每小题2分，，满分40分）
A
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 . 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 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. A blackout was out of the question.
