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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 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 impossible.
On the day of Edison's funeral, many people silently dimmed their lights. In this way they honored the man who had done more than anyone else to put the great force of electricity at his countrymen's fingertips.
55．This selection 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
56．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
57．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 for a short time