请认真阅读下面短文，从短文后各题所给的A、B、C、D四个选项中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
Four brothers left home for college, and they became successful doctors and lawyers. Some years later, they 36 after having dinner together. They discussed the 37 they gave their elderly mother who lived far away in another city. The first said, “I had a 38 house built for Mama.” The second said, “I had my Mercedes-Benz dealer（经销商）send a 39 to her.” The third said, “I built a beautiful 40 for Mama.” The fourth said, “You know 41 Mama loved reading poems and you know she can’t read anymore because she can’t 42 very well. I met a 43 who had a parrot（鹦鹉）that can recite many poems. It took him 12 years to 44 it to speak and he earns his living by renting it out. I had to pay him $100,000 a year for twenty years, 45 it is worth it.” On hearing that, the other brothers were 46 by his good thought.
After the holidays their mother 47 her thank-you notes, which read:
“Milton, the house you built is so huge. I only live in one room, but I have to 48 the whole house. It’s a tiring job. Thanks anyway.”
“Marvin, I am too old to 49 . I stay home and have my foods delivered, so I’ll 50 use the car. The 51 was good, although not practical. Thanks.”
“Michael, you gave me an expensive building for 50 people to 52 plays or watch movies in it, but all my friends are dead. I’ve almost 53 my hearing and I’m nearly blind. I won’t use it. Thank you all the same.”
“Dearest Melvin, you were the 54 son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift. The chicken tasted so 55 . I liked it very much. Thank you.”
36. A. fought B. talked C. studied D. slept
37. A. gifts B. chances C. wishes D. challenges
38. A. warm B. big C. safe D. lonely
39. A. book B. bike C. car D. bag
40. A. station B. museum C. library D. theater
41. A. what B. how C. why D. when
42. A. listen B. feel C. see D. walk
43. A. nurse B. writer C. businessman D. lawyer
44. A. protect B. beat C. raise D. teach
45. A. but B. so C. unless D. although
46. A. treated B. impressed C. threatened D. hurt
47. A. sent out B. put up C. took out D. picked up
48. A. sell B. borrow C. clean D. visit
49. A. learn B. work C. exercise D. travel
50. A. never B. often C. regularly D. sometimes
51. A. future B. hobby C. idea D. program
52. A. create B. enjoy C. bring D. record
53. A. lost B. admired C. remained D. discovered
54. A. same B. last C. next D. only
55. A. strange B. unpleasant C. bitter D. delicious