Four brothers left home for college, and they became successful doctors and lawyers. Some years later, they 21 after having dinner together. They discussed the 22 they gave their elderly mother who lived far away in another city. The first said, “I had a 23 house built for Mama.” The second said, “I had my Mercedes-Benz dealer（经销商）send a 24 to her.” The third said, “I built a beautiful 25 for Mama.” The fourth said, “You know 26 Mama loved reading poems and you know she can’t read anymore because she can’t 27 very well. I met a 28 who had a parrot（鹦鹉）that can recite many poems. It took him 12 years to 29 it to speak and he earns his living by renting it out. I had to pay him $100,000 a year for twenty years, 30 it is worth it.” On hearing that, the other brothers were 31 by his good thought.
After the holidays their mother 32 her thank-you notes, which read:
“Milton, the house you built is so huge. I only live in one room, but I have to 33 the whole house. It’s a tiring job. Thanks anyway.”
“Marvin, I am too old to 34 . I stay home and have my foods delivered, so I’ll 35 use the car. The 36 was good, although not practical. Thanks.”
“Michael, you gave me an expensive building for 50 people to 37 plays or watch movies in it, but all my friends are dead. I’ve almost 38 my hearing and I’m nearly blind. I won’t use it. Thank you all the same.”
“Dearest Melvin, you were the 39 son to have the good sense to give a little thought to your gift. The chicken tasted so 40 . I liked it very much. Thank you.”
21. A. fought B. talked C. studied D. slept
22. A. gifts B. chances C. wishes D. challenges
23. A. warm B. big C. safe D. lonely
24. A. book B. bike C. car D. bag
25. A. station B. museum C. library D. theater
26. A. what B. how C. why D. when
27. A. listen B. feel C. see D. walk
28. A. nurse B. writer C. businessman D. lawyer
29. A. protect B. beat C. raise D. teach
30. A. but B. so C. unless D. although
31. A. treated B. impressed C. threatened D. hurt
32. A. sent out B. put up C. took out D. picked up
33. A. sell B. borrow C. clean D. visit
34. A. learn B. work C. exercise D. travel
35. A. never B. often C. regularly D. sometimes
36. A. future B. hobby C. idea D. program
37. A. create B. enjoy C. bring D. record
38. A. lost B. admired C. remained D. discovered
39. A. same B. last C. next D. only
40. A. strange B. unpleasant C. bitter D. delicious
