Once upon a time, there was a small village. This village had a srange 36 . Each spring, any boy that had reached the age of majority (成年年龄) was given land and money to 37 a home. The boy had to 38 his home before winter. If his home failed to survive the winter weather, the villagers could not help him in any way.

One spring, Paul and Marc reached the age of majority. They 39 their land and money and decided to search nearby villages for 40 on building their homes. In each village, they found the nicest 41 and talked to the owners. Each owner gladly offered 42 .

After Marc saw several homes, he 43 the best ideas and went back to his own land. Paul, 44 , continued collecting more ideas. Soon he had so many great ideas that he began to 45 some of them. But he always believed he could find even better ideas in the next village.

Marc began building his home. He had several 46 starts, but his home gradually rose from his land. By fall, Marc finished his home. It wasn’t 47 , but it was strong and he would improve it later.

The first snow came and Paul, realizing he was running out of 48 , rushed back to his land. He built the best home he could in the time he had, but it was 49 . The first winter snowstorm damaged his home and he 50 to death. The villagers felt pity for his loss.

Marc 51 the winter. He became a leader in the village, raised a family, and lived a 52 life.

Knowledge is only 53 power. It becomes 54 only when it is organized into definite (明确的) plans of 55 and directed to a definite end.

36. A. festival B. tradition C. atmosphere D. person

37. A. build B. repair C. paint D. visit

38. A. abandon B. complete C. find D. leave

39. A. lost B. hid C. earned D. received

40. A. places B. tools C. ideas D. chances

41. A. parks B. homes C. shops D. shelters

42. A. advice B. money C. rewards D. jobs

43. A. supported B. encouraged C. gathered D. produced

44. A. otherwise B. anyway C. therefore D. however

45. A. translate B. sell C. forget D. replace

46. A. false B. slow C. smooth D. successful

47. A. perfect B. small C. clean D. bright

48. A. energy B. time C. food D. oil

49. A. amazing B. funny C. ugly D. weak

50. A. was burnt B. was scared C. froze D. starved

51. A. hated B. survived C. liked D. avoided

52. A. good B. hard C. dull D. fast

53. A. legal B. dangerous C. potential D. popular

54. A. thought B. imagination C. land D. power

55. A. point B. promise C. duty D. action