Samuel Langhorne Clemens better known by his pen name Mark Twain was an American author and humorist. He is most noted for his novels. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer( 1876) ,and its sequel(续集) ,The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn(1885) ,the latter often called "the Great American Novel. "

Twain grew up in Hannibal, Missouri, which would later provide the setting for Huckleberry Finn and Tom Sawyer. He acted as a printer. He also worked as a typesetter and contributed articles to his older brother Orion’s newspaper. After serving as a printer in various cities, he became a master riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River, before heading west to join Orion. He was a failure at gold mining, so he next turned to journalism. While a reporter, he wrote a humorous story The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County,  which became very popular and brought nationwide attention. His travelogues including  A Tramp Abroad  were also well-received. Twain had found his calling.

He achieved great success as a writer and public speaker. His  wit and satire (讽刺) earned praise from critics and peers, and he was a friend to presidents, artists, industrialists, and European royalty.

He lacked financial sense, and though he made a great deal of money from his writings and lectures, he wasted it on various ventures, in particular the Paige Compositor, and was forced to declare bankruptcy(破产). With the help of Henry Huttleston Rogers he eventually overcame his financial troubles. Twain worked hard to ensure that all of his loaners were paid in full, even though his bankruptcy had relieved him of the legal responsibility.

Twain was born during a visit by Halley' s Comet (彗星) ,and he predicted that he would "go out with it” as well. He died the day following the comet’s next return. He was known as the" greatest American humorist of his age” and William Faulkner called Twain" the father of American literature. "
53. the text is written to      .

A. introduce the American literature briefly       

  B. give us a brief introduction of Mark Twain

C. explain why Mark Twain is so outstanding     

D. convince us how Mark Twain was well-informed

54.Which of his works is a turning point for Mark Twain?

A. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer

B. The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

C. The Celebrated Jumping Frog of Calaveras County

D. A Tramp Abroad

55. According to the text, we know that      .

  A. Mark Twain's wit and satire was admired by people

B. Mark Twain was good at gold mining

C. Mark Twain managed money matters well

  D. Mark Twain was irresponsible for his debts

56. The author mentions Halley's Comet in the last paragraph to show      .

A. it was a disaster to Mark Twain        B. it brought good luck to Mark Twain

C. Mark Twain believed in God                D. Mark Twain was very humorous