We take for granted many of the materials used in modern life. However, without major advances in chemistry, many everyday things would not exist. This is why the invention of the periodic table of the elements (元素周期表) was so important. It really opened the door to many future achievements in chemistry and is still very much in use today. Dmitri Mendeleev (1834-1907) of Russia is credited with the invention of the first reliable periodic table. In the middle of the 19th century, only 63 elements had been found. Mendeleev was eager to increase our knowledge of them. He wrote down the atomic mass (原子质量) of each element on cards and reorganised them again and again. After several months, he realized that the physical and chemical characteristics of elements were related to their atomic mass. So he lined them up in order of their atomic mass from light to heavy and then put those with similar characteristics in columns. Mendeleev’s road to science success wasn’t an easy one. He lost his father at a young age and his large family was poor. Luckily, he had a strong-willed mother who made his education her top priority (优先的事). She moved several times so that Mendeleev could go to a good university. After being rejected many times, Mendeleev began his studies in 1850. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the end of his troubles. Mendeleev suffered from a serious illness for many years, during which time he worked from bed. In spite of his misfortunes, Mendeleev was able to make great achievements in science through his determination to succeed in his work. Mendeleev was not only an excellent chemist, but also a pioneer in shipbuilding and even suitcase-making. He found a special material that helped him make excellent suitcases that were highly valued. And he also had a hand in building the world’s first Arctic icebreaker, the Yermak. It played a vital part in the development of modern scientific shipping for trade and war.【小题1】Why does the author mention “everyday things” in the first paragraph? A．To show a common mistake. B．To introduce a great chemist C．To give examples of materials. D．To explain the work of inventors. 【小题2】What major contribution did Mendeleev make to chemistry? A．He studied the characteristics of elements. B．He found 63 elements in the 19th century. C．He made the first reliable periodic table. D．He wrote down each element on cards. 【小题3】What helped Mendeleev on his road to science success? A．The loss of his father. B．The strong will of his mother. C．His many brothers and sisters D．The rejections by universities. 【小题4】Which of the following words can best describe Mendeleev? A．Courageous and calm. B．Lucky and strong-willed. C．Cooperative and generous. D．Hardworking and outstanding.