第三部分：阅读理解（共20小题；每小题2分，满分40分）

阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项（A、B、C和D）中，选出最佳选项。

In old times, there was a story about a young athletic boy hungry for success, for whom winning was everything.

One day, the boy was preparing himself for a running competition in his small native village. He and two other young boys were to compete. A large crowd had gathered to witness the competition and a wise old man, upon hearing of the little boy, had travelled far to bear witness also.

The race started. Sure enough, the boy dug deep and showed his determination, strength and power. He came first. The crowd cheered and waved at the boy. The wise man remained still and calm. The little boy, however, felt proud and important.

A second race was called, and two new young challengers came forward to run with the little boy. The little boy finished first once again. The crowd again cheered and waved at the boy. The wise man expressed no opinion.

“Another race, another race!” shouted the little boy. The wise old man stepped forward and presented the little boy with two new challengers, a frail (虚弱的) old lady and a blind man. “What is this?” asked the little boy. “Race!” said the wise man. The race was started and the boy was the only finisher. The little boy raised his arms in delight. The crowd, however, was silent showing no happiness. “Why don’t they join in my success?” he asked the wise old man. “Race again,” replied the wise man. “This time, all three of you, finish together,” continued the wise man. The little boy thought a little, stood in the middle of the blind man and the frail old lady, and then took the two challengers by the hand.

The race began and the little boy walked slowly, ever so slowly, to the finishing line and crossed it. The crowd cheered and waved at the boy. The wise man smiled.

56. According to the passage, the young athletic boy _____.

A. was crazy about winning competitions

B. considered the blind man foolish

C. was angry with the wise man

D. showed no respect to the young challengers

57. The wise man went to watch the competitions to _____.

A. teach the boy a lesson                                  B. show the crowd his wisdom.

C. help the lady and the blind man                     D. see whether the boy was powerful

58. Why did the crowd remain silent when the boy beat the lady and the blind man?

A. The boy was proud.   B. The boy was impolite.

C. The boy was not helpful.                               D. The boy was overconfident.

59. What is the message conveyed in the story?

A. Small talk is helpful.

B. Love and kindness are rewarding.

C. Wisdom is more important than strength.

D. Sympathy should be given to the weak.