第三部分：阅读理解（共20小题；每小题1.5分，满分30分）
阅读下列短文，从每题所给的四个选项A、B、C、D中，选出最佳选项，并在答题卡将该项涂黑。
(A)
The basenji is a central African hunting dog. It comes from a country called Chad, which is north of the Central African Republic. The basenji was well—known as the "silent dog" because for centuries no basenjis has ever been known to bark . Then at a dog show in London in 1953, a basenji actually barked.
As well as being clever, basenjis are known for their natural courage and are still popular hunting dogs in Africa. But in America people keep them mainly because they are gentle and full of fun. The basenji has an unusual habit, it washes itself all over like a cat. It is a middle—sized dog, 16 or 17 inches high from the shoulder. It weighs about 20 pounds. A basenji's coat is short and silky. It may be brown, white, or gold , or a mixture of these three colours.
56. Basenjis were first found      .
A. in Africa, Europe and America           B. in both Africa and America
C. in central Africa                       D. in North Africa
57. What made Basenjis so special?
A. They were funny enough to make people laugh.
B. One of them barked at a dog show in London.
C. They were a true friend of man.
D. They were born quiet dogs.
58. In what way are basenjis like cats?
A. They make gentle sounds instead of barking.
B. They are fond of people and look like cats.
C. They clean themselves all over.
D. They have short, silky fur.