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、D)中选出最佳选项，并在答题卡上将该项涂黑。
Harvard University is on the both sides of the Charles River. The oldest institution of higher learning in the United States was founded in 1636. In 1638 it was named for John Harvard, its first founder. During the 1640s the college was enlarged although it was short of money. Meant to be an institution for the educatiou of Puritan ministers (清教牧师), it grew to be an institution of general education, and new and more subjects and policies (政策) were introduced. In the 18th century, particularly under John Leverett, the number of the students and campus equipment increased while the religious (宗教的) color decreased. In its early years, the college was largely supported by the English colony and the New England community as a whole, but support soon came in the form of gifts, and in 1823 the state money was received for the last time. Under Charles W. Eliot, the college became a great modem university. Its basic courses improved and enlarged, the graduate school was set up for those who finished their four-year undergraduate study, and the law and medical schools were reorganized. Eliot is also famous for his introduction of the elective system at Harvard. Besides Harvard College, the university includes schools of divinity (1816), law (1817), arts and science (1872), education (1920), engineering (1935), reorganization of Lawrence Science School of 1847, public administration (1935). Harvard also has schools of business administration (1908), medicine (1782), public health (1922), and dental health ( 1941 ). Radcliffe College for women is connected with Harvard; its students are taught by Harvard professors and receive diplomas given by Harvard. The university library, among the nation's finest houses over 8 mil- lion volumes, and the Fogg Museum of Art is one of the finest university museums in the world. Harvard is closely connected with a large number of research institutions as well.
56. Harvard University
A. has a history of more than 450 years
B. was enlarged in the middle of the 17th century 
C. was first meant to be an institution for general education since its foundation
D. was founded by John Leverett
57. One of John Leverett's greatest contributions to Harvard University is most probably that
A. he set up Harvard University
B. he freed Harvard University from the support of the state
C. he made Harvard a Puritan university
D. he helped develop general education in Harvard University
58. Which of the following statements might NOT be true about Charles W. Eliot?
A. Under his leadership, Harvard University became a modern university.
B. He introduced the elective system at Harvard University.
C. He improved and enlarged Harvard University, making it a modern university.
D. He tried hard to reduce the religious colour of Harvard University.
59. Which of the following statements is true about Harvard University according to the passage?
A. Harvard is a large and modern university with a long history.
B. Harvard has the world's finest library with its 8 million of books.
C. Harvard University has the nation's best art museum.
D. Radcliffe College for men is one of the schools of Harvard University.