Chinese New Year is a celebration marking the end of the winter season and the beginning of spring. This is    1     decorating with plants, fruits and flowers carries special significance. They represent the earth    2     (come) back to life and best wishes for new beginnings. Orange trees are a symbol of wealth. Bamboos are associated with health, abundance and a happy home. The plum trees are the first    3     (flower) even as the snow is melting. They represent the promise of spring and a renewal of life.

Thanks for you letter. Sounds like you had a good Christmas. Ours     1    (be)pretty good, too. Joan arrived just after breakfast and we went for a long walk in the morning. By the time we got home Mark     2     (cook)us a wonderful dinner. We just sat in front of the TV during the afternoon watching old films. Then, around midnight     3     we were just going to bed, Louise phoned form Australia to say “hallo”. She says she’s hoping to come to see us next Christmas.

Buildings around the world will go dark for 60 minutes this evening in a voluntary event     1     (know) as Earth Hour. This grassroots effort started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia, and since then it     2     (grow) into a global movement     3     (raise) awareness of our energy consumption and the effects of climate change on our planet. Anyone can participate in this movement by switching     4     the lights at 8:30 PM local time. Last year close to 18,000 landmark buildings switched off their lights in 188 countries. Will you dim your lights tonight?