1 . Directions: Fill in each blank with a proper words chosen from the box. Each word com only be used once. Note that there is one word more than you need.

A. deal       B. symbolizing       C. count       D. themes       E. involve       F. observe       G. fortune       H. parade I. varied       J. tower       K. renewed

Get ready to say good-bye to the old, hello to the new! What’s the occasion? The coming of the New Year.

Many Western cultures measure their days with the solar calendar. Therefore, they     1    the coming of New Year on January 1. Cultures in Asia and Middle East use other calendars, such as the more ancient lunar calendar. They celebrate the New Year at other times.

Events and ceremonies vary from country to country. But in each places, New Year celebrations are a big     2    Most world cultures have been celebrating the New Year for centuries. The earliest New Year celebrations took place during spring or harvest time. With better weather ahead, or plenty of food to eat in winter, people naturally felt like having a party!

As the days became longer and as nature     3    itself, people also felt like they could have a new start. Past disappointments could be forgotten. The New Year could bring better     4     , more opportunities and new challenges. Such universal themes remain the same today.

Some cultures have unusual New Year traditions. Italians throw old things out of their windows at midnight,     5    the departure of the old. Mexicans fire guns into the air to keep away misfortunes.

New Year celebrations also     6    having fun. Some cultures view the New Year as an opportunity to let off fireworks. In New York City’s Times Square, thousands gather on December 31 to     7    down the last seconds of the year. A giant silver ball is lowered at the stroke of midnight.

London, England, hosts an annual New Year’s Day     8    that draws nearly a million spectators. The largest parade in Europe, it features bands and enormous balloons. These ballons are so huge that they     9    over nearby buildings!

How will you celebrate the New Year? Think about the     10    you find meaningful during this season. Do you hope for a new start or a chance to turn over a new leaf? Whatever the case, we wish you well. Happy New Year!