Ⅱ. 想一想空白处应该填什么,然后将下面的 Keys 补充到短文的空白处,并将短文朗读两遍。
New Year Celebrations around the World
New Year is a wonderful time when family and friends come together 1. ____ (say) goodbye to the old year and welcome the new one. People all around the world celebrate the New Year with music, special food, and fireworks, though the 2. ____ (celebrate) may take place at different times.
In the UK, many people gather in London on December 31 to see the famous Big Ben clock tower and count 3. ____ to midnight. Research suggests that millions also watch it on TV. 4. ____ midnight they sing Auld Lang Syne, a traditional Scottish song, 5. ____ (remember) friends and family. In the US, people have similar customs. A famous tradition 6. ____ (involve) the dropping of a big ball in New York's Time Square. Huge 7. ____ (crowd) gather to watch, and when the ball reaches the bottom, everyone wishes each other "Happy New Year!"
The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, holds great 8. ____ (important) in China. People sweep out dust from their houses, hang couplets, set 9. ____ fireworks, and enjoy lion or dragon dances. One very important custom is that people will all try to return home and enjoy the family dinner 10. ____ the eve of the Spring Festival. Grandparents, parents, and children gather 11. ____ (eat) delicious food and express best wishes for the whole family. This reunion shows that family is hugely important in Chinese culture.
In Egypt, people celebrate Sham El-Nessim in April to mark the 12. ____ (begin) of spring. The name of the festival means "smelling the breeze". At this time, the weather becomes brighter, and the flowers and trees begin 13. ____ (show) their colors. People paint eggs as symbols of new life and new beginnings. They also go out and enjoy 14. ____ (picnic), dance, sing, and watch plays in the theater.
Although New Year festivals are different all over the world, they have one thing in common. In almost every country, people believe that it is a special time to connect with their family and friends and show hope for the 15. ____ (come) year.
Keys: 1. to say 2. celebration 3. down 4. At 5. to remember 6. involves 7. crowds 8. importance 9. off 10. on 11. to eat 12. beginning 13. to show 14. picnics 15. coming

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