B. The people of ancient Babylon began their New Year on March 21, the first day of spring.

C. Some native American Indians began their New Year in early summer.

D. The people of ancient Persia began their New Year in late summer.

2. Why do people make a lot of noise in the New Year according to the passage?

A. The noise is considered necessary to frighten the evil spirits of the old year.

B. The noise is considered necessary to show people's excitement.

C. The noise is considered a symbol of admitting all the mistakes one did in the past year.

D. People have no other better ways to show their happiness.

3. Americans celebrate the New Year by doing things as follows EXCEPT 　　　.

A. resting at home

B. visiting family and friends

C. attending church services

D. having sports and games

　　Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22. Take some time to find out about how one man, who was determined to change the way we treated our planet, didn't stop until he had made a difference.

In 1963, Senator Gaylord Nelson wasn't happy with the Earth's condition. He wanted to clean up the planet, and solve pollution and environmental problems. A senator(参议员)is someone US citizens choose to help make laws, so Gaylord had a lot of power. He went to John F. Kennedy, the President at the time, with his ideas. The President agreed that the planet's environment was a serious issue, so President Kennedy went around the country on a five-day tour to promote the idea of cleaning up the planet. People began making small changes but it wasn't enough.