Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct word or phrase that best fits each of the numbered blanks.

NEW YEAR

New Year celebrations date as far back as 2000 BC in Mesopotamia. Yet, the actual date has changed a number of times. There was always a problem because New Year was (27) ______ by the movements of the Sun and Moon which allowed room for error. To cut a long story short, it wasn't until 1582, when the calendar we use today was introduced, that January 1st became New Year's Day in most cultures. Some cultures, (28) ______ celebrate the New Year at various times, according to their calendar and religious traditions. For example, the Chinese celebrate it between the 21st of January and 19th of February. In contrast with most people all over the world (29) ______ celebrate at the beginning of the year, the Jewish people celebrate it in September or early October.

In any case, the New Year is a festive occasion. Some people celebrate at home with no shortage of champagne, while (30) ______ party on the streets, watching the fireworks that the city council may have provided, joining the long (31) ______ of people waiting to get in and dance the night away.