March 12th is China’s Tree Planting Day. It is a day to help people understand the importance of environmental protection and encourage them to plant trees. This special day has a long history. In 1979, March 12th was set as Tree Planting Day. This date is the anniversary of Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s death. Dr. Sun worked hard to protect forests.

On this day, millions of Chinese people such as students, volunteers, and government workers go all over the country to plant trees. Schools often take students on trips to plant young trees. This teaches them how trees help fight desertification and climate change. For example, the “Three-North Shelter Forest Program” (also called the “Great Green Wall”) has helped restore more than 30 million hectares of land in northern China since it began in 1978.

Tree Planting Day also shows China’s promise to protect the environment. The government’s policy says, “Lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets.” Because of this, China’s forests are getting healthier. By the end of 2024, China’s forest coverage had reached over 25%, and the country has the most planted forests in the world.

As students, we can help by planting trees, throwing away less trash, and doing things that are good for the environment. Every small action helps make our planet greener.

1.1. Why was March 12th chosen as Tree Planting Day?

A It’s a lucky day.

B To honor Dr. Sun Yat-sen.

C For fun activities.

D To start spring.

解析：选B。B 推理判断题。根据第一段可知，1979年，3月12日被设为植树节，这一天是孙中山先生逝世纪念日。由此可推断，选择这一天的原因是为了缅怀孙中山先生植树造林的丰功伟绩。故选B。

2.2. In what way do schools educate students about the environment on Tree Planting Day?

A By showing tree-planting videos.

B By giving out leaflets about forests.

C By making students plant trees.

D By holding a forest-themed art show.

解析：选C。C 细节理解题。根据第二段中的“Schools often take students on trips to plant young trees.”可知，学校常带学生去植树。故选C。

3.3. What does the underlined sentence mean?

A Never cut trees for money.

B Environment is very important.

C Trees are not always useful.

D Development matters more than environment.

解析：选B。B 句意理解题。根据划线部分后文“By the end of 2024, China’s forest coverage had reached over 25%, and the country has the most planted forests in the world.”在这样的政策指引下，中国的森林生态系统持续改善。截至2024年底，中国森林覆盖率已超25%，人工林面积稳居世界首位。由此可推知，该政策强调环境很重要。故选B。

4.4. Which title fits the passage best?

A Dr. Sun Yat-sen’s Story

B Tree-planting in China

C Students’ Tree-planting

D China’s Tree Planting Day

解析：选D。D 主旨大意题。文章主要介绍了中国的植树节，包括起源、人们的活动及对环境的意义等。故选D。