There are some assignments to be checked. Would any of you be so kind as to have a look at them? If so, I will be indebted.
1. Fill each of the numbered blanks in the passage with one suitable word.
There is a curious phenomenon that makes a great number of small shopkeepers feel free they are being victimised. They seem to feel that they just cannot compete (1)
with/against (think both are ok here) supermarkets. (2)
Although I appreciate that they are totally (3)
unable/incapable (think both are ok here) to compete in the area of choice of goods, much as they would like to be, I am unwilling to accept that they cannot compete as (4)
far as standards are concerned. Providing goodwill, a personaliised service and a full knowledge of what is on (5)
offer: a combination of all these things is (6)
what will keep small shops in business. (7)
Not only will they survive, but they will also thrive - of (8)
that I am convinced.
If only butchers (9)
could proudly rediscover their craft, cater (10)
for special needs and orders, listen attentively and offer advice with a smile - even learn basic cooking principles and the (11)
ways/methods/issues (think 3 are ok, but unsure of "issues") in which they are used with the meat they sell. If they (12) did this, small butchers would thrive rather than (13)_______ (my mind is blank now) squeezed out of existence.
This also (14)
applies/refers/relates to greengrocers. Imagine (15)
entering a shop, wanting to make a puree of potatoes for your evening meal. (16)
How astonished you would be if the greengrocer said, 'Excuse me, what dish are you making?' and (17)
went/carried on to explain you that the starch (18)
level/content (or percentage maybe) of some varieties of potato would be too high for your needs. (19)
Whereas (maybe
as?) in the case of butchers, they would encourage many shoppers to forsake the supermarkets, if they (20)
offered/had/provided this type of service.
Cheers.