Task 1 Complete the following sentences with the words or phrases from the box: takes on managerial probe cozy took place rigor on the grounds of in short supply 1. Shortly after the merger of the two major department stores _______, one third of the old staff were fired. 2. Kmart launched a series of business campaigns to withstand the _______ of a harsh economic recession and finally became American’s retailer of choice. 3. The sales manager stared blankly at the contract, and no one could _______ his mind to find out what he was thinking about. 4. Companies are always looking for professionals with strong _______ skills and abilities, as the success of their business can often depend upon the skills and abilities of the management. 5. The customer insisted on returning the newly bought clothes and claimed a refund _______ poor quality. 6. To make a good impression on the manager, this new recruit _______ extra work after office hours every day. 7. Many foreign businessmen working in the bleak winter in Russia couldn’t help missing their warm, _______ family life at fireside. 8. Whenever a war broke out in the Middle East, the oil in the international market would be _______ and its price would soar.