Use of English - Multiple Choice

Crisis and Creativity

When an economy slows down, companies often have to rethink how they operate. During a crisis, customers become more careful with money, so businesses can’t simply (0) RELY on old habits and steady demand. One common response is to cut costs, but the most successful firms also look for ways to (1) .......... value without spending a fortune. This might mean improving a product so it lasts longer, or offering a cheaper version that still (2) .......... the main needs of users. At the same time, managers may (3) .......... off large projects and focus on smaller changes that can be tested quickly. Crises can also push people to start their own businesses. If jobs are hard to find, some workers decide to (4) .......... the risk and turn a skill into a service. Technology often plays a key role here, because online tools allow new companies to reach customers (5) .......... the cost of a physical shop. Of course, not every idea succeeds. But history suggests that difficult periods can (6) .......... as a kind of pressure, forcing organisations to become more efficient. In the long (7) .........., the innovations that survive may help the economy recover and even (8) .......... the way people live and work.