Use of English

First Shift Nerves

For many teenagers, the first day in a part-time job is a memorable experience, especially when everything seems determined to go wrong. Jake had promised himself he would arrive (0) ON TIME, but of course the bus was late and he reached the shop in a complete (1) .......... . By the time he got there, his manager was already waiting at the door, looking less than impressed. At first, Jake tried to make a good (2) .......... by smiling politely and offering to help. Unfortunately, he then put a box of biscuits on the wrong shelf (3) .......... mistake and had to move everything again. Later, when a customer asked for some advice, Jake listened carefully but still got the details completely (4) .......... . Things did not improve much. He nearly dropped a tray of drinks, and when the till stopped working, he had no idea what to do. In the end, his manager told him not to worry and said everyone makes mistakes (5) .......... first. Jake felt slightly better, although he was still (6) .......... edge for the rest of the shift. By closing time, he was exhausted but relieved. He had survived, more or (7) .........., and even managed to laugh (8) .......... his own disasters.