Here’s a suggestion for filling in the blanks in the provided text:

1.
a) This mug cost me only one **pound**. Not much for a souvenir of this kind.
b) Stray dogs, if caught, are kept for some time at the local **shelter** on the outskirts.
c) If they don’t give in, the artillery is ready to **level** the town until it’s razed to the ground.
2.
a) It seems a good idea to **attach** the receipt to a guarantee when you buy something. This way you’re less likely to lose them.
b) Fruit and poultry are a **staple** diet of this indigenous tribe. They rarely eat anything else.
c) Mary often fobs him off with some **excuses** that she’s always tired after work and can’t meet him.
3.
a) In an emergency, there’s no time to lose. Above all, you need to know how to **act** first aid safely and effectively.
b) If victims of crime try to **seek** punishment on their own, they risk becoming law offenders themselves.
c) These units which **investigate** should be systematically scrutinized by independent organizations.
4.
a) I’m afraid you have to wait there. The doctor is out on his **rounds**. He’ll be back in 20 minutes.
b) The squad stormed the store where the hostages were kept. The witnesses say a few **shots** of ammunition and screams could be heard.
c) Three **options** did not produce a breakthrough and other options had to be considered.
5.
a) When her emotionally unstable mother abandoned them, Jennifer had to **take on** the responsibility of looking after her younger siblings.
b) It was extremely unfriendly when most of the students gave her the cold **shoulder** because she got top marks each time they took exams.
c) On her way home, Susan pulled up on the **hard shoulder** to check the tyres.