PART I: WRITTEN RECEPTION (60 points)

(ACCESS TO INFORMATION FROM WRITTEN TEXTS)

Read the text below and then answer questions 1–8.

ZOOM FATIGUE

I The Coronavirus pandemic has forced people all over the world to change the way they
communicate. Unable to meet in person, hundreds of millions have been using Zoom to connect
online with colleagues, family, and friends. However, Zoom meetings often leave participants
completely exhausted. This feeling is so common that it has been given a name: "Zoom fatigue." Of
5 course, it could simply be the result of spending long hours in front of a computer. But studies have
shown there are other reasons as well.
II According to psychologist Dr. Alice Barton, participants in Zoom meetings focus mainly on
each other's faces. This is a serious problem because so much communication depends on body
language. "When we're speaking, people's body movements show us how they're reacting to what
10 we're saying. These non-verbal cues also indicate when a person wants to join in the conversation.
When we don't see them, discussion becomes difficult and tiring," explains Barton. "Zoom has
various emojis – for example, a raised hand – that are meant to represent natural gestures. But these
are obviously limited in the non-verbal information they provide."
III Another cause of Zoom fatigue is stress. "During meetings, we feel like everyone is watching us.
15 To show we're paying attention we try to sit still, look straight at the camera, and keep an interested
expression on our face," says Barton. "But constantly worrying about being watched is exhausting.
Moreover, sometimes it takes so much energy that we find it hard to concentrate on the discussion."
This is why she recommends that people turn off their cameras for a short while during Zoom
meetings. That will allow them to relax and concentrate better.
20 IV There are other aspects of Zoom that are stressful for many of us. "When meeting in person
at the office, we have fun joking and chatting with the other people there," says Barton. "On Zoom
we don't do that because the meetings are all about work." The fact that we often join the meetings
from home can be a problem too, she adds. "Our colleagues and bosses might 'enter' our homes
when we are unprepared – for example, when the room is messy or the kids are running around.
25 This is uncomfortable for everyone involved."
V Some experts are less concerned about such problems. "Zoom can be a wonderful tool. You
just need to use it properly," claims office manager Andrew Morrison. "For example, don't overuse
it – sometimes an email or a phone call is enough. Also, there should be breaks in all online meetings
because stretching your legs or getting a cup of coffee can make a big difference. Done right, Zoom
30 meetings can be a more positive experience."

<u>QUESTIONS</u> (60 points)
Answer questions 1–8 in <u>English</u>, according to the text. In questions 1, 4, 5 and 7, circle the number of the correct answer. In the other questions, follow the instructions.