PART I: WRITTEN RECEPTION (70 points)

(ACCESS TO INFORMATION FROM WRITTEN TEXTS)

Read the text below and then answer questions 1–7.

ZOOM FATIGUE

I The Coronavirus pandemic has made it difficult for people to meet in person. Hundreds of millions
have therefore been using Zoom to connect online with colleagues, family, and friends. However,
Zoom meetings often leave participants very tired. This feeling is so common that it even has a
name: "Zoom fatigue." Of course, it could be caused simply by spending many hours in front of a
5 computer. But studies have shown that there are other reasons as well.
II According to psychologist Dr. Alice Barton, participants in Zoom meetings look mainly at
each other's faces. "This is a problem because when we're speaking, people's body movements show
us how they're reacting to what we're saying. They also help us see when someone wants to join
the conversation," explains Barton. "When we don't see these movements, it's difficult and tiring to
10 follow the discussion."
III Another cause of Zoom fatigue is stress. "During meetings we feel like everyone is watching us.
We want to show that we're paying attention, so we sit without moving and look straight at the camera,"
says Barton. "But it's very tiring to worry constantly about being watched. The stress also makes it
hard to concentrate on the discussion." That is why she recommends allowing people to turn off their
15 cameras for a short time during Zoom meetings. This will help them relax and concentrate better.
IV There are other reasons why Zoom meetings can be stressful. "When we meet people at the
office, we have fun joking and chatting with them," says Barton. "But on Zoom we don't do that
because the meetings are all about work." The fact that we join Zoom from home can cause stress
too, she adds. "Our colleagues and bosses might 'enter' our homes when we are unprepared – for
20 example, when the kids are running around. This makes everyone uncomfortable."
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, make sure
there are breaks during the meeting. That way, everyone can stretch their legs or get a cup of coffee.
Things like this can make Zoom meetings a more positive experience."

<u>QUESTIONS</u> (70 points)
Answer questions 1–7 in <u>English</u>, according to the text. In questions 1 and 6, circle the number of the correct answer. In the other questions, follow the instructions.