Read the text about task management strategies and find a word for each definition in it. Write all the nouns in singular; write all the verbs in infinitive (without to).
Most people think of multitasking as doing two or more tasks simultaneously. However, the human brain is limited in how much we can truly do at one time. Thus, multitasking is the practice of switching rapidly from one task to another — and we're not as good at it as we think.
Neuroscience research shows that when we try to do two complex tasks at the same time, our brain doesn't actually multitask. Instead, it rapidly switches back and forth between the two tasks. Even though we feel like we're handling both tasks like a pro, we're actually using up valuable working memory resources. This task switching makes us far less attentive — and far more likely to make mistakes.
You have probably heard that multitasking is bad for your productivity. And it's true: according to a study by a neuroscientist at Stanford University, task switching can lead to a 40% drop in productivity. Moreover, when people switch from one task to another, they experience a phenomenon called switching costs — a temporary decline in brain efficiency that ranges from 5% to 15%.
Multitasking also causes people to lose track of what they've done, which results in longer task completion time. Studies show that once a task is interrupted, it takes significantly longer to complete — even if the interruption is brief. In another study, workers needed about 25 minutes to get back on track after being distracted from a task.
So, is it good to multitask? In short, no: multitasking can be harmful to both your productivity and your overall well-being. Not only are we less productive, but we feel more stressed. Instead of feeling confident, we feel anxious, impatient, and irritable.
Of course, there are some acceptable multitasking options. For example, it's fine if you listen to a podcast while doing the dishes — and in fact, this kind of multitasking can help motivate you to complete undesirable tasks. But this works because the brain activities required for the different tasks don't compete with each other. When the task requires a quick reaction time or close attention, juggling tasks could be fatal.
Write one word in each gap.
At the same time. (adv) [ ]
Something that disturbs a process. (n) [ ]
The ability to do work; a synonym for the word "efficiency". (n) [ ]
To change tasks; to go from one task to another. (v) [ ]
The ability of our brain to remember information. (n) [ ]
To cause someone to do something (usually in a good way). (v) [ ]