The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational psychology, cognitive load theory suggests that learning is most effective when instructional materials are designed to minimize extraneous cognitive load, allowing learners to devote their full attention to intrinsic and germane loads. Intrinsic load is the inherent difficulty of the material itself, while germane load involves the processes of schema construction and automation. Research has shown that poorly designed materials, such as those with redundant information or split-attention effects, can overload working memory, hindering comprehension. Conversely, well-structured materials that integrate visual and verbal information can facilitate learning by reducing unnecessary demands on the learner. Therefore, educators are encouraged to consider these principles when developing curricula to optimize educational outcomes.
❓ According to the passage, what is the primary benefit of minimizing extraneous cognitive load in instructional design?
A. A. It increases the intrinsic difficulty of the material.
B. B. It allows learners to focus more on schema construction and automation.
C. C. It eliminates all mental effort required for learning.
D. D. It reduces the need for visual aids in educational materials.
✅ 正确答案
B. It allows learners to focus more on schema construction and automation.
IELTS Reading Tips
Skim the questions first, underline keywords, then locate in the passage
Watch for paraphrasing; correct answers are often reworded
Be wary of absolute statements (all, always, never) — usually wrong
Pay attention to content after transition words (however, but, yet)
Manage time: about 20 minutes per passage; skip difficult questions first