Recent studies in cognitive neuroscience have revealed that the human brain's capacity for multitasking is largely illusory. When individuals attempt to perform two complex tasks simultaneously, the prefrontal cortex rapidly switches between them rather than processing them in parallel. This switching incurs a 'cognitive cost,' manifesting as reduced accuracy and increased reaction time. Furthermore, research indicates that habitual multitaskers perform worse on tests of sustained attention and memory retrieval compared to those who focus on single tasks sequentially. These findings challenge the popular assumption that multitasking enhances productivity, suggesting instead that it impairs higher-order cognitive functions. Consequently, experts advocate for 'monotasking' in educational and professional settings to optimize performance and neural efficiency.
❓ According to the passage, what is the primary effect of attempting to perform two complex tasks at once?
A. It allows the brain to process information more efficiently.
B. It leads to a decline in accuracy and slower response times.
C. It enhances sustained attention and memory retrieval.
D. It activates parallel processing in the prefrontal cortex.
✅ 正确答案
It leads to a decline in accuracy and slower response times.
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