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 (CLT) suggests that learning is most effective when instructional materials are designed to minimize extraneous cognitive load, thereby freeing resources for essential and generative processing. For instance, when a diagram is accompanied by redundant text that merely repeats the visual information, it can increase extraneous load, hindering comprehension. Conversely, well-structured materials that integrate multiple sources of information spatially and temporally can reduce unnecessary mental effort. However, CLT also acknowledges that some level of intrinsic load, which stems from the complexity of the subject matter itself, is unavoidable. Thus, instructional designers must carefully balance these types of load to optimize learning outcomes, particularly in complex domains such as science and mathematics.
❓ According to the passage, what is the primary goal of designing instructional materials under cognitive load theory?
A. A) To eliminate all cognitive load, including intrinsic load, to make learning effortless.
B. B) To increase extraneous load to challenge students more rigorously.
C. C) To minimize extraneous load while managing intrinsic load effectively.
D. D) To focus only on generative processing without considering intrinsic load.
✅ 正确答案
C) To minimize extraneous load while managing intrinsic load effectively.
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