The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational settings, instructional design aims to manage this load to optimize learning. According to cognitive load theory, learning is hindered when the intrinsic complexity of the material, combined with the way it is presented, exceeds the learner's available working memory capacity. However, extraneous cognitive load, which is caused by poor instructional formats, can be reduced through better design, freeing resources for the essential learning processes. Recent studies suggest that incorporating elements of learner control, such as allowing students to pace their own instruction, can further mitigate overload. Yet, this benefit is not universal; it appears to depend on the learner's prior knowledge and self-regulation skills. Therefore, while reducing extraneous load is generally beneficial, the effectiveness of learner control is conditional, highlighting the need for adaptive instructional approaches.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 학습자 통제가 인지 과부하를 효과적으로 줄이는지 여부를 결정하는 핵심 요인은 무엇인가?
A. 교육 자료의 총 길이
B. 학습자의 사전 지식과 자기 조절 능력
C. 프레젠테이션에서 시각 자료의 활용
D. 강사가 내용을 전달하는 속도
✅ 正确答案
The learner's prior knowledge and self-regulation skills
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