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 designs align with human cognitive architecture. Intrinsic load is associated with the inherent difficulty of the material, while extraneous load is generated by the way information is presented. Germane load, on the other hand, contributes to the construction of schemas. Research indicates that reducing extraneous load, for instance by eliminating redundant visuals or simplifying instructions, can free up cognitive resources for deeper processing. However, over-simplification may sometimes hinder learning by omitting necessary contextual cues. Thus, educators must balance these types of load to optimize instructional efficiency.
❓ 本文によると、指導中に余計な負荷を減らすことの主な利点は何ですか？
A. A. それは教材の本質的な難易度を高める。
B. B. より深い理解のために、より多くの精神的リソースを確保できる。
C. C. 視覚的な補助資料の必要性を完全に排除する。
D. D. それは、いかなるトレードオフも伴わずに、直接スキーマの構築を強化する。
✅ 正确答案
B. It allows more mental resources for deeper understanding.
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