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. Extraneous cognitive load, which is caused by poor instructional design, can be reduced by simplifying the presentation, while germane load, which contributes to learning, should be encouraged. Research has shown that using worked examples and eliminating redundant information can significantly improve learning outcomes, especially for novices in a domain. However, as expertise increases, the benefits of such scaffolding diminish, suggesting that instructional support should be tailored to the learner's level of knowledge.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es un factor clave para mejorar los resultados de aprendizaje de los principiantes?
A. Aumentando la complejidad intrínseca del material.
B. Usando ejemplos resueltos y reduciendo información redundante
C. Fomentando la carga cognitiva extraña
D. Proporcionando el mismo nivel de apoyo instructivo para todos los estudiantes.
✅ 正确答案
Using worked examples and reducing redundant information
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