Recent studies in cognitive neuroscience have revealed that the human brain's capacity for multitasking is severely limited. When individuals attempt to perform two tasks simultaneously that require high-level cognitive processing, the brain's prefrontal cortex switches rapidly between them rather than processing them in parallel. This switching incurs a 'switch cost,' manifesting as reduced accuracy and increased reaction time. Moreover, chronic multitasking has been associated with decreased working memory performance and heightened susceptibility to distraction. These findings challenge the popular assumption that multitasking enhances productivity, suggesting instead that it may impair overall efficiency and learning outcomes.
❓ ¿Cuál es la conclusión principal que se extrae de los estudios mencionados en el pasaje?
A. La multitarea mejora la eficiencia cognitiva al involucrar múltiples regiones del cerebro.
B. El cerebro puede procesar múltiples tareas complejas simultáneamente sin un costo significativo.
C. La multitarea puede reducir la productividad y deteriorar las funciones cognitivas debido a los costos de cambio.
D. El multitarea crónico no tiene un efecto medible en la memoria o la atención.
✅ 正确答案
Multitasking may reduce productivity and impair cognitive functions due to switching costs.
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