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.
❓ 본문에서 언급된 연구들로부터 도출된 주요 결론은 무엇인가?
A. 멀티태스킹은 여러 뇌 영역을 활성화하여 인지 효율을 향상시킵니다.
B. 뇌는 상당한 비용 없이 여러 복잡한 작업을 동시에 처리할 수 있다.
C. 멀티태스킹은 전환 비용으로 인해 생산성을 저하시키고 인지 기능을 손상시킬 수 있습니다.
D. 만성적인 멀티태스킹은 기억력이나 주의력에 측정 가능한 영향을 미치지 않는다.
✅ 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