The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational settings, instructional designers often seek to manage cognitive load to optimize learning. According to Sweller's cognitive load theory, learning is hampered when the working memory is overloaded with extraneous information that does not directly contribute to schema acquisition. However, intrinsic load, which is inherent to the complexity of the material, cannot be reduced without simplifying the content. Effective instructional strategies, such as using worked examples or splitting attention between integrated sources, aim to reduce extraneous load while preserving the necessary intrinsic challenge. Recent studies have shown that adaptive digital environments, which tailor tasks to individual learners' prior knowledge, can further optimize the balance between these types of load, leading to more efficient learning outcomes.
❓ According to the passage, what is the primary purpose of strategies like using worked examples?
A. A. To increase the intrinsic load of the material
B. B. To eliminate all cognitive load from the learning process
C. C. To reduce extraneous cognitive load while maintaining necessary challenge
D. D. To simplify the content so that intrinsic load is minimized
✅ 正确答案
C. To reduce extraneous cognitive load while maintaining necessary challenge
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