The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the amount of mental effort required to process information. In educational psychology, researchers distinguish between intrinsic load, which is inherent to the complexity of the material, and extraneous load, which is generated by the way information is presented. Studies show that when extraneous load is high, learners struggle to allocate working memory to essential tasks, thereby reducing comprehension. Effective instructional design aims to minimize extraneous load through clear structure, visual aids, and the removal of irrelevant details. However, some scholars argue that a moderate level of challenge, known as germane load, is beneficial as it encourages deeper processing and schema construction. Thus, balancing these types of load is critical for optimizing learning outcomes.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es el propósito principal de reducir la carga extraña en el diseño instruccional?
A. Para aumentar la dificultad del material para estudiantes avanzados.
B. Para liberar memoria de trabajo para procesos esenciales de aprendizaje.
C. Para eliminar todas las formas de carga cognitiva de las tareas de aprendizaje.
D. Para introducir ayudas visuales más complejas para un mejor compromiso.
✅ 正确答案
To free up working memory for essential learning processes
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