The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational psychology, cognitive load theory (CLT) suggests that learning is most effective when instructional materials are designed to reduce extraneous cognitive load, thereby freeing resources for the intrinsic load necessary for schema construction. Recent studies have shown that multimedia presentations, while often engaging, can inadvertently increase extraneous load if they include redundant information or poorly integrated visuals. Conversely, well-structured diagrams paired with concise verbal explanations can enhance learning by facilitating the integration of information. However, researchers caution that the optimal level of cognitive load varies among individuals, depending on prior knowledge and task complexity, making it difficult to prescribe universal design guidelines.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es un factor clave que puede socavar la efectividad de los materiales de aprendizaje multimedia?
A. La inclusión de elementos visuales atractivos pero irrelevantes
B. El uso de explicaciones verbales concisas junto con diagramas
C. La variación en el conocimiento previo individual
D. La presencia de diagramas bien estructurados
✅ 正确答案
The inclusion of engaging but irrelevant visual elements
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