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 aim to manage cognitive load to optimize learning outcomes. According to Sweller's cognitive load theory, there are three types: intrinsic, extraneous, and germane. Intrinsic load is inherent to the complexity of the material itself, while extraneous load is generated by the way information is presented. Germane load, on the other hand, is the effort devoted to processing and understanding the material, which contributes to schema construction. Research suggests that reducing extraneous load, for instance by simplifying diagrams or eliminating irrelevant text, can free up working memory resources for germane processing. However, some studies caution that over-simplification might hinder the development of robust mental models, especially in complex problem-solving tasks. Thus, striking a balance between minimal guidance and sufficient challenge remains a key pedagogical concern.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es un posible inconveniente de reducir demasiado la carga superflua?
A. A. Puede aumentar la carga intrínseca.
B. B. Podría interferir con la formación de marcos mentales sólidos.
C. C. Reduce la capacidad cognitiva total disponible.
D. D. Elimina por completo la carga pertinente.
✅ 正确答案
B. It could interfere with the formation of strong mental frameworks.
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