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 cognitive load theory, learning is hindered when the intrinsic load (complexity of the material) and extraneous load (how the material is presented) exceed the learner's capacity. However, recent research suggests that a certain level of desirable difficulty, such as interleaving practice or introducing spaced repetition, can enhance long-term retention, even though it may temporarily increase cognitive load. This paradoxical finding implies that not all cognitive load is detrimental; rather, the type and timing of load matter. Consequently, educators must balance reducing unnecessary extraneous load while intentionally introducing challenges that promote deeper processing.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál de las siguientes afirmaciones es verdadera sobre la carga cognitiva?
A. A) Toda carga cognitiva debe minimizarse para mejorar el aprendizaje.
B. B) La carga intrínseca siempre es más perjudicial que la carga extrínseca.
C. C) Alguna carga cognitiva, si se gestiona cuidadosamente, puede beneficiar la memoria a largo plazo.
D. D) La dificultad deseable aumenta la carga extrínseca sin ningún beneficio.
✅ 正确答案
C) Some cognitive load, if carefully managed, can benefit long-term memory.
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