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 outcomes. According to Sweller's 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 available working memory capacity. However, recent studies suggest that a certain level of germane load, which involves the mental resources dedicated to processing and understanding the underlying structure of the content, is essential for deep learning. Thus, effective instruction should minimize extraneous load while preserving opportunities for germane cognitive processing, rather than simply reducing all types of load.
❓ ¿Cuál es la principal implicación de la teoría de la carga cognitiva para el diseño instruccional, tal como se describe en el pasaje?
A. Todos los tipos de carga cognitiva deben minimizarse para evitar abrumar a los estudiantes.
B. La instrucción debe centrarse únicamente en reducir la carga intrínseca simplificando el contenido.
C. Los diseñadores deberían reducir la carga extrínseca pero fomentar la carga pertinente para lograr una comprensión profunda.
D. Los resultados de aprendizaje son mejores cuando la memoria de trabajo está completamente ocupada con material complejo.
✅ 正确答案
Designers should reduce extraneous load but encourage germane load for deep understanding.
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