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 minimize extraneous cognitive load, thereby freeing resources for the intrinsic load necessary to understand complex material. However, recent research challenges the universality of CLT, proposing that the optimal level of cognitive load may vary depending on the learner's prior knowledge and the nature of the task. For instance, high prior-knowledge learners might benefit from more complex tasks that increase germane load, while novices require simplified formats to avoid overload. This nuanced view underscores the importance of adaptive instructional design.
❓ Según el pasaje, ¿cuál es un factor clave que influye en el nivel óptimo de carga cognitiva?
A. El conocimiento previo del aprendiz y la naturaleza de la tarea
B. El tiempo total dedicado al aprendizaje
C. El entorno físico del aula
D. El número de estudiantes en la clase
✅ 正确答案
The learner's prior knowledge and task nature
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