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. According to cognitive load theory, learning is hampered when the working memory is overloaded with extraneous information that does not contribute to schema construction. However, intrinsic load, which is the inherent difficulty of the material, cannot be reduced without simplifying the content. A well-designed instructional material should minimize extraneous load while preserving the necessary complexity of the subject matter. Recent studies suggest that the use of multimedia can either enhance or hinder learning, depending on how the visual and auditory channels are integrated, thereby influencing the overall cognitive load experienced by learners.
❓ According to the passage, which of the following is TRUE about cognitive load in learning?
A. Extraneous load should be increased to challenge learners.
B. Intrinsic load can be easily reduced by changing the presentation format.
C. Multimedia always reduces cognitive load and improves learning.
D. Effective instruction should reduce extraneous load while maintaining necessary difficulty.
✅ 正确答案
Effective instruction should reduce extraneous load while maintaining necessary difficulty.
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