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 suggests that learning is most effective when instructional materials are designed to reduce extraneous cognitive load, thereby allowing learners to allocate more resources to the essential processing of information. However, recent studies have challenged the universality of this theory, arguing that the optimal level of cognitive load may vary depending on the learner's prior knowledge and the complexity of the task. For instance, novices benefit from simplified instructions, whereas experts may require more challenging material to engage in deeper processing. This has led to the development of adaptive learning systems that tailor content to individual cognitive capacities, potentially improving educational outcomes across diverse populations.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main reason for adapting instructional materials to individual learners?
A. To increase the overall difficulty of tasks for all learners
B. To reduce extraneous cognitive load for experts and novices alike
C. To match the optimal cognitive load based on learner's expertise and task complexity
D. To ensure that all learners process information at the same pace
✅ 正确答案
To match the optimal cognitive load based on learner's expertise and task complexity
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