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 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 capacity. However, recent studies suggest that a moderate level of germane load, which involves the mental resources dedicated to processing and understanding the material, can enhance deep learning. This has led to a shift from purely reducing cognitive load to strategically balancing it, acknowledging that some difficulty is beneficial for developing robust knowledge structures.
❓ According to the passage, what is the main shift in instructional design regarding cognitive load?
A. A. Eliminating all cognitive load to avoid overloading learners
B. B. Reducing intrinsic load regardless of content complexity
C. C. Strategically balancing load to include beneficial difficulty
D. D. Increasing extraneous load to challenge learners
✅ 正确答案
C. Strategically balancing load to include beneficial 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