Recent studies in cognitive psychology have revealed that the human brain's capacity for multitasking is largely illusory. While individuals often believe they can efficiently handle multiple tasks simultaneously, research indicates that what actually occurs is rapid task-switching, which incurs a cognitive cost known as 'switch cost.' This cost manifests as reduced accuracy and increased reaction time when shifting attention between tasks. Furthermore, neuroimaging data show that the prefrontal cortex, responsible for executive control, is heavily taxed during such switching, leading to quicker mental fatigue. These findings challenge the modern workplace's glorification of multitasking, suggesting that sequential focus may enhance overall productivity and reduce errors, particularly in complex problem-solving scenarios.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 멀티태스킹을 시도할 때의 주요 결과는 무엇인가?
A. A) 복잡한 작업을 완료하는 데 있어 효율성 향상.
B. B) 정신적 피로가 발생할 가능성이 더 높아지고 정확성이 저하될 수 있습니다.
C. C) 과제 수행 중 전전두피질의 활동 증가.
D. D) 여러 정보 흐름을 동시에 처리하는 능력.
✅ 正确答案
B) A higher likelihood of mental fatigue and reduced accuracy.
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