The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational psychology, it is widely accepted that instructional design should manage cognitive load to optimize learning. According to Sweller's cognitive load theory, there are three types: intrinsic, extraneous, and germane. Intrinsic load is inherent to the complexity of the material, while extraneous load is generated by the way information is presented. Germane load, on the other hand, is the effort devoted to constructing and automating schemas. Research suggests that reducing extraneous load can free up cognitive resources, thereby enhancing germane load and promoting deeper understanding. However, overly simplified presentations may inadvertently increase intrinsic load by failing to provide necessary context, leading to a paradox in instructional design.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 교수 설계에서 잠재적인 역설은 무엇인가?
A. A. 맥락이 부재할 경우, 불필요한 부하를 줄이는 것이 오히려 내재적 부하를 증가시킬 수 있다.
B. B. 독일 부하는 제시 방식과 관계없이 항상 유익하다.
C. C. 복잡한 자료는 항상 높은 외재적 부하를 초래한다.
D. D. 인지부하 이론은 작업 기억의 역할을 무시한다.
✅ 正确答案
A. Reducing extraneous load may increase intrinsic load if context is missing.
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