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 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 devoted to processing and understanding the material, can enhance long-term retention. For instance, a 2021 experiment found that students who were exposed to slightly disorganized texts performed better on delayed tests than those given neatly structured content, provided they had prior knowledge of the subject. This paradoxical effect implies that some difficulty can foster deeper cognitive processing, but only when the learner already possesses a schema to integrate the new information.
❓ According to the passage, why might slightly disorganized texts improve learning for some students?
A. A. They increase extraneous load, which enhances memory consolidation.
B. B. They reduce intrinsic load, making the material easier to understand.
C. C. They promote germane load by encouraging deeper processing, especially in learners with prior knowledge.
D. D. They eliminate cognitive overload by simplifying the structure of the content.
✅ 正确答案
C. They promote germane load by encouraging deeper processing, especially in learners with prior knowledge.
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