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 complexity of the material, the way it is presented, and the effort required to process it exceed the learner's capacity. For instance, presenting a diagram alongside a verbal explanation can reduce extraneous load by integrating information sources, thereby freeing working memory resources for deeper processing. However, if the same information is presented in a split-attention format, such as separate text and diagrams that must be mentally integrated, the learner experiences an unnecessary increase in cognitive load. Research has shown that reducing extraneous cognitive load through well-designed instructional materials can significantly improve comprehension and retention, especially for novice learners who lack prior schemas to organize new information.
❓ According to the passage, what is a key effect of reducing extraneous cognitive load in instructional design?
A. A. It increases the intrinsic complexity of the learning material.
B. B. It allows learners to use working memory more effectively for deep processing.
C. C. It eliminates the need for prior knowledge in learning new topics.
D. D. It encourages learners to rely on split-attention formats for better recall.
✅ 正确答案
B. It allows learners to use working memory more effectively for deep processing.
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