The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational settings, instructional design often aims to manage this 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 research suggests that a certain level of desirable difficulty, such as interleaving practice or introducing occasional spacing, can enhance long-term retention despite increasing momentary cognitive effort. This paradox implies that while reducing extraneous load is generally beneficial, overly simplified instruction may deprive learners of the productive struggle necessary for deep encoding of information.
❓ 인지 부하와 학습 사이의 관계에 대해 본문이 시사하는 바는 무엇인가?
A. A. 모든 인지 부하를 줄이는 것이 항상 학습에 유익한 것은 아니다.
B. B. 인지 부하의 일부 증가는 장기 기억을 향상시킬 수 있다.
C. C. 내재적 부하는 외재적 부하보다 더 중요하다.
D. D. 학습자들은 과부하를 방지하기 위해 어떠한 정신적 노력도 피해야 한다.
✅ 正确答案
B. Some increase in cognitive load can improve long-term memory.
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