The concept of 'cognitive load' refers to the total amount of mental effort being used in the working memory. In educational settings, cognitive load theory suggests that instructional design should minimize extraneous load to facilitate learning. Extraneous load is generated by the manner in which information is presented to learners, which can be either helpful or hindering. For instance, when a diagram is accompanied by redundant text that merely describes the same information, it can increase extraneous load, thereby impeding the learning process. Conversely, integrating visual and verbal information in a complementary way can reduce this load, allowing learners to allocate more cognitive resources to the essential processing of the material. Research has shown that novice learners benefit greatly from such integrated formats, whereas experts might not show the same advantage due to their existing schemas.
❓ According to the passage, what is the primary effect of presenting redundant text alongside a diagram?
A. A. It enhances learning by providing additional explanation.
B. B. It increases extraneous cognitive load and hinders learning.
C. C. It reduces the need for working memory in processing information.
D. D. It is equally beneficial for both novice and expert learners.
✅ 正确答案
B. It increases extraneous cognitive load and hinders learning.
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