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 Sweller's cognitive load theory, learning is hindered when the intrinsic complexity of the material, combined with the way it is presented, exceeds the learner's available working memory capacity. This can lead to cognitive overload, reducing the ability to process and retain new information. However, by simplifying the presentation of information and breaking down complex tasks into smaller steps, educators can reduce extraneous cognitive load, allowing learners to focus on essential elements. Research suggests that incorporating worked examples and eliminating redundant information are effective strategies for managing cognitive load, particularly for novice learners who lack prior schemas to organize new knowledge.
❓ 지문에 따르면, 학습 상황에서 인지 과부하가 발생하는 주된 이유는 무엇인가?
A. A. 학습자의 작업 기억 용량이 너무 작아 새로운 정보를 저장할 수 없다.
B. B. 결합된 내재적 복잡성과 자료의 제시 방식이 작업 기억 용량을 초과한다.
C. C. 교육자들은 의도적으로 단순화 없이 복잡한 과제를 제시한다.
D. D. 초보 학습자는 새로운 지식을 방해하는 기존 스키마가 너무 많다.
✅ 正确答案
B. The combined intrinsic complexity and presentation of material exceed working memory capacity.
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