中國網站品牌欄目（頻道）
英語學習論壇的“聽力練習區”正式與大家見面啦。歡迎大家來這里練習聽力，交流經驗，共同進步。
本練習區的音頻文件選自英語點津的“聽中國日報”、“VOA常速”、“流行金曲”及“名人演講”等欄目，題材豐富，難度各異，適合不同階段的英語學習者。
英語點津會定期發布音頻材料，大家可以在跟帖中貼出自己聽寫出的音頻文字稿。每個音頻材料的標準文字稿會在帖子發布兩天后公布。
The growing expression of public opinion on the Internet in China is making the government's decision-making more democratic and objective, according to a recent report.
"The increase of public opinion on the Internet can help reduce information asymmetry in the government's decision-making process, promoting the objectivity and fairness of public policy assessment," said Xie Yungeng, deputy director of Shanghai Jiao Tong University's Institute of Arts and Humanities and leader of the research report.
"It also influences the legislation, pushing the revision of laws and regulations."
The report was compiled by the university's public opinion research laboratory and the Shanghai Development Strategy Institute.
With the rise of citizen consciousness, the awareness of self-expression has increased in recent years, the report said. More and more people are expressing their views and feelings on the Internet, particularly to safeguard their legal rights and supervise government officials.
Meanwhile, the rapid development of new media, such as blogs, micro blogs and BBS (bulletin board system), is providing a new channel for citizens to stand up for their rights.
For instance, Zhong Guangwei, a 37-year-old coal miner from Shaanxi province who suffers from pneumoconiosis, has sent more than 700 messages to his micro blog by mobile phone since September, recording his suffering and experiences while seeking his legal rights. His micro blog became a hot topic on the Internet.
"In a world of new media, the fast flow of information makes these individual cases gain wide public attention and quickly become public cases," Xie said.
"Also, public attitude is inclined to sympathize with vulnerable groups," he said, adding that public opinion would eventually influence public policy.
The report said that Internet-based public supervision, compared with traditional public supervision, mainly targets government officials and their relatives, especially those at or below county level, the report said.
"Due to a lack of ability and experience in handling breaking events and public affairs, officials at lower levels are more easily exposed through public supervision than superior officials," Xie said.
"Officials have to be very cautious of their behavior and speeches, as a number of clumsy or rude remarks by officials have been exposed on the Internet, sparking public outcry," Xie said.
Despite the huge influence of Internet-based public opinion, the research report also pointed out it cannot be taken to represent all of society since the demographic of netizens is not an accurate cross-section of society.
Questions:
1. What mediums have had the most influence on public opinion?
2. Where was the report published?
3. What sorts of things can Internet-based public opinion influence?
Answers:
1. Blogs, micro blogs and BBS (bulletin board system).
2. Jiao Tong University.
3. Legislation.
（中國日報網英語點津 Helen 編輯）
Todd Balazovic is a reporter for the Metro Section of China Daily. Born in Mineapolis Minnesota in the US, he graduated from Central Michigan University and has worked for the China Daily for one year.
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