Passage 3
The Internet can make the news more democratic, giving the public a chance to ask questions and seek out facts behind stories and candidates, according to the head of the largest US on-line service.
But the greatest potential for public participation is still in the future,Steven Case, chairman of America On-line, told a recent meeting on Journalism and the Internet sponsored by The Freedom Forum(讨论会),though other speakers say the new technology of computers is changing the face of journalism, giving reporters access to more information and their readers a chance to ask questions and turn to different sources.
You don't have to buy a newspaper and be confined to the four corners of that paper anymore, Sam Meddis, on-line technology editor at USA Today, observed about the variety of information available to computer users.
But the speakers noted the easy access to the Internet also means anyone can post information for others to see.Anyone can say anything they want, whether it's right or wrong,said Case.Readers have to determine for themselves who to trust.In a world of almost infinite voices, respected journalists and respected brand names will probably become more important, not less,Case said.
The Internet today is about where radio was 80 years ago, or television 50 years ago or cable 25 years ago, he said.But it is growing rapidly because it provides people fast access to news and a chance to comment on it.
He forecast increased political participation on-line in this year and in 2000 with politicians able to answer directly to the public——an opportunity to increase voter turnout and for politicians to raise funds from the public.
51.The main topic of this passage is .
A.the development of journalism
B.the rapid development of the Internet
C.the effect the Internet has on journalism
D.the advantages of the Internet
52.It can be inferred from this passage that may NOT be regarded as the advantages of the Internet?
A.the news can be made more democratic
B.the public can turn to different sources
C.the public can get a chance to ask questions
D.anything can be posted on the Internet for others to see
53.The correct order for the appearance of the four technologies is .
A.Internet-cable-television-radio
B.radio-television-cable-Internet
C.radio-cable-television-Internet
D.Television-radio-cable-Internet
54.Which of the following statements is true?
A.Only respected journalists can post information on t he Internet for others to see.
B.Respected journalists will probably become more important than before.
C.Everyone is using the Internet now.
D.The greatest potential of public participation of the Internet is in the near future.
55.On the whole, the attitude Steven Case holds for the Internet's future development is .
A.pessimistic B.optimistic
C.doubtful D.unknown