Purpose of Dr. Reynolds' Speech
Listen to the following interview between a university researcher, Dr. Laura Reynolds, and a journalism student, Michael:
Michael: Thank you for agreeing to speak with me, Dr. Reynolds. I'm interested in understanding how grassroots organizations impact policy changes.
Dr. Reynolds: Absolutely, Michael! Grassroots organizations play a crucial role in mobilizing communities and raising awareness about important issues. For instance, they often provide a platform for minority voices that might otherwise be overlooked. By advocating for specific causes, they can influence public opinion and, eventually, policymakers.
Michael: That’s fascinating! Can you provide an example of a successful campaign led by a grassroots organization?
Dr. Reynolds: Sure! One prominent example is the campaign led by the Black Lives Matter movement. By organizing protests and creating a strong social media presence, they successfully brought issues of racial injustice to the forefront, prompting significant discussions and even legislative changes in various cities.
Michael: So, would you say their main purpose is to create awareness?
Dr. Reynolds: Awareness is definitely a key component, but it goes beyond that. The ultimate goal is to create sustained change through direct engagement with legislative processes and by influencing broader societal norms.
Note: This question has been adapted from its original format to accommodate a reading-based version. In the official TOEFL exam, speaking and listening sections require verbal responses and audio prompts, which are not represented here. Please note that this adaptation may not fully reflect the nature or difficulty of the official exam. The audio feature for these sections will be available soon.