Paper 1 Text 2 Analysis

The following is an analysis of a Paper 1 Text:

This text is clearly multi-vocal as it can be expressed and interpreted into having many different meanings.  Its features strongly suggest that it is an informative article with the hidden agenda therefore I personally believe that it is an advertisement. The text begins with the "number crunch", leading the reader to believe that it is a factual and informative article. This company also uses marketing strategies to show that it is an elitist community which aims to help poorer regions. This adver-informatory article is sectioned into three areas in which it slowly explains every tier of service only to close with a positive note on what they strive to accomplish.

 “Oxfam” convinces its readers of its genuine message. The purpose of this article is generally clear; to persuade and encourage people to help and contribute to this cause. is article is posted on the company’s webpage therefore it aims to target people who are interested in the topic, understand the problem, and are finding a way to contribute towards the solution. This is known because the article refers to how one can help shedding a positive tone on the situation.  Again referring back to the use of the “number crunch” it is clear that this article aims to inform people hence the use of excessive facts and figures. This “number crunch” technique is often used in order to convince the masses by using factual knowledge which an educated audience are more inclined to believe than opinion. 

As stated before I saw this article as an advertisement as well. The article uses personal pronouns in a way to get the reader involved. This way it becomes the reader's mission to do complete this task. This all comes from the advertisement so in a sense they are fueling the "spirit" and motivation.Therefore using certain phrases as “we” and “together” really is an interactive experience and in a sense says: "you can help us ( and yourself) by donating".

The article continues to address the impending hunger epidemic conundrum in the African regions and states that the problem is due to poor farming and water supply conditions. Again numbers are used again as Oxfam states they are sending aid to families in those regions. This is where the tone and mood can be deciphered. 

This article is written in a sad light highlighting the problems of poverty that are in Africa. Using deep meanings and messages the article is set in a dark and sad mood and tone. The informatory section is very intense clearly highlighting all the problems that are being faced. Although as the article transitions to its convincing section it slowly transitions to hopeful and light saying this problem can be fixed. This common strategy of laying dark imagery to later help sell a product is used in a hidden way throughout this entire article. The use of “crisis” in the beginning and “fixing” in the end presents the problem solution appeal which tends to be most effective when there is an emotional connection with the problem.

In conclusion this article clearly depends on the emotional sides of humans to pull people in (ethos). Ethos not only helps draw people in but also disguise the nature of the article. By stating that they are a purely humanitarian cause they attempt to show their selflessness in order to receive a profit.