Paola 5-Step Critical Analysis

 Critical Analysis of Covid Variants and Vaccine Resistance: all you need to know , the article chosen by Francisco. 

Description: 

The COVID-19 pandemic has been one of the most unpredictable and frightening moments of most people’s lifetimes. The global population as a whole has learned more about science and viruses in one year than probably ever on a mass level. As the pandemic has progressed, and vaccines have been generated, the questions that cloud everyone’s minds concern the effectiveness of the cure, and how vulnerable we are to new COVID variants, as we’ve been warned it is an extremely mutable virus. The Guardian attempts to answer the most common worries, from mentioning the probability of herd immunity to the possibility of altering vaccines in order to fight the new variants of the virus. 

Analysis: The common trend that is seen in this article is the use of reliable sources to back the claims being made. There is a heavy mention of science to back up the studies being mentioned, as well as the specific mention of studies from reputable institutions such as Oxford so the reader knows that the information is valid and verifiable. Another repetition observed in the article is the heavy use of data using numbers, such as the varying percentage of efficacy in the same vaccine depending on the country it was used, to explain and further the conversation on the different variants of COVID. An interesting addition to the article is the map that shows which countries have vaccinated the most people. It exposes the unfortunate situation less developed countries are in when it comes to the pandemic ending through total vaccinations per hundred people. 

Interpretation: The article is effective in the way it exhibits the message. The format of the article is audience-friendly as it makes the reader relate to the concerns everyone else is having, as well as it eases worries and makes people knowledgeable on the current situation. Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna have become household names, and the article uses their new-found reliable reputation as a way of answering questions of variants of COVID, as well as the situation occurring in South Africa. Interestingly, the article uses past WHO trends like their annual variants report to try and predict what may happen in the future, while maintaining that the future in this pandemic is very much unknown. 

Evaluation: The article recognizes the fears and uncertainties that the mass public is going through a year after the start of the pandemic, and answers questions through the use of reliable scientific data and interactive maps. While The Guardian maintains that we cannot be 100% sure what is going to happen, the knowledge that science giants are working toward effective vaccines and the hopeful elimination of the virus in the future makes this article effective in its goal. 

Engagement: As aforementioned, this article is extremely effective in its purpose. The worries that are lingering in everyone’s minds are addressed through reliable sources such as University professors and science giants like Pfizer. The future is uncertain but the article provides an effective comforting feel to the audience, knowing that we are all in this pandemic together and the extensive, specific data mentioned in relation to SARS-COV-2 shows that we are infinitely more prepared now than we were at the start of the pandemic. Additionally, the article exposes issues that we as a global community need to work on: such as providing more accessible vaccines to countries that need them, especially in places such as Africa where the number of people vaccinated is near null. When this is compared to the USA’s numbers, it emphasizes an accessibility issue that should not exist: the pandemic is dangerous, especially in places where healthcare is not as developed.