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Level 2: Area 4

Call Center

Navigate a sea of persuasive messages.

Just when you think you're in the clear, a secret trap door opens within the sunken ship and you find yourself in a new, hidden area. This is where the pirate ship once received its orders. There are many different ads in this room, each trying to get you to do something. In fact, all ads try to get you to do something - usually to buy a product or pay attention to it. Ads use many tools or "Calls to Action" to grab your interest. Learn how they work. Once you know how to identify a call to action, you'll be able to tell what the ad wants you to do. Get aducated.


Ringtone Ad in an Email Newsletter

Ads can try to convince you to do something right now. But it's always best to think before you buy. Look carefully at this ringtone ad.

Image of an ad for ringtones displayed as part of a sports e-newsletter. Arrows point to three different phrases in the ad: 'Text 55555,' 'Act Now,' and 'Get 1 Free Ringtone When You Buy 3.'
Image of an ad for ringtones displayed as part of a sports e-newsletter. Arrows point to three different phrases in the ad: 'Text 55555,' 'Act Now,' and 'Get 1 Free Ringtone When You Buy 3.'

There are three ways this ad tries to get you to act RIGHT NOW:

  • Text 55555
  • Act Now
  • Get 1 Free Ringtone When You Buy 3

Challenge 1: Cleanology Magazine Ad

Ads can offer discounts to convince you to try a product. Remember, a product isn't a bargain if it doesn’t work or if it's not something you need. Study this Cleanology skincare ad.

Image of a magazine ad featuring tubes, bottles, and jars of Cleanology skincare products, before-and-after customer photos and directions on how to order. Text includes, 'Save 50%' and 'Results May Vary.'
Image of a magazine ad featuring tubes, bottles, and jars of Cleanology skincare products, before-and-after customer photos and directions on how to order. Text includes, 'Save 50%' and 'Results May Vary.'

Which of these is not a call to action in this ad?

    • Order Now – Save 50%
    • The ad suggests that you can get this discount only if you order right now
    • Order yours at nbt.som/cleanology
    • The ad tells you directly to order yours and gives you a web address where you can do this
    • Suggests that someone is waiting to talk to you
    • Secret Amazonian ingredients
    • The product's contents may be a reason to buy, but this isn't telling you to buy
Correct!
Incorrect - see above for the right answer.
The correct answer is 'Secret Amazonian ingredients'

Challenge 2: jokes4u Text Message Ad

Be careful about ads on cell phones. Texting YES is so easy. Ads on phones and computers make buying just a click away.

Image of a cell phone displaying a text message that reads: 'Jokes 2 make you LOL! New 1 every day! Only $2.99/month!* Text YES to 55555. *Standard message charges apply. One year contract required.'
Image of a cell phone screen displaying a text message that reads: “Jokes 2 make you LOL! New 1 every day! Only $2.99/month!* Text YES to 55555. *Standard message charges apply. One year contract required”
Knock Knock, Who's there?, Additional charges, Additional charges who?, Additional charges that might surprise you if you don’t read the fine print.

Match each part of this ad with the question your parents might ask about it.

Text YES
  • Who are you texting, anyway?
  • Who will pay the bill?
  • How much are these charges?
$2.99/month!*
  • Who are you texting, anyway?
  • Who will pay the bill?
  • How much are these charges?
* Standard message charges apply
  • Who are you texting, anyway?
  • Who will pay the bill?
  • How much are these charges?
Correct!
Incorrect - see above for the right answer.
The correct answer is for the first question is 'Who are you texting, anyway?'. The correct answer is for the first question is 'Who will pay the bill?'. The correct answer is for the first question is 'How much are these charges?'.

Challenge 3: Have You Played Today Billboard

Ads aren't always trying to get you to buy things. Some encourage you to do something. Look carefully at this billboard.

Image of an outdoor billboard public service announcement displaying a photo of adults and kids sledding, the Federal Commission on Childrens Healths logo, and the words, 'Have you played today?'
call out
Image of an outdoor billboard public service announcement displaying a photo of adults and kids sledding, the Federal Commission on Childrens Healths logo, and the words, 'Have you played today?'

What is this ad trying to get you to do?

  • Eat snow; it's full of vitamins
  • Buy a sled; it's great for winter travel
  • Play outside; it's good for your health
Correct!
Incorrect - see above for the right answer.
The correct answer is 'Play outside; it's good for your health'