Example

“Your help is needed urgently to save the community centre.“

Definition

A call to action is a request or demand for the reader to further engage with, or take action on, the issue discussed. It may be a request for a donation, signature on a petition, suggestion to join a group or protest, or some other action. These commonly appear at the end of pieces and work in conjunction with a writer’s aim.

Effect on reader

A call to action can be a direct attempt by the writer to make the reader fulfil their own aim. In altering their behaviour to suit the call to action, the reader is in turn empowered to create the change that the writer has been advocating for. The reader may feel further engaged in the piece if they are taking an active role rather than passively absorbing the writer’s opinion.