How does a “topic” differ from a “subject”?: Difference between revisions

Think of a topic as general direction for the essay, while a subject is a more specific aspect of the topic. Generally, a topic will contain a subject and an assertion. For example, suppose you received this writing prompt from your professor:

This topic contains a subject, “a television show,” and an assertion — or point of view — about the subject, “should not be cancelled.” While this topic offers a general subject and a direction you should take with that subject, you must narrow this topic further by selecting a specific T.V. show and several reasons that it should not be cancelled. Notice that you must further narrow the subject and assertion by selecting a specific show — only one show, since the prompt asks for a television show — and then taking a stance on that show using specific detail to support that stance. This detail will limit the range of your essay: the more specific your reasons, the more detailed your essay will be. The show and why the show shouldn’t be cancelled is up to you, the writer.