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How does a “topic” differ from a “subject”?: Difference between revisions
How does a “topic” differ from a “subject”? (view source)
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“Topic” is different from “subject” in that the latter represents a problem, concern, or detailed aspect of the former. For example, Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter is an excellent topic, but a poor subject since it is too broad. A strong subject would have a particular point to make about the topic by examining a particular aspect of the topic. Similarly, “Football” would be too broad a subject, but concentrating on a particular aspect of the game, like players’ preseason training, would be manageable and more specific, making for a stronger essay. | “Topic” is different from “subject” in that the latter represents a problem, concern, or detailed aspect of the former. For example, Hawthorne’s ''The Scarlet Letter'' is an excellent topic, but a poor subject since it is too broad. A strong subject would have a particular point to make about the topic by examining a particular aspect of the topic. Similarly, “Football” would be too broad a subject, but concentrating on a particular aspect of the game, like players’ preseason training, would be manageable and more specific, making for a stronger essay. | ||
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: | 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: | ||
: | : “A television show that should not be cancelled” | ||
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. | 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. | ||
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[[Composition FAQ]] > Topic | [[Composition FAQ]] > Topic | ||
[[Category:Composition|Topic]] | |||