Author
Home > Education > What is the Difference Between Subject and Topic?

Guilherme Mazui

•2 minutes to read

What is the Difference Between Subject and Topic?

🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚

The difference between a subject and a topic lies in their scope and specificity. Here is a breakdown of their differences:

  • Subject: A subject refers to a broad area of knowledge or study. It is a more general and encompassing term that includes a wide range of aspects or elements. For example, in the context of a research paper, the subject might be "American History" or "Television".
  • Topic: A topic is a more specific focus within a subject. It defines a particular aspect that will be covered in conversation or in any written form. In our examples, a topic within the "American History" subject could be "James Madison's Presidency" or a topic within the "Television" subject could be "The Impact of Reality TV on Society".

In summary, a subject is a broader area of study, while a topic is a more specific aspect within that subject. When writing a research paper or engaging in a conversation, it is essential to narrow down the subject to a specific topic to avoid discussing a wide array of information and losing focus on the main argument or points.

On this page
  • What is the Difference Between Subject and Topic?
  • Comparative Table: Subject vs Topic

    • Comparative Table: Subject vs Topic

    The difference between a subject and a topic can be summarized as follows:

    Subject Topic
    A subject is broad and general, such as Education, Sports, or Film. A topic is more focused, precise, and is a narrower subset of a subject.
    Subjects are the general content of a research paper, while topics are the specific issues being discussed. Subjects can be broken down into smaller aspects to create topics within the subject.
    A subject is too big to be the focus of a research paper, while a topic is manageable and interesting. Background research on a subject helps you gain a better understanding of the topic and decide on the focus of your research.

    For example, if the subject is social media, potential topics could be social media and privacy, the impact of social media on mental health, or the role of social media in political campaigns.

    Read more:

    Guilherme Mazui

    Guilherme Mazui is graduated in journalism from the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG) and a master's degree in Communication from the University of São Paulo (USP). In addition, he has experience in advertising writing and has worked as a content editor in several companies.