Which term describes a short, nonfiction piece that examines a single subject?

Which term describes a short, nonfiction piece that examines a single subject?

• A. Article
• B. Report
• C. Essay
• D. Biography

Answer: (C)

A short nonfiction piece that examines a single subject is an essay. Essays focus on one idea or topic and develop a perspective or argument about it, usually presenting a clear main point and supporting details, examples, or analysis. This makes the piece feel more about exploring or arguing a viewpoint on that subject rather than simply presenting facts. By comparison, an article also covers nonfiction topics but is often aimed at informing the reader and can be broader in scope. A report tends to be formal and data-driven, laying out findings and conclusions in a structured way. A biography tells the life story of a person, not about a single subject in the abstract.

A short nonfiction piece that examines a single subject is an essay. Essays focus on one idea or topic and develop a perspective or argument about it, usually presenting a clear main point and supporting details, examples, or analysis. This makes the piece feel more about exploring or arguing a viewpoint on that subject rather than simply presenting facts.

By comparison, an article also covers nonfiction topics but is often aimed at informing the reader and can be broader in scope. A report tends to be formal and data-driven, laying out findings and conclusions in a structured way. A biography tells the life story of a person, not about a single subject in the abstract.