You’ve been assigned to write a persuasive essay, but your instructor has left the choice of topic up to you. So what do you do now? Of course you’ve got opinions on lots of subjects, but you’ve got to be careful. In fact, choosing an appropriate topic to write about can be a little tricky, especially given academic expectations in schools, colleges, and universities.

“Sub” is a Latin prefix meaning “beneath.” A subordinate is an individual who is lower in rank than someone else. A subway is a transport system that’s underground. A submarine travels below the surface of the water. A subcompact is a car that is even smaller than a compact car. You get the idea.

Have you just been asked to write an expository essay? Don’t be intimidated! The name comes from the same root as “exposure,” and it’s just a fancy label that means you’ve been asked to explain something. In fact, whether you’ve been asked to write an academic essay or prepare a persuasive speech, they both involve the same procedure. Basically, you’re writing about a theme or topic, choosing your main take or angle on it, analysing evidence, and then explaining it. And the easiest way to practice is by writing a five-paragraph essay.