The subject of a source is best described as:

• A. The publication date
• B. The author’s name
• C. The main topic
• D. The publication venue

Answer: (C)

The subject of a source is the main topic it covers. In social studies, identifying the subject helps you see what the piece is about and how its content relates to questions you’re exploring, such as causes, events, or processes. For example, a source that explains why the American Revolution happened has the subject of the causes of the American Revolution. The publication date isn’t the subject; it tells you when the source was created and can influence its context or perspective. The author’s name tells you who wrote it, not what the piece is about, and the publication venue tells you where it appeared, not the topic. Often you can infer the subject from the title or the main ideas discussed, which reveal the focus of the source.