Here's a breakdown:
* Short essays: Often focus on one central topic, exploring its nuances and personal significance.
* Longer essays: Can delve into multiple interconnected topics that contribute to a larger theme or argument.
* Thematic essays: May explore several related themes, weaving them together to create a cohesive narrative.
Key point: The number of topics isn't as important as the essay's coherence and effectiveness in conveying the writer's message. Even a single topic can be explored in depth and complexity.