The correct answer is "the universal topic". Universal topics are non specific themes which can be the main focus of an essay for example, "food", "animals", "friendship", "love", among other. Nonfictional works could be focused of any universal topic, and the author's purpose by writing the work is to elaborate in this topic with her or his readers.
This does not sound right
I think quotations are used as pieces of pieces of evidence when a person is writing an essay. It adds to the credibility of your essay, especially if they are cited properly. Aside from that, quotations are used as introductions to topics, to add more impact on the literary piece that you are working on.
