Final answer:
The statement in the question is false. A theme is the central message or lesson of a story, usually expressed in a complete sentence, while a topic is just the subject matter of the story.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a theme is a single word that tells what a story is about, and a topic is a sentence that reveals the lesson the author wants a reader to learn, is false.
In literature, a theme is actually the central message, lesson, or insight about life and human nature that the author wishes to convey. This message is usually conveyed through various elements in the story, such as the plot, characters, and setting, and it is expressed in a complete sentence, not a single word.
A theme often reflects on aspects of the human condition, such as love, jealousy, friendship, and it can be found by analyzing components like recurring imagery, symbols, and the overall feelings evoked by the narrative. It's important to recognize that a story might have more than one theme, and analyzing these themes can enrich one's understanding of the text.