What is the difference between part and component?

English as a Second Language English Teacher Explanations (ESL Tests)
#1

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #181 [color=blue]“Facts about pizza in the US: pizza industry expressions”, question 8

Pepperoni is the pizza … that Americans like the most.

(a) component
(b) topping
© part
(d) element

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #181 [color=blue]“Facts about pizza in the US: pizza industry expressions”, answer 8

Pepperoni is the pizza topping that Americans like the most.

Correct answer: (b) topping

Your answer was: [color=red]incorrect
Pepperoni is the pizza component that Americans like the most.
[size=200]_________________________[/size]

Hi,
I didn`t understand the meaning of this word…
Will you please explain me?

Zarinamo

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#2

Hello Zarinamo,

A “part” is any amount of a thing that is less than the whole thing.

A “component” is a distinct part of a more complex entity. Thus a pc consists of “components”.

An “element” is much the same as “component”; though it has a sense of “something irreducible”.

A “topping” is an additional layer on top of a foodstuff. There are innumerable possible toppings for pizza: bacon, chicken, beef, chorizo, mushrooms, garlic, feta cheese, etc.

All 4 answers are possible, in this question: but “toppings” is the usual term for “things that are on top of pizza”.

Best wishes,

MrP

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#3

Thank you very much MrPedantic. Now it is clear.

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#5

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Back in February, Home Secretary Priti Patel said that workers earning less than £25,000 are “low-skilled” and, if immigrants, unfit to enter Britain. Turns out that includes nurses, paramedics, radiographers and social carers - NHS staff on whom our lives literally depend.

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