Actual vs. topical

[Mimi]

Test No. errors/inter-1 "Save money now", question 9

I read today in my newspaper the topical words that the President spoke at the meeting.

(a) read
(b) my
(c) topical
(d) spoke

Test No. errors/inter-1 "Save money now", answer 9

I read today in my newspaper the actual words that the President spoke at the meeting.

Correct entry: actual
The error was: (c) topical
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Dear Mr. Alan,
What is the meaning of "actual words"?
Why we can say "topical articles", but can't say "topical words"?
Thank

[Alan]

Actual words in this sentence means the exact words that the President used. Topical describes something that is up to date or refers to something happening now. A topical television programme would deal with events that are current.
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English as a Second Language
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