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2 years ago in Problem Statement By Abhay R

Should the problem statement be written in a formal, objective tone, or can it convey a sense of urgency or passion?

I feel strongly about the societal issue my research addresses. Is it appropriate to use persuasive or slightly emotive language to convey its importance, or should I stick to strictly neutral, academic language to maintain objectivity?

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By Ankit Answered 1 year ago

The tone should be academically persuasive, blending objectivity with compelling argument. You can convey urgency through evidence, not emotion. For example, instead of saying "This terrible problem is ruining lives," present data: "Report X shows a 40% increase in adverse outcomes, highlighting a critical systems failure." Use strong, active verbs like "hinders," "creates a bottleneck," "limits understanding," or "fails to address." Your passion should be channeled into a rigorous demonstration of the problem's severity and consequences. Avoid subjective language ("I feel," "I believe") and let the facts you cite build the case. The most persuasive problem statements make the reader think, "This needs to be studied," based on logic and evidence, not appeal.

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