Problem Statement Section
Purdue OWL describes a problem statement as a move that helps readers understand why a document or project matters by making the problem and its significance clear. A separate heading is not universal; the problem statement may be a paragraph or move within an introduction, proposal, or other section depending on the genre.
A Problem Statement section identifies the specific problem the project addresses and makes clear why that problem is important enough to investigate or solve.
Key details
Important caveats
Scope Boundary
A separate heading is not universal; the problem statement may be a paragraph or move within an introduction, proposal, or other section depending on the genre.
Further guidance
Content
State the problem precisely, give the context readers need, and connect the problem to its significance rather than turning the section into a broad topic summary.
Practical Application
Write a problem statement so the reader can identify both the specific problem and why it matters. Use a separate heading only when the genre, assignment, or house structure calls for one.
Purpose
A Problem Statement section identifies the specific problem the project addresses and makes clear why that problem is important enough to investigate or solve.
Reader Check
Check for two distinct elements: a concrete problem and its significance. If the paragraph only announces a topic or jumps directly to a solution, the problem statement is incomplete.
Worked Example
Weak: “This report discusses delayed approvals.” Stronger: “Approval handoffs add two days to each release, causing missed publication windows and repeated rework.”
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- SURF Workshop Resources: Problem Statements (opens in a new tab)Purdue Online Writing Lab · University writing guidance on problem statements as a move that establishes why a document or project matters to its audience.