Re: Question and problem

Posted by futari on 2007/2/5 2:20:43

· Both "question" and "problem" can apply to a group of words asking for information, needing an answer, including those in a test, often INTERCHANGEABLE, but "question" is more general, while "problem" refers to a question especially connected with numbers and facts.

· Both "question" and "problem" can apply to a difficulty or matter to be settled, often INTERCHANGEABLE. "Question" is more general, while "problem" often refers specifically to a (serious) difficulty that needs attention and thought.

· The word "**question" alone can apply to doubt or uncertainty.

[QUESTION]
= a matter for discussion (討論的題目/問題)
= a problem requiring solution (需要解決的問題)
(e.g.) The question is now being discussed.
(e.g.) The discussion left the central question and ran into side issues.
(e.g.) The long outstanding questions have thus been successfully adjusted.
(e.g.) I asked you a question, but you didn't answer.
(e.g.) His first question was whether she was married.
(e.g.) There are 60 questions in the written test.
(e.g.) There was some **question about his qualification.
(e.g.) His honesty is beyond all **question.
(e.g.) The very existence of the rare species is in **question.
(e.g.) The urgent question/issue is whether to ban induced abortion.

[PROBLEM]
= a doubtful or difficult question
(e.g.) The problem is now being tackled in earnest.
(e.g.) I correctly worked out a problem in mathematics.
(e.g.) The selection of a school is an important problem.
(e.g.) simple problems in addition and subtraction
(e.g.) Perhaps time alone can solve the problem.
(e.g.) The unemployment problem is worsening.

(Note: 解數學題、物理題, 一般用"solve" the "problem"; 答英語題、歷史題, 一般用"answer" the "question"。)

HTH.