← The solution in a story lesson New set →

Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 104 · 40 questions
TalentJR

Writer's tip (Problem → solution): First find the problem. Then find the part where the problem is fixed — usually the sentence just before the ending. The solution must fix THIS problem; a fix for something else does not count.

NameDateTime takenScore ___ / 40
  1. 1.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    On a Tuesday evening, Pooja found a puppy in her building. The puppy had a collar, but no owner was nearby. Pooja drew posters and stuck them on every gate. A boy saw a poster and came running for Rocky, his puppy. Pooja waved goodbye as Rocky wagged his tail.
    (a) On a Tuesday evening, Pooja found a puppy in her building. (b) The puppy had a collar, but no owner was nearby. (c) A boy saw a poster and came running for Rocky, his puppy.
  2. 2.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A butterfly is trapped at a window”
    (a) Everyone sings along with her (b) The torn page is mended with tape (c) The window is opened to let it out
  3. 3.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A bean seed does not sprout”
    (a) Posters help the owner find the puppy (b) The pot is moved into the sunshine (c) The window is opened to let it out
  4. 4.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    On Craft Day, Rahul was painting a poster in the art room. He bumped a jar, and blue paint spilled everywhere. Rahul was upset, but his friend Simran had an idea. They turned the big blue splash into a lake. Rahul’s poster with the lake won first prize.
    (a) They turned the big blue splash into a lake. (b) On Craft Day, Rahul was painting a poster in the art room. (c) He bumped a jar, and blue paint spilled everywhere.
  5. 5.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    One rainy morning, Ayaan walked down the muddy lane. A passing scooter sprayed mud all over his white uniform. Ayaan ran home and told Maa what had happened. Maa quickly gave him a clean spare uniform. Ayaan reached school just as the bell rang.
    (a) He changes into a clean spare uniform (b) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) Mud splashes all over a white uniform
  6. 6.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees”
    (a) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (b) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  7. 7.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    On Sports Day, Neel lined up at the sports ground. His running shoes had been mixed up, and they were too big! Neel did not panic and looked at the names inside. Coach Iqbal swapped them back with a boy in the next lane. Neel ran in the right shoes and came second.
    (a) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) His running shoes are the wrong size (c) The shoes are swapped back
  8. 8.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    During a dry summer, Aisha saw a problem in the washroom. A tap was dripping, and water was being wasted. Aisha wrote a note and took it to the principal. Mr Khan, the plumber, fixed the tap the next day. Aisha smiled, because every drop of water matters.
    (a) During a dry summer, Aisha saw a problem in the washroom. (b) A tap was dripping, and water was being wasted. (c) Mr Khan, the plumber, fixed the tap the next day.
  9. 9.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    After the lunch bell, Advik walked into the music room. A butterfly was beating its wings against the window. Advik opened the window wide and stepped back. Tanvi waved her notebook to guide it outside. Advik watched the butterfly flutter away into the sky.
    (a) After the lunch bell, Advik walked into the music room. (b) Tanvi waved her notebook to guide it outside. (c) A butterfly was beating its wings against the window.
  10. 10.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy is shivering in the cold rain”
    (a) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (b) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  11. 11.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    One bright morning, Anjali went boating on the backwaters. Water began to seep in through a crack in the boat. Anjali pressed her rubber slipper hard over the crack. Appa rowed fast to the shore while she held it there. Back on land, Anjali and Appa laughed with relief.
    (a) Water began to seep in through a crack in the boat. (b) One bright morning, Anjali went boating on the backwaters. (c) Appa rowed fast to the shore while she held it there.
  12. 12.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A baby yak wanders away from the herd”
    (a) The window is opened to let it out (b) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  13. 13.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    On Annual Day, Kavya waited to sing in the school hall. Just before her turn, the microphone stopped working. Kavya took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage. She sang so loudly that everyone could hear her. Imran and the whole hall clapped for Kavya.
    (a) The microphone stops working before her song (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) She sings loudly without a microphone
  14. 14.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    During a dry summer, Aisha saw a problem in the washroom. A tap was dripping, and water was being wasted. Aisha wrote a note and took it to the principal. Mr Khan, the plumber, fixed the tap the next day. Aisha smiled, because every drop of water matters.
    (a) A tap keeps dripping and wasting water (b) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  15. 15.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    On a Wednesday evening, Meher went to the music school. She was too shy to sing in front of the others. Meher closed her eyes and pictured singing at home. Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her. Meher sang the whole song and felt brave.
    (a) She is too shy to sing in front of others (b) Posters help the owner find the puppy (c) Everyone sings along with her
  16. 16.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    One summer holiday, Priya stayed at Nani’s orchard. Every morning, ripe mangoes were missing from the trees. Priya hid behind a bush and saw a monkey, Bholu, take one. She left bananas for Bholu, and he left the mangoes alone. Priya and Nani laughed at the clever plan.
    (a) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (b) Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  17. 17.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A tiffin box goes missing at lunch time”
    (a) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) The box is found under the last seat
  18. 18.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    On a busy Monday, Meera rode the school bus to class. At lunch, Meera saw that her tiffin box was missing. Meera and her friend Tenzin searched seat by seat. The red box was hiding under the very last seat. Meera shared her parathas with Tenzin to say thank you.
    (a) On a busy Monday, Meera rode the school bus to class. (b) The red box was hiding under the very last seat. (c) At lunch, Meera saw that her tiffin box was missing.
  19. 19.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    On her birthday morning, Riya hurried to the bakery. The cake said “Happy Birthday, Rita” instead of Riya! Riya laughed and asked politely if it could be fixed. Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing. Riya carried home a cake with her name spelt right.
    (a) Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing. (b) The cake said “Happy Birthday, Rita” instead of Riya! (c) On her birthday morning, Riya hurried to the bakery.
  20. 20.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    On Science Day, Ananya took her volcano to the science fair. She poured in the vinegar, but nothing happened. Ananya stayed calm and checked every jar again. Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab. This time the volcano fizzed, and Ananya won a prize.
    (a) On Science Day, Ananya took her volcano to the science fair. (b) Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab. (c) She poured in the vinegar, but nothing happened.
  21. 21.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    On a crowded evening, Vihaan went to the city fair. He stopped to watch a juggler and lost his dad. Vihaan stayed calm and went to a lady in uniform. Officer Kaur called his name on the loudspeaker. In five minutes, Vihaan’s dad came running to him.
    (a) A boy gets lost in a big crowd (b) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
  22. 22.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A boat starts to leak”
    (a) The baker fixes one letter in icing (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) The pot is moved into the sunshine
  23. 23.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    One windy afternoon, Aarav flew his kite in the playground. A strong gust blew the kite into the top of a neem tree. Aarav jumped and jumped, but he could not reach it. His friend Kiran brought a bamboo pole to poke it free. Aarav thanked Kiran, and the kite flew high again.
    (a) One windy afternoon, Aarav flew his kite in the playground. (b) His friend Kiran brought a bamboo pole to poke it free. (c) A strong gust blew the kite into the top of a neem tree.
  24. 24.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A snake is curled up in a shed”
    (a) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (b) Everyone sings along with her (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
  25. 25.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    On a Wednesday evening, Meher went to the music school. She was too shy to sing in front of the others. Meher closed her eyes and pictured singing at home. Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her. Meher sang the whole song and felt brave.
    (a) She was too shy to sing in front of the others. (b) Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her. (c) On a Wednesday evening, Meher went to the music school.
  26. 26.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    One quiet Sunday, Saanvi was visiting her grandpa’s flat. Grandpa could not find his reading glasses anywhere. Saanvi looked under the sofa and behind every cushion. At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head! Grandpa chuckled and gave Saanvi a big hug.
    (a) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses (b) The glasses are found on top of his head (c) They put on the spare tyre together
  27. 27.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A train is three hours late”
    (a) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (b) Solving puzzles together passes the time (c) The shoes are swapped back
  28. 28.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    One busy morning, Manav walked to the vegetable market. A goat broke its rope and began eating the spinach! Manav ran after the goat and held out a carrot. The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner. Lakshmi gave Manav a bunch of carrots as thanks.
    (a) The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner. (b) One busy morning, Manav walked to the vegetable market. (c) A goat broke its rope and began eating the spinach!
  29. 29.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    One cloudy evening, Omkar heard a mew on his rooftop. A little kitten was stuck behind a water tank. Omkar spoke softly and put a saucer of milk nearby. The kitten tiptoed out to drink the milk. Omkar named her Pixie and gave her a cosy box.
    (a) The kitten tiptoed out to drink the milk. (b) One cloudy evening, Omkar heard a mew on his rooftop. (c) A little kitten was stuck behind a water tank.
  30. 30.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    On a long car trip, Yash rode along the highway. Bang! The back tyre of the car went flat. Yash held the torch while Uncle Ravi took out the spare. Together they changed the tyre in twenty minutes. Yash was proud he had helped, and the trip went on.
    (a) On a long car trip, Yash rode along the highway. (b) Together they changed the tyre in twenty minutes. (c) Bang! The back tyre of the car went flat.
  31. 31.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    On bake sale day, Kiara set up a stall at the school gate. By noon, nobody had bought a single cookie. Kiara made a bright sign that said “Fresh Cookies!” Her friend Zubin rang a bell to call people over. Soon Kiara had sold every cookie for the library fund.
    (a) On bake sale day, Kiara set up a stall at the school gate. (b) Her friend Zubin rang a bell to call people over. (c) By noon, nobody had bought a single cookie.
  32. 32.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Wind blows away the rangoli powder”
    (a) A board held up blocks the wind (b) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  33. 33.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    One busy morning, Manav walked to the vegetable market. A goat broke its rope and began eating the spinach! Manav ran after the goat and held out a carrot. The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner. Lakshmi gave Manav a bunch of carrots as thanks.
    (a) A pond is dug to catch the rain (b) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) A goat runs loose and eats the spinach
  34. 34.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    One sunny morning, Rohan cycled up the hill road. Halfway up, the chain of his bicycle slipped off. Rohan sat down and studied the chain slowly. Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it. Rohan rode on, proud that he could fix a chain now.
    (a) A bicycle chain slips off halfway up a hill (b) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  35. 35.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    On competition day, Nisha stood on stage in the town hall. Her mind went blank on the word “necessary”. Nisha recalled the rhyme Mrs Sen had taught her. She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right. Nisha won the silver cup and thanked Mrs Sen.
    (a) On competition day, Nisha stood on stage in the town hall. (b) Her mind went blank on the word “necessary”. (c) She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right.
  36. 36.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    On Pongal morning, Aditi drew a rangoli on the front step. A gust of wind blew the coloured powder everywhere. Aditi did not give up and started all over again. Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind. By noon, Aditi’s rangoli was the brightest on the street.
    (a) A board held up blocks the wind (b) Wind blows away the rangoli powder (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  37. 37.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    Early one Saturday, Ishaan ran to the colony park. The seat of the old swing had cracked in two. Ishaan asked the other children to help him mend it. Mrs Rao gave them a strong plank and some rope. By noon, Ishaan was swinging high on the new seat.
    (a) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (c) The seat of the park swing has cracked
  38. 38.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    On a festive night, Zoya danced in the wedding hall. Aunt Lata cried out that she had lost a gold earring. Zoya looked carefully under every chair and table. The earring was shining beside the flower stand. Zoya gave it back, and Aunt Lata thanked her warmly.
    (a) Aunt Lata cried out that she had lost a gold earring. (b) The earring was shining beside the flower stand. (c) On a festive night, Zoya danced in the wedding hall.
  39. 39.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    One foggy morning, Fatima waited at the railway station. Her train was three hours late. Fatima opened her bag and found a book of puzzles. She and an old man, Mr Iyer, solved puzzles together. The train came, and Fatima had made a new friend.
    (a) One foggy morning, Fatima waited at the railway station. (b) Her train was three hours late. (c) She and an old man, Mr Iyer, solved puzzles together.
  40. 40.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    On Craft Day, Rahul was painting a poster in the art room. He bumped a jar, and blue paint spilled everywhere. Rahul was upset, but his friend Simran had an idea. They turned the big blue splash into a lake. Rahul’s poster with the lake won first prize.
    (a) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (b) Blue paint spills over a poster (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake

Answer key

  1. A boy saw a poster and came running for Rocky, his puppy.
  2. The window is opened to let it out
  3. The pot is moved into the sunshine
  4. They turned the big blue splash into a lake.
  5. He changes into a clean spare uniform
  6. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  7. The shoes are swapped back
  8. Mr Khan, the plumber, fixed the tap the next day.
  9. Tanvi waved her notebook to guide it outside.
  10. A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  11. Appa rowed fast to the shore while she held it there.
  12. Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  13. She sings loudly without a microphone
  14. A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  15. Everyone sings along with her
  16. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  17. The box is found under the last seat
  18. The red box was hiding under the very last seat.
  19. Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing.
  20. Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab.
  21. His name is called on the loudspeaker
  22. A rubber slipper plugs the crack
  23. His friend Kiran brought a bamboo pole to poke it free.
  24. A snake rescuer carries it away safely
  25. Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her.
  26. The glasses are found on top of his head
  27. Solving puzzles together passes the time
  28. The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner.
  29. The kitten tiptoed out to drink the milk.
  30. Together they changed the tyre in twenty minutes.
  31. Her friend Zubin rang a bell to call people over.
  32. A board held up blocks the wind
  33. A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  34. A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  35. She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right.
  36. A board held up blocks the wind
  37. A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  38. The earring was shining beside the flower stand.
  39. She and an old man, Mr Iyer, solved puzzles together.
  40. The blue splash is turned into a lake

Free creative writing lessons, practice and worksheets at talentjr.in/creative-writing-for-kids