Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 12 · 40 questions

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.

1. 1.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “A puppy cannot find its owner” (a) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (c) Posters help the owner find the puppy
2. 2.Read the story. How is the problem 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) The box is found under the last seat (b) Her model volcano will not fizz (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
3. 3.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) A passing scooter sprayed mud all over his white uniform. (b) Maa quickly gave him a clean spare uniform. (c) One rainy morning, Ayaan walked down the muddy lane.
4. 4.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
   One spring morning, Tara potted a bean in the school garden. Two weeks later, nothing had come up at all. Tara asked Mr Nair, the gardener, what was wrong. He helped her move the pot into the sunshine. Soon a green shoot peeped out, and Tara danced. (a) A bean seed does not sprout (b) The pot is moved into the sunshine (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
5. 5.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
   One Sunday evening, Sahil took the lift in a tall building. The lift jerked and stopped between two floors. Sahil stayed calm and pressed the red alarm button. Mrs Bose, the guard, called the lift mechanic at once. Soon the doors opened, and Sahil stepped out safely. (a) One Sunday evening, Sahil took the lift in a tall building. (b) The lift jerked and stopped between two floors. (c) Mrs Bose, the guard, called the lift mechanic at once.
6. 6.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) A butterfly was beating its wings against the window. (b) After the lunch bell, Advik walked into the music room. (c) Tanvi waved her notebook to guide it outside.
7. 7.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (b) The baker fixes one letter in icing (c) A hard word makes her mind go blank
8. 8.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) The puppy had a collar, but no owner was nearby. (b) A boy saw a poster and came running for Rocky, his puppy. (c) On a Tuesday evening, Pooja found a puppy in her building.
9. 9.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses” (a) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
10. 10.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A kite gets stuck high up in a tree” (a) Posters help the owner find the puppy (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
11. 11.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The village well has dried up” (a) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
12. 12.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A car tyre goes flat on a long trip” (a) The baby bird is put back in the nest (b) The window is opened to let it out (c) They put on the spare tyre together
13. 13.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) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
14. 14.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 carrot leads the goat back to its owner (b) A goat runs loose and eats the spinach (c) A snake rescuer carries it away safely
15. 15.Read the story. How is the problem 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) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (b) Posters help the owner find the puppy (c) A puppy cannot find its owner
16. 16.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    One stormy night, Diya heard a whimper in a lane in Kochi. A tiny puppy was shivering under a broken cart. Diya held out a biscuit and spoke softly to it. The puppy crept out and licked her hand. Diya named him Moti and made him a warm bed. (a) A puppy is shivering in the cold rain (b) The pot is moved into the sunshine (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
17. 17.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.
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) The red box was hiding under the very last seat. (b) At lunch, Meera saw that her tiffin box was missing. (c) On a busy Monday, Meera rode the school bus to class.
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) The cake said “Happy Birthday, Rita” instead of Riya! (b) On her birthday morning, Riya hurried to the bakery. (c) Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing.
20. 20.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 seat of the park swing has cracked (b) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
21. 21.Read the story. How is the problem 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 pot is moved into the sunshine (b) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (c) A kitten is stuck behind a water tank
22. 22.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    One hot afternoon, Kabir played cricket by the village pond. Farhan hit the ball so hard that it splashed into the water. Kabir tried to reach it, but his arms were too short. He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out. Kabir and Farhan cheered and went on with the game. (a) One hot afternoon, Kabir played cricket by the village pond. (b) He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out. (c) Farhan hit the ball so hard that it splashed into the water.
23. 23.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Nobody buys anything from the stall” (a) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (b) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
24. 24.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Wind blows away the rangoli powder” (a) The glasses are found on top of his head (b) A board held up blocks the wind (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
25. 25.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A boy gets lost in a big crowd” (a) The pot is moved into the sunshine (b) His name is called on the loudspeaker (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
26. 26.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A butterfly is trapped at a window” (a) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (b) The baby bird is put back in the nest (c) The window is opened to let it out
27. 27.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) Her friend Zubin rang a bell to call people over. (b) By noon, nobody had bought a single cookie. (c) On bake sale day, Kiara set up a stall at the school gate.
28. 28.Read the story. How is the problem 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) An aunt loses a gold earring (b) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
29. 29.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.
30. 30.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    On a Friday afternoon, Dev walked into the school library. His puppy had torn a page of the book he borrowed. Dev was scared, but he told the librarian the truth. Ms Fernandes smiled and showed him how to tape it. Dev mended the page neatly and felt proud of himself. (a) A puppy has torn a page of a library book (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) The torn page is mended with tape
31. 31.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    During the Christmas holidays, Maria went to the beach. Each time she built a castle, the waves washed it away. Maria thought hard and moved further up the sand. Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out. This time Maria’s castle stood tall until sunset. (a) Each time she built a castle, the waves washed it away. (b) During the Christmas holidays, Maria went to the beach. (c) Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out.
32. 32.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    One warm evening, Imran opened the garden shed. A long snake was curled up near the door. Imran stepped back slowly and did not touch it. Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely. Imran learnt that snakes should be left to experts. (a) One warm evening, Imran opened the garden shed. (b) Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely. (c) A long snake was curled up near the door.
33. 33.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) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) Mud splashes all over a white uniform (c) He changes into a clean spare uniform
34. 34.Read the story. How is the problem 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) The box is found under the last seat (b) The window is opened to let it out (c) A tiffin box goes missing at lunch time
35. 35.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A board held up blocks the wind (b) A boat starts to leak (c) A rubber slipper plugs the crack
36. 36.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 plumber fixes the dripping tap (b) A tap keeps dripping and wasting water (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
37. 37.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    On a Friday afternoon, Dev walked into the school library. His puppy had torn a page of the book he borrowed. Dev was scared, but he told the librarian the truth. Ms Fernandes smiled and showed him how to tape it. Dev mended the page neatly and felt proud of himself. (a) On a Friday afternoon, Dev walked into the school library. (b) His puppy had torn a page of the book he borrowed. (c) Ms Fernandes smiled and showed him how to tape it.
38. 38.Read the story. How is the problem 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) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) A train is three hours late (c) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
39. 39.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Blue paint spills over a poster” (a) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake
40. 40.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A lift stops between two floors” (a) Posters help the owner find the puppy (b) He is allowed to bring it the next day (c) The alarm button brings help

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