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Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 122 · 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.

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  1. 1.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The seat of the park swing has cracked”
    (a) The baker fixes one letter in icing (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  2. 2.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) Her mind went blank on the word “necessary”. (b) On competition day, Nisha stood on stage in the town hall. (c) She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right.
  3. 3.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (b) It is built higher up with a moat (c) Waves keep washing the sandcastle away
  4. 4.Read the story. How is the problem 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) The alarm button brings help (b) A lift stops between two floors (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  5. 5.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A car tyre goes flat on a long trip (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) They put on the spare tyre together
  6. 6.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) A tiffin box goes missing at lunch time (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
  7. 7.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) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) Everyone sings along with her (c) She is too shy to sing in front of others
  8. 8.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) Appa rowed fast to the shore while she held it there. (c) One bright morning, Anjali went boating on the backwaters.
  9. 9.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) On a Wednesday evening, Meher went to the music school. (b) Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her. (c) She was too shy to sing in front of the others.
  10. 10.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) On her birthday morning, Riya hurried to the bakery. (b) The cake said “Happy Birthday, Rita” instead of Riya! (c) Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing.
  11. 11.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) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  12. 12.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy is shivering in the cold rain”
    (a) The alarm button brings help (b) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  13. 13.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy cannot find its owner”
    (a) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (b) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) Posters help the owner find the puppy
  14. 14.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Homework is left at home”
    (a) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (c) He is allowed to bring it the next day
  15. 15.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees”
    (a) A board held up blocks the wind (b) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (c) He is allowed to bring it the next day
  16. 16.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) The cricket ball splashes into a pond (c) The torn page is mended with tape
  17. 17.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A butterfly is trapped at a window”
    (a) The window is opened to let it out (b) The box is found under the last seat (c) Everyone sings along with her
  18. 18.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The lights go out and her little brother cries”
    (a) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) The box is found under the last seat (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
  19. 19.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) On Pongal morning, Aditi drew a rangoli on the front step. (b) A gust of wind blew the coloured powder everywhere. (c) Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind.
  20. 20.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) On a festive night, Zoya danced in the wedding hall. (b) Aunt Lata cried out that she had lost a gold earring. (c) The earring was shining beside the flower stand.
  21. 21.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) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (b) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) Mud splashes all over a white uniform
  22. 22.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) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  23. 23.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) At lunch, Meera saw that her tiffin box was missing. (b) The red box was hiding under the very last seat. (c) On a busy Monday, Meera rode the school bus to class.
  24. 24.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy has torn a page of a library book”
    (a) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) The glasses are found on top of his head (c) The torn page is mended with tape
  25. 25.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) She poured in the vinegar, but nothing happened. (b) On Science Day, Ananya took her volcano to the science fair. (c) Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab.
  26. 26.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The wrong name is written on a cake”
    (a) The baker fixes one letter in icing (b) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) The alarm button brings help
  27. 27.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A baby yak wanders away from the herd”
    (a) It is built higher up with a moat (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  28. 28.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) On Annual Day, Kavya waited to sing in the school hall. (b) She sang so loudly that everyone could hear her. (c) Just before her turn, the microphone stopped working.
  29. 29.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The microphone stops working before her song”
    (a) He changes into a clean spare uniform (b) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  30. 30.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “His running shoes are the wrong size”
    (a) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (b) The shoes are swapped back (c) A board held up blocks the wind
  31. 31.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “She is too shy to sing in front of others”
    (a) Everyone sings along with her (b) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (c) Solving puzzles together passes the time
  32. 32.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) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (b) Her model volcano will not fizz (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  33. 33.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 rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  34. 34.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    One misty dawn, Tenzin woke up in his hill village. A baby yak had wandered away from the herd. Tenzin followed its hoofprints down the muddy path. He found it by a stream and gently led it back. His sister Pema gave Tenzin the first cup of butter tea.
    (a) A board held up blocks the wind (b) A baby yak wanders away from the herd (c) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  35. 35.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) Every morning, ripe mangoes were missing from the trees. (b) One summer holiday, Priya stayed at Nani’s orchard. (c) She left bananas for Bholu, and he left the mangoes alone.
  36. 36.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) She sings loudly without a microphone (b) A board held up blocks the wind (c) The microphone stops working before her song
  37. 37.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) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (b) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
  38. 38.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Her model volcano will not fizz”
    (a) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) The baby bird is put back in the nest (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  39. 39.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 goat runs loose and eats the spinach (b) Posters help the owner find the puppy (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  40. 40.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    On the first day of school, Isha walked into a new school. She knew nobody and sat all alone at lunch. Then Isha saw another girl sitting alone too. Isha smiled and asked Maria to share her lunch. By evening, Isha and Maria were best friends.
    (a) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) A new girl has no friends at lunch (c) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch

Answer key

  1. A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  2. She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right.
  3. It is built higher up with a moat
  4. The alarm button brings help
  5. They put on the spare tyre together
  6. The box is found under the last seat
  7. Everyone sings along with her
  8. Appa rowed fast to the shore while she held it there.
  9. Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her.
  10. Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing.
  11. The earring is found beside a flower stand
  12. A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  13. Posters help the owner find the puppy
  14. He is allowed to bring it the next day
  15. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  16. A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  17. The window is opened to let it out
  18. Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
  19. Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind.
  20. The earring was shining beside the flower stand.
  21. He changes into a clean spare uniform
  22. A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  23. The red box was hiding under the very last seat.
  24. The torn page is mended with tape
  25. Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab.
  26. The baker fixes one letter in icing
  27. Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  28. She sang so loudly that everyone could hear her.
  29. She sings loudly without a microphone
  30. The shoes are swapped back
  31. Everyone sings along with her
  32. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  33. A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  34. Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  35. She left bananas for Bholu, and he left the mangoes alone.
  36. She sings loudly without a microphone
  37. The glasses are found on top of his head
  38. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  39. A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  40. She makes a friend by sharing her lunch

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