Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 155 · 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 lift stops between two floors” (a) The alarm button brings help (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
2. 2.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.
3. 3.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 baby bird is put back in the nest (b) A lift stops between two floors (c) The alarm button brings help
4. 4.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
   On a hot summer night, Sneha read in her flat in Pune. Suddenly the lights went out, and her little brother cried. Sneha found a torch and made shadow animals on the wall. Her brother Arjun giggled at a shadow rabbit. Sneha told stories until the lights came back on. (a) Her brother Arjun giggled at a shadow rabbit. (b) On a hot summer night, Sneha read in her flat in Pune. (c) Suddenly the lights went out, and her little brother cried.
5. 5.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) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (c) A hard word makes her mind go blank
6. 6.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “A train is three hours late” (a) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (b) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) Solving puzzles together passes the time
7. 7.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
   One Monday morning, Aryan sat down in his classroom. He found that he had left his homework at home. Aryan told Ms Gill the truth before she even asked. Ms Gill let him bring it the next day. Aryan made a checklist so he would never forget again. (a) One Monday morning, Aryan sat down in his classroom. (b) He found that he had left his homework at home. (c) Ms Gill let him bring it the next day.
8. 8.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
   One breezy evening, Tanmay played marbles in the back yard. His lucky blue marble rolled into a deep drain. Tanmay could not reach it with his arm or a stick. His sister Gita stuck clay on a stick and lifted it out. Tanmay thanked Gita and kept his marble safe. (a) His lucky blue marble rolled into a deep drain. (b) His sister Gita stuck clay on a stick and lifted it out. (c) One breezy evening, Tanmay played marbles in the back yard.
9. 9.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) Solving puzzles together passes the time (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
10. 10.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) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) An aunt loses a gold earring
11. 11.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) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) The pot is moved into the sunshine
12. 12.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The lights go out and her little brother cries” (a) The glasses are found on top of his head (b) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
13. 13.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 snake rescuer carries it away safely
14. 14.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A baby bird falls out of its nest” (a) The torn page is mended with tape (b) Posters help the owner find the puppy (c) The baby bird is put back in the nest
15. 15.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A tiffin box goes missing at lunch time” (a) Posters help the owner find the puppy (b) The box is found under the last seat (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
16. 16.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) The baker fixes one letter in icing (b) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) Blue paint spills over a poster
17. 17.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A pond is dug to catch the rain (b) The wrong name is written on a cake (c) The baker fixes one letter in icing
18. 18.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) Early one Saturday, Ishaan ran to the colony park. (b) Mrs Rao gave them a strong plank and some rope. (c) The seat of the old swing had cracked in two.
19. 19.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    In the dry season, Lakshmi walked to the village square. The old well had dried up, and people had no water. Lakshmi asked everyone to dig a pond to catch the rain. Raju and the others dug every evening for a month. When the rains came, Lakshmi’s pond filled to the brim. (a) In the dry season, Lakshmi walked to the village square. (b) Raju and the others dug every evening for a month. (c) The old well had dried up, and people had no water.
20. 20.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) Farhan hit the ball so hard that it splashed into the water. (b) He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out. (c) One hot afternoon, Kabir played cricket by the village pond.
21. 21.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    One spring afternoon, Simran found a nest on her balcony. A baby sparrow had fallen out and was chirping loudly. Simran put on gloves and lifted it very gently. Dadi held the stool while she put it back in the nest. Simran smiled as the mother sparrow flew home. (a) A baby bird falls out of its nest (b) The baby bird is put back in the nest (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
22. 22.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) The cricket ball splashes into a pond (b) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
23. 23.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A bicycle chain slips off halfway up a hill” (a) The alarm button brings help (b) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
24. 24.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) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (b) His running shoes are the wrong size (c) The shoes are swapped back
25. 25.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) Her model volcano will not fizz (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
26. 26.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) He bumped a jar, and blue paint spilled everywhere. (b) They turned the big blue splash into a lake. (c) On Craft Day, Rahul was painting a poster in the art room.
27. 27.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.
28. 28.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees” (a) Posters help the owner find the puppy (b) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
29. 29.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Nobody buys anything from the stall” (a) His name is called on the loudspeaker (b) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
30. 30.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    One Monday morning, Aryan sat down in his classroom. He found that he had left his homework at home. Aryan told Ms Gill the truth before she even asked. Ms Gill let him bring it the next day. Aryan made a checklist so he would never forget again. (a) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) The torn page is mended with tape (c) Homework is left at home
31. 31.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    In the dry season, Lakshmi walked to the village square. The old well had dried up, and people had no water. Lakshmi asked everyone to dig a pond to catch the rain. Raju and the others dug every evening for a month. When the rains came, Lakshmi’s pond filled to the brim. (a) The village well has dried up (b) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
32. 32.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.
33. 33.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) The earring was shining beside the flower stand. (b) Aunt Lata cried out that she had lost a gold earring. (c) On a festive night, Zoya danced in the wedding hall.
34. 34.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.
35. 35.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) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) The microphone stops working before her song (c) She sings loudly without a microphone
36. 36.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) Just before her turn, the microphone stopped working. (b) On Annual Day, Kavya waited to sing in the school hall. (c) She sang so loudly that everyone could hear her.
37. 37.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The wrong name is written on a cake” (a) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (b) The baker fixes one letter in icing (c) The pot is moved into the sunshine
38. 38.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 bright sign and a bell bring buyers
39. 39.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A baby yak wanders away from the herd” (a) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (b) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (c) Posters help the owner find the puppy
40. 40.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) One misty dawn, Tenzin woke up in his hill village. (b) A baby yak had wandered away from the herd. (c) He found it by a stream and gently led it back.

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