Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 24 · 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.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) Ms Fernandes smiled and showed him how to tape it. (b) On a Friday afternoon, Dev walked into the school library. (c) His puppy had torn a page of the book he borrowed.
2. 2.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) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) She sings loudly without a microphone
3. 3.Read the story. How is the problem 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) Nobody buys anything from the stall (b) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
4. 4.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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 sparrow had fallen out and was chirping loudly. (b) Dadi held the stool while she put it back in the nest. (c) One spring afternoon, Simran found a nest on her balcony.
5. 5.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “The seat of the park swing has cracked” (a) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (b) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake
6. 6.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “Waves keep washing the sandcastle away” (a) It is built higher up with a moat (b) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
7. 7.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) Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out. (b) Each time she built a castle, the waves washed it away. (c) During the Christmas holidays, Maria went to the beach.
8. 8.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “A puppy has torn a page of a library book” (a) The baker fixes one letter in icing (b) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (c) The torn page is mended with tape
9. 9.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) She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right. (b) On competition day, Nisha stood on stage in the town hall. (c) Her mind went blank on the word “necessary”.
10. 10.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) Homework is left at home (b) He is allowed to bring it the next day (c) He changes into a clean spare uniform
11. 11.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.
12. 12.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
13. 13.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Her model volcano will not fizz” (a) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) A snake rescuer carries it away safely
14. 14.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) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (b) The seat of the park swing has cracked (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
15. 15.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (b) The alarm button brings help (c) A kite gets stuck high up in a tree
16. 16.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) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (b) A kitten is stuck behind a water tank (c) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out
17. 17.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) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (c) A tap keeps dripping and wasting water
18. 18.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Blue paint spills over a poster” (a) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (b) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake
19. 19.Read the story. How is the problem 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) The lights go out and her little brother cries (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
20. 20.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Mud splashes all over a white uniform” (a) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (b) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (c) He changes into a clean spare uniform
21. 21.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) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) A puppy is shivering in the cold rain (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
22. 22.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) The old well had dried up, and people had no water. (b) In the dry season, Lakshmi walked to the village square. (c) Raju and the others dug every evening for a month.
23. 23.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses” (a) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
24. 24.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) Ms Gill let him bring it the next day. (c) He found that he had left his homework at home.
25. 25.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) One quiet Sunday, Saanvi was visiting her grandpa’s flat. (b) Grandpa could not find his reading glasses anywhere. (c) At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head!
26. 26.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) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (b) The cricket ball splashes into a pond (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
27. 27.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) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (b) Solving puzzles together passes the time (c) A train is three hours late
28. 28.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) On a hot summer night, Sneha read in her flat in Pune. (b) Her brother Arjun giggled at a shadow rabbit. (c) Suddenly the lights went out, and her little brother cried.
29. 29.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) She knew nobody and sat all alone at lunch. (b) On the first day of school, Isha walked into a new school. (c) Isha smiled and asked Maria to share her lunch.
30. 30.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Wind blows away the rangoli powder” (a) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (b) His name is called on the loudspeaker (c) A board held up blocks the wind
31. 31.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A kite gets stuck high up in a tree” (a) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (b) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (c) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
32. 32.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) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (b) Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
33. 33.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A marble rolls into a deep drain” (a) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
34. 34.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A tiffin box goes missing at lunch time” (a) The baby bird is put back in the nest (b) Everyone sings along with her (c) The box is found under the last seat
35. 35.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) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (b) The glasses are found on top of his head (c) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses
36. 36.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) A long snake was curled up near the door. (b) Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely. (c) One warm evening, Imran opened the garden shed.
37. 37.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) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (b) A bean seed does not sprout (c) The pot is moved into the sunshine
38. 38.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) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (b) The village well has dried up (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
39. 39.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) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (c) Everyone sings along with her
40. 40.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) His name is called on the loudspeaker (b) A boy gets lost in a big crowd (c) A board held up blocks the wind

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