Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 250 · 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. 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) His name is called on the loudspeaker (c) A strong plank and rope make a new seat
2. 2.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.
3. 3.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) Her train was three hours late. (b) One foggy morning, Fatima waited at the railway station. (c) She and an old man, Mr Iyer, solved puzzles together.
4. 4.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “A bean seed does not sprout” (a) The pot is moved into the sunshine (b) It is built higher up with a moat (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
5. 5.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) A little kitten was stuck behind a water tank. (b) The kitten tiptoed out to drink the milk. (c) One cloudy evening, Omkar heard a mew on his rooftop.
6. 6.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) Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing. (c) The cake said “Happy Birthday, Rita” instead of Riya!
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) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (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 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) Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out. (c) During the Christmas holidays, Maria went to the beach.
9. 9.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) She sings loudly without a microphone (b) A goat runs loose and eats the spinach (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
10. 10.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) On a Tuesday evening, Pooja found a puppy in her building. (c) A boy saw a poster and came running for Rocky, his puppy.
11. 11.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) By noon, nobody had bought a single cookie. (b) Her friend Zubin rang a bell to call people over. (c) On bake sale day, Kiara set up a stall at the school gate.
12. 12.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.
13. 13.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) His running shoes had been mixed up, and they were too big! (b) Coach Iqbal swapped them back with a boy in the next lane. (c) On Sports Day, Neel lined up at the sports ground.
14. 14.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) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
15. 15.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.
16. 16.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A new girl has no friends at lunch” (a) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (b) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
17. 17.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) The torn page is mended with tape (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
18. 18.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A car tyre goes flat on a long trip” (a) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
19. 19.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) The wrong name is written on a cake (b) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (c) The baker fixes one letter in icing
20. 20.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) Mr Khan, the plumber, fixed the tap the next day. (c) A tap was dripping, and water was being wasted.
21. 21.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 farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) A hard word makes her mind go blank
22. 22.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) Mud splashes all over a white uniform (c) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
23. 23.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.
24. 24.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) Wind blows away the rangoli powder (b) A board held up blocks the wind (c) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
25. 25.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) A tiffin box goes missing at lunch time (b) He is allowed to bring it the next day (c) The box is found under the last seat
26. 26.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A boat starts to leak” (a) They put on the spare tyre together (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
27. 27.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) On a busy Monday, Meera rode the school bus to class. (c) The red box was hiding under the very last seat.
28. 28.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) They put on the spare tyre together (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
29. 29.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.
30. 30.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) Maa quickly gave him a clean spare uniform. (b) One rainy morning, Ayaan walked down the muddy lane. (c) A passing scooter sprayed mud all over his white uniform.
31. 31.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “An aunt loses a gold earring” (a) The box is found under the last seat (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
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) A long snake was curled up near the door. (c) Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely.
33. 33.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A tap keeps dripping and wasting water” (a) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) The pot is moved into the sunshine
34. 34.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Wind blows away the rangoli powder” (a) A board held up blocks the wind (b) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
35. 35.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A kitten is stuck behind a water tank” (a) The box is found under the last seat (b) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (c) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out
36. 36.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) One summer holiday, Priya stayed at Nani’s orchard. (b) She left bananas for Bholu, and he left the mangoes alone. (c) Every morning, ripe mangoes were missing from the trees.
37. 37.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) Everyone sings along with her (b) She is too shy to sing in front of others (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
38. 38.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) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (b) The torn page is mended with tape (c) A baby yak wanders away from the herd
39. 39.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) The torn page is mended with tape (c) A rubber slipper plugs the crack
40. 40.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “His running shoes are the wrong size” (a) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) A board held up blocks the wind (c) The shoes are swapped back

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