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Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 259 · 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.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) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (b) A boy gets lost in a big crowd (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
  2. 2.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) She sings loudly without a microphone (b) It is built higher up with a moat (c) Waves keep washing the sandcastle away
  3. 3.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.
  4. 4.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) He is allowed to bring it the next day
  5. 5.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 carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  6. 6.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) On a Tuesday evening, Pooja found a puppy in her building. (b) The puppy had a collar, but no owner was nearby. (c) A boy saw a poster and came running for Rocky, his puppy.
  7. 7.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.
  8. 8.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “An aunt loses a gold earring”
    (a) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  9. 9.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy is shivering in the cold rain”
    (a) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (b) The alarm button brings help (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  10. 10.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) The alarm button brings help (b) A board held up blocks the wind (c) Wind blows away the rangoli powder
  11. 11.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) She sang so loudly that everyone could hear her. (b) Just before her turn, the microphone stopped working. (c) On Annual Day, Kavya waited to sing in the school hall.
  12. 12.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) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (b) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (c) Nobody buys anything from the stall
  13. 13.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A new girl has no friends at lunch”
    (a) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (b) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  14. 14.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) Together they changed the tyre in twenty minutes. (b) Bang! The back tyre of the car went flat. (c) On a long car trip, Yash rode along the highway.
  15. 15.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) Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab. (b) On Science Day, Ananya took her volcano to the science fair. (c) She poured in the vinegar, but nothing happened.
  16. 16.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) He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out. (b) One hot afternoon, Kabir played cricket by the village pond. (c) Farhan hit the ball so hard that it splashed into the water.
  17. 17.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) Two weeks later, nothing had come up at all. (b) One spring morning, Tara potted a bean in the school garden. (c) He helped her move the pot into the sunshine.
  18. 18.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.
  19. 19.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A bean seed does not sprout”
    (a) The pot is moved into the sunshine (b) The baker fixes one letter in icing (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  20. 20.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The seat of the park swing has cracked”
    (a) The blue splash is turned into a lake (b) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (c) Everyone sings along with her
  21. 21.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A bicycle chain slips off halfway up a hill”
    (a) The shoes are swapped back (b) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  22. 22.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) He found that he had left his homework at home. (b) One Monday morning, Aryan sat down in his classroom. (c) Ms Gill let him bring it the next day.
  23. 23.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A goat runs loose and eats the spinach”
    (a) A pond is dug to catch the rain (b) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  24. 24.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A kitten is stuck behind a water tank”
    (a) The shoes are swapped back (b) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (c) A snake rescuer carries it away safely
  25. 25.Read the story. How is the problem 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 snake is curled up in a shed (b) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (c) Posters help the owner find the puppy
  26. 26.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Her model volcano will not fizz”
    (a) His name is called on the loudspeaker (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) He changes into a clean spare uniform
  27. 27.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) One cloudy evening, Omkar heard a mew on his rooftop. (c) The kitten tiptoed out to drink the milk.
  28. 28.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) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (c) A new girl has no friends at lunch
  29. 29.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) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) The box is found under the last seat
  30. 30.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) She and an old man, Mr Iyer, solved puzzles together. (b) Her train was three hours late. (c) One foggy morning, Fatima waited at the railway station.
  31. 31.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) Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing. (b) On her birthday morning, Riya hurried to the bakery. (c) The cake said “Happy Birthday, Rita” instead of Riya!
  32. 32.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 snake rescuer carries it away safely (b) The glasses are found on top of his head (c) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses
  33. 33.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) He changes into a clean spare uniform (b) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (c) A kitten is stuck behind a water tank
  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) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (b) A baby yak wanders away from the herd (c) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  35. 35.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) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) A goat runs loose and eats the spinach
  36. 36.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy has torn a page of a library book”
    (a) Posters help the owner find the puppy (b) The torn page is mended with tape (c) The alarm button brings help
  37. 37.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner. (b) A goat broke its rope and began eating the spinach! (c) One busy morning, Manav walked to the vegetable market.
  38. 38.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 bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  39. 39.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 rubber slipper plugs the crack
  40. 40.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) One breezy evening, Tanmay played marbles in the back yard. (b) His lucky blue marble rolled into a deep drain. (c) His sister Gita stuck clay on a stick and lifted it out.

Answer key

  1. His name is called on the loudspeaker
  2. It is built higher up with a moat
  3. Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out.
  4. A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  5. A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  6. A boy saw a poster and came running for Rocky, his puppy.
  7. Isha smiled and asked Maria to share her lunch.
  8. The earring is found beside a flower stand
  9. A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  10. A board held up blocks the wind
  11. She sang so loudly that everyone could hear her.
  12. A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  13. She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
  14. Together they changed the tyre in twenty minutes.
  15. Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab.
  16. He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out.
  17. He helped her move the pot into the sunshine.
  18. She left bananas for Bholu, and he left the mangoes alone.
  19. The pot is moved into the sunshine
  20. A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  21. A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  22. Ms Gill let him bring it the next day.
  23. A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  24. A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out
  25. A snake rescuer carries it away safely
  26. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  27. The kitten tiptoed out to drink the milk.
  28. She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
  29. The box is found under the last seat
  30. She and an old man, Mr Iyer, solved puzzles together.
  31. Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing.
  32. The glasses are found on top of his head
  33. A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out
  34. Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  35. A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  36. The torn page is mended with tape
  37. The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner.
  38. The pot is moved into the sunshine
  39. The baby bird is put back in the nest
  40. His sister Gita stuck clay on a stick and lifted it out.

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