Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 305 · 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?
   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.
2. 2.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “A boat starts to leak” (a) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (b) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
3. 3.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) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
4. 4.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) On Craft Day, Rahul was painting a poster in the art room. (c) They turned the big blue splash into a lake.
5. 5.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 kite gets stuck high up in a tree (b) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake
6. 6.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “A goat runs loose and eats the spinach” (a) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (b) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
7. 7.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 bright sign and a bell bring buyers (b) A boy gets lost in a big crowd (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
8. 8.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) He helped her move the pot into the sunshine. (c) One spring morning, Tara potted a bean in the school garden.
9. 9.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) The microphone stops working before her song (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
10. 10.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.
11. 11.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) Blue paint spills over a poster (b) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake
12. 12.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The village well has dried up” (a) The pot is moved into the sunshine (b) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
13. 13.Read the story. How is the problem 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) They put on the spare tyre together (b) Posters help the owner find the puppy (c) A puppy cannot find its owner
14. 14.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A new girl has no friends at lunch” (a) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (b) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (c) She sings loudly without a microphone
15. 15.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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 lift jerked and stopped between two floors. (b) Mrs Bose, the guard, called the lift mechanic at once. (c) One Sunday evening, Sahil took the lift in a tall building.
16. 16.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) The glasses are found on top of his head (b) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (c) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses
17. 17.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) A board held up blocks the wind (b) Wind blows away the rangoli powder (c) He changes into a clean spare uniform
18. 18.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) On Sports Day, Neel lined up at the sports ground. (c) Coach Iqbal swapped them back with a boy in the next lane.
19. 19.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Homework is left at home” (a) The baker fixes one letter in icing (b) He is allowed to bring it the next day (c) The baby bird is put back in the nest
20. 20.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The cricket ball splashes into a pond” (a) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) The baby bird is put back in the nest (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
21. 21.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 baker fixes one letter in icing (b) The wrong name is written on a cake (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
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) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) He is allowed to bring it the next day (c) The cricket ball splashes into a pond
23. 23.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Waves keep washing the sandcastle away” (a) A board held up blocks the wind (b) It is built higher up with a moat (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
24. 24.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!
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) At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head! (b) Grandpa could not find his reading glasses anywhere. (c) One quiet Sunday, Saanvi was visiting her grandpa’s flat.
26. 26.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) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
27. 27.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) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees
28. 28.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.
29. 29.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) On a long car trip, Yash rode along the highway. (c) Bang! The back tyre of the car went flat.
30. 30.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) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) The lights go out and her little brother cries (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
31. 31.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 hard word makes her mind go blank (b) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (c) The pot is moved into the sunshine
32. 32.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 basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) The torn page is mended with tape (c) A puppy has torn a page of a library book
33. 33.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) Dadi held the stool while she put it back in the nest. (b) One spring afternoon, Simran found a nest on her balcony. (c) A baby sparrow had fallen out and was chirping loudly.
34. 34.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) She was too shy to sing in front of the others. (b) Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her. (c) On a Wednesday evening, Meher went to the music school.
35. 35.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.
36. 36.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) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) She sings loudly without a microphone
37. 37.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A boy gets lost in a big crowd” (a) The baby bird is put back in the nest (b) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
38. 38.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) She left bananas for Bholu, and he left the mangoes alone. (b) Every morning, ripe mangoes were missing from the trees. (c) One summer holiday, Priya stayed at Nani’s orchard.
39. 39.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 biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (b) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (c) A puppy is shivering in the cold rain
40. 40.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The lights go out and her little brother cries” (a) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (b) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) The glasses are found on top of his head

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