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Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 311 · 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.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The wrong name is written on a cake”
    (a) The baker fixes one letter in icing (b) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) They put on the spare tyre together
  2. 2.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) The earring is found beside a flower stand
  3. 3.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A marble rolls into a deep drain (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  4. 4.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) A puppy cannot find its owner (b) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (c) Posters help the owner find the puppy
  5. 5.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “An aunt loses a gold earring”
    (a) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) The baker fixes one letter in icing
  6. 6.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The village well has dried up”
    (a) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (b) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
  7. 7.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) The cake said “Happy Birthday, Rita” instead of Riya! (c) Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing.
  8. 8.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) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) A rubber slipper plugs the crack
  9. 9.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy is shivering in the cold rain”
    (a) She sings loudly without a microphone (b) The box is found under the last seat (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  10. 10.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    One sunny morning, Rohan cycled up the hill road. Halfway up, the chain of his bicycle slipped off. Rohan sat down and studied the chain slowly. Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it. Rohan rode on, proud that he could fix a chain now.
    (a) A bicycle chain slips off halfway up a hill (b) The shoes are swapped back (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  11. 11.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 rubber slipper plugs the crack (b) A car tyre goes flat on a long trip (c) They put on the spare tyre together
  12. 12.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    One bright morning, Anjali went boating on the backwaters. Water began to seep in through a crack in the boat. Anjali pressed her rubber slipper hard over the crack. Appa rowed fast to the shore while she held it there. Back on land, Anjali and Appa laughed with relief.
    (a) One bright morning, Anjali went boating on the backwaters. (b) Water began to seep in through a crack in the boat. (c) Appa rowed fast to the shore while she held it there.
  13. 13.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A bean seed does not sprout”
    (a) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (b) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) The pot is moved into the sunshine
  14. 14.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) A goat runs loose and eats the spinach (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  15. 15.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) The cricket ball splashes into a pond (c) Solving puzzles together passes the time
  16. 16.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.
  17. 17.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.
  18. 18.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A goat runs loose and eats the spinach”
    (a) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) The alarm button brings help (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  19. 19.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 blue splash is turned into a lake (b) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (c) Blue paint spills over a poster
  20. 20.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) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
  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 hard word makes her mind go blank (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  22. 22.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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 gust of wind blew the coloured powder everywhere. (b) On Pongal morning, Aditi drew a rangoli on the front step. (c) Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind.
  23. 23.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A baby bird falls out of its nest”
    (a) The baby bird is put back in the nest (b) The window is opened to let it out (c) The baker fixes one letter in icing
  24. 24.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A boat starts to leak”
    (a) The glasses are found on top of his head (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
  25. 25.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Wind blows away the rangoli powder”
    (a) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (b) A board held up blocks the wind (c) They put on the spare tyre together
  26. 26.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) It is built higher up with a moat (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) Waves keep washing the sandcastle away
  27. 27.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A marble rolls into a deep drain”
    (a) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (b) The torn page is mended with tape (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  28. 28.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The microphone stops working before her song”
    (a) They put on the spare tyre together (b) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake
  29. 29.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) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  30. 30.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) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (b) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (c) Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees
  31. 31.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.
  32. 32.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) A puppy is shivering in the cold rain (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
  33. 33.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Homework is left at home”
    (a) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (c) He is allowed to bring it the next day
  34. 34.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A car tyre goes flat on a long trip”
    (a) They put on the spare tyre together (b) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  35. 35.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) Isha smiled and asked Maria to share her lunch. (c) On the first day of school, Isha walked into a new school.
  36. 36.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) His puppy had torn a page of the book he borrowed. (b) On a Friday afternoon, Dev walked into the school library. (c) Ms Fernandes smiled and showed him how to tape it.
  37. 37.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A tiffin box goes missing at lunch time”
    (a) The box is found under the last seat (b) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  38. 38.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) One warm evening, Imran opened the garden shed. (c) Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely.
  39. 39.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) A passing scooter sprayed mud all over his white uniform. (b) One rainy morning, Ayaan walked down the muddy lane. (c) Maa quickly gave him a clean spare uniform.
  40. 40.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) The shoes are swapped back (b) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (c) His running shoes are the wrong size

Answer key

  1. The baker fixes one letter in icing
  2. A board held up blocks the wind
  3. Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  4. Posters help the owner find the puppy
  5. The earring is found beside a flower stand
  6. A pond is dug to catch the rain
  7. Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing.
  8. She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
  9. A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  10. A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  11. They put on the spare tyre together
  12. Appa rowed fast to the shore while she held it there.
  13. The pot is moved into the sunshine
  14. A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  15. A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  16. Mrs Rao gave them a strong plank and some rope.
  17. He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out.
  18. A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  19. The blue splash is turned into a lake
  20. The glasses are found on top of his head
  21. A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  22. Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind.
  23. The baby bird is put back in the nest
  24. A rubber slipper plugs the crack
  25. A board held up blocks the wind
  26. It is built higher up with a moat
  27. Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  28. She sings loudly without a microphone
  29. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  30. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  31. Ms Gill let him bring it the next day.
  32. A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  33. He is allowed to bring it the next day
  34. They put on the spare tyre together
  35. Isha smiled and asked Maria to share her lunch.
  36. Ms Fernandes smiled and showed him how to tape it.
  37. The box is found under the last seat
  38. Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely.
  39. Maa quickly gave him a clean spare uniform.
  40. The shoes are swapped back

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