Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 339 · 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?
   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) Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees (c) A rubber slipper plugs the crack
2. 2.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
3. 3.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) Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her. (b) On a Wednesday evening, Meher went to the music school. (c) She was too shy to sing in front of the others.
4. 4.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) Appa rowed fast to the shore while she held it there. (b) One bright morning, Anjali went boating on the backwaters. (c) Water began to seep in through a crack in the boat.
5. 5.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “A boat starts to leak” (a) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake
6. 6.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) One misty dawn, Tenzin woke up in his hill village. (b) He found it by a stream and gently led it back. (c) A baby yak had wandered away from the herd.
7. 7.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) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (c) Nobody buys anything from the stall
8. 8.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) One busy morning, Manav walked to the vegetable market. (c) A goat broke its rope and began eating the spinach!
9. 9.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) Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely. (c) A long snake was curled up near the door.
10. 10.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy cannot find its owner” (a) A pond is dug to catch the rain (b) Posters help the owner find the puppy (c) The alarm button brings help
11. 11.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 window is opened to let it out (b) The village well has dried up (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
12. 12.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) One spring morning, Tara potted a bean in the school garden. (b) Two weeks later, nothing had come up at all. (c) He helped her move the pot into the sunshine.
13. 13.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 box is found under the last seat (c) A goat runs loose and eats the spinach
14. 14.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) One spring afternoon, Simran found a nest on her balcony. (b) A baby sparrow had fallen out and was chirping loudly. (c) Dadi held the stool while she put it back in the nest.
15. 15.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) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) He is allowed to bring it the next day
16. 16.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) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (c) The box is found under the last seat
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) One hot afternoon, Kabir played cricket by the village pond. (b) Farhan hit the ball so hard that it splashed into the water. (c) He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out.
18. 18.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.
19. 19.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) It is built higher up with a moat (c) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses
20. 20.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Nobody buys anything from the stall” (a) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) Everyone sings along with her (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
21. 21.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) Blue paint spills over a poster (c) A strong plank and rope make a new seat
22. 22.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The microphone stops working before her song” (a) She sings loudly without a microphone (b) The pot is moved into the sunshine (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
23. 23.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) At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head! (c) Grandpa could not find his reading glasses anywhere.
24. 24.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A kite gets stuck high up in a tree” (a) They put on the spare tyre together (b) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
25. 25.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) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
26. 26.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Blue paint spills over a poster” (a) The blue splash is turned into a lake (b) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (c) He changes into a clean spare uniform
27. 27.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) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (b) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (c) A marble rolls into a deep drain
28. 28.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) He found that he had left his homework at home. (c) Ms Gill let him bring it the next day.
29. 29.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) The pot is moved into the sunshine (b) A bean seed does not sprout (c) Posters help the owner find the puppy
30. 30.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses” (a) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (b) The glasses are found on top of his head (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
31. 31.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) She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right. (c) On competition day, Nisha stood on stage in the town hall.
32. 32.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) The blue splash is turned into a lake (b) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) An aunt loses a gold earring
33. 33.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) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
34. 34.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 bright sign and a bell bring buyers (b) The lights go out and her little brother cries (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
35. 35.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) Posters help the owner find the puppy (b) A puppy cannot find its owner (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
36. 36.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 biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (b) The box is found under the last seat (c) A tiffin box goes missing at lunch time
37. 37.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) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
38. 38.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) His puppy had torn a page of the book he borrowed. (c) On a Friday afternoon, Dev walked into the school library.
39. 39.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
    After the lunch bell, Advik walked into the music room. A butterfly was beating its wings against the window. Advik opened the window wide and stepped back. Tanvi waved her notebook to guide it outside. Advik watched the butterfly flutter away into the sky. (a) Tanvi waved her notebook to guide it outside. (b) A butterfly was beating its wings against the window. (c) After the lunch bell, Advik walked into the music room.
40. 40.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) She and an old man, Mr Iyer, solved puzzles together. (c) One foggy morning, Fatima waited at the railway station.

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