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Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 345 · 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 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) The microphone stops working before her song (b) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) She sings loudly without a microphone
  2. 2.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) The box is found under the last seat (b) A hard word makes her mind go blank (c) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  3. 3.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “His running shoes are the wrong size”
    (a) The torn page is mended with tape (b) The shoes are swapped back (c) He is allowed to bring it the next day
  4. 4.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) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  5. 5.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) A baby yak wanders away from the herd (b) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  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.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The wrong name is written on a cake”
    (a) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (b) The baker fixes one letter in icing (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
  8. 8.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 pond is dug to catch the rain (b) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (c) A kite gets stuck high up in a tree
  9. 9.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) They put on the spare tyre together (b) A car tyre goes flat on a long trip (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  10. 10.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 bright sign and a bell bring buyers (b) The box is found under the last seat (c) A tiffin box goes missing at lunch time
  11. 11.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The seat of the park swing has cracked”
    (a) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) The baker fixes one letter in icing (c) A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  12. 12.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) On Craft Day, Rahul was painting a poster in the art room. (b) He bumped a jar, and blue paint spilled everywhere. (c) They turned the big blue splash into a lake.
  13. 13.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A butterfly is trapped at a window (b) The window is opened to let it out (c) He is allowed to bring it the next day
  14. 14.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) Waves keep washing the sandcastle away (b) Everyone sings along with her (c) It is built higher up with a moat
  15. 15.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) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  16. 16.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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 strong gust blew the kite into the top of a neem tree. (b) His friend Kiran brought a bamboo pole to poke it free. (c) One windy afternoon, Aarav flew his kite in the playground.
  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.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A new girl has no friends at lunch”
    (a) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (b) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (c) The baby bird is put back in the nest
  19. 19.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) Grandpa could not find his reading glasses anywhere. (b) One quiet Sunday, Saanvi was visiting her grandpa’s flat. (c) At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head!
  20. 20.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses”
    (a) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
  21. 21.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) She is too shy to sing in front of others (b) The glasses are found on top of his head (c) Everyone sings along with her
  22. 22.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.
  23. 23.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A train is three hours late”
    (a) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (c) The window is opened to let it out
  24. 24.Read the story. How is the problem 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) Homework is left at home (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) He is allowed to bring it the next day
  25. 25.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) On Sports Day, Neel lined up at the sports ground. (b) Coach Iqbal swapped them back with a boy in the next lane. (c) His running shoes had been mixed up, and they were too big!
  26. 26.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) Isha smiled and asked Maria to share her lunch. (b) On the first day of school, Isha walked into a new school. (c) She knew nobody and sat all alone at lunch.
  27. 27.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) A train is three hours late (b) The box is found under the last seat (c) Solving puzzles together passes the time
  28. 28.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) One sunny morning, Rohan cycled up the hill road. (b) Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it. (c) Halfway up, the chain of his bicycle slipped off.
  29. 29.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 torn page is mended with tape (b) A new girl has no friends at lunch (c) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
  30. 30.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) Everyone sings along with her (b) The pot is moved into the sunshine (c) A bean seed does not sprout
  31. 31.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The lights go out and her little brother cries”
    (a) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) He changes into a clean spare uniform
  32. 32.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A snake is curled up in a shed”
    (a) The window is opened to let it out (b) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (c) A snake rescuer carries it away safely
  33. 33.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) Suddenly the lights went out, and her little brother cried. (b) On a hot summer night, Sneha read in her flat in Pune. (c) Her brother Arjun giggled at a shadow rabbit.
  34. 34.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) One stormy night, Diya heard a whimper in a lane in Kochi. (b) A tiny puppy was shivering under a broken cart. (c) The puppy crept out and licked her hand.
  35. 35.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) Nobody buys anything from the stall (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  36. 36.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A lift stops between two floors (b) The alarm button brings help (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  37. 37.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A marble rolls into a deep drain”
    (a) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (b) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (c) Posters help the owner find the puppy
  38. 38.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) On competition day, Nisha stood on stage in the town hall. (b) She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right. (c) Her mind went blank on the word “necessary”.
  39. 39.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) Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  40. 40.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) During the Christmas holidays, Maria went to the beach. (b) Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out. (c) Each time she built a castle, the waves washed it away.

Answer key

  1. She sings loudly without a microphone
  2. A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  3. The shoes are swapped back
  4. A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  5. Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  6. A boy saw a poster and came running for Rocky, his puppy.
  7. The baker fixes one letter in icing
  8. A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  9. They put on the spare tyre together
  10. The box is found under the last seat
  11. A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  12. They turned the big blue splash into a lake.
  13. The window is opened to let it out
  14. It is built higher up with a moat
  15. A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  16. His friend Kiran brought a bamboo pole to poke it free.
  17. He helped her move the pot into the sunshine.
  18. She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
  19. At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head!
  20. The glasses are found on top of his head
  21. Everyone sings along with her
  22. Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely.
  23. Solving puzzles together passes the time
  24. He is allowed to bring it the next day
  25. Coach Iqbal swapped them back with a boy in the next lane.
  26. Isha smiled and asked Maria to share her lunch.
  27. Solving puzzles together passes the time
  28. Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it.
  29. She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
  30. The pot is moved into the sunshine
  31. Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
  32. A snake rescuer carries it away safely
  33. Her brother Arjun giggled at a shadow rabbit.
  34. The puppy crept out and licked her hand.
  35. A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  36. The alarm button brings help
  37. Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  38. She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right.
  39. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  40. Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out.

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