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Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 435 · 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. 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!
  2. 2.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) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (b) Nobody buys anything from the stall (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  3. 3.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The microphone stops working before her song”
    (a) She sings loudly without a microphone (b) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (c) The window is opened to let it out
  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) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (b) The baby bird is put back in the nest (c) The seat of the park swing has cracked
  5. 5.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A baby yak wanders away from the herd”
    (a) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (b) Solving puzzles together passes the time (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  6. 6.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Her model volcano will not fizz”
    (a) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
  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) His name is called on the loudspeaker (b) A boy gets lost in a big crowd (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
  8. 8.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) Water began to seep in through a crack in the boat. (c) One bright morning, Anjali went boating on the backwaters.
  9. 9.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) One Sunday evening, Sahil took the lift in a tall building. (b) The lift jerked and stopped between two floors. (c) Mrs Bose, the guard, called the lift mechanic at once.
  10. 10.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) He helped her move the pot into the sunshine. (b) One spring morning, Tara potted a bean in the school garden. (c) Two weeks later, nothing had come up at all.
  11. 11.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) Halfway up, the chain of his bicycle slipped off. (b) Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it. (c) One sunny morning, Rohan cycled up the hill road.
  12. 12.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) Mrs Rao gave them a strong plank and some rope. (b) The seat of the old swing had cracked in two. (c) Early one Saturday, Ishaan ran to the colony park.
  13. 13.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The cricket ball splashes into a pond”
    (a) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) The baker fixes one letter in icing
  14. 14.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”.
  15. 15.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Homework is left at home”
    (a) They put on the spare tyre together (b) The shoes are swapped back (c) He is allowed to bring it the next day
  16. 16.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A boy gets lost in a big crowd”
    (a) He changes into a clean spare uniform (b) His name is called on the loudspeaker (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  17. 17.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) A long snake was curled up near the door. (c) Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely.
  18. 18.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 basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) A kite gets stuck high up in a tree (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  19. 19.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) It is built higher up with a moat (c) The shoes are swapped back
  20. 20.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees”
    (a) She sings loudly without a microphone (b) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
  21. 21.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) Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind. (b) A gust of wind blew the coloured powder everywhere. (c) On Pongal morning, Aditi drew a rangoli on the front step.
  22. 22.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A train is three hours late”
    (a) He changes into a clean spare uniform (b) He is allowed to bring it the next day (c) Solving puzzles together passes the time
  23. 23.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.
  24. 24.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) Everyone sings along with her (b) A kitten is stuck behind a water tank (c) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out
  25. 25.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A bean seed does not sprout”
    (a) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (b) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) The pot is moved into the sunshine
  26. 26.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.
  27. 27.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 rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (b) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
  28. 28.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) A rubber slipper plugs the crack
  29. 29.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) The torn page is mended with tape (b) A puppy has torn a page of a library book (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  30. 30.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) Posters help the owner find the puppy (b) A hard word makes her mind go blank (c) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  31. 31.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A goat runs loose and eats the spinach”
    (a) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  32. 32.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.
  33. 33.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) The pot is moved into the sunshine
  34. 34.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy is shivering in the cold rain”
    (a) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) The torn page is mended with tape
  35. 35.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) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (b) A new girl has no friends at lunch (c) The box is found under the last seat
  36. 36.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) He stopped to watch a juggler and lost his dad. (b) Officer Kaur called his name on the loudspeaker. (c) On a crowded evening, Vihaan went to the city fair.
  37. 37.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) The glasses are found on top of his head (b) A puppy is shivering in the cold rain (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  38. 38.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) The cake said “Happy Birthday, Rita” instead of Riya! (b) Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing. (c) On her birthday morning, Riya hurried to the bakery.
  39. 39.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The lights go out and her little brother cries”
    (a) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  40. 40.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A car tyre goes flat on a long trip”
    (a) His name is called on the loudspeaker (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch

Answer key

  1. The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner.
  2. A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  3. She sings loudly without a microphone
  4. A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  5. Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  6. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  7. His name is called on the loudspeaker
  8. Appa rowed fast to the shore while she held it there.
  9. Mrs Bose, the guard, called the lift mechanic at once.
  10. He helped her move the pot into the sunshine.
  11. Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it.
  12. Mrs Rao gave them a strong plank and some rope.
  13. A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  14. She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right.
  15. He is allowed to bring it the next day
  16. His name is called on the loudspeaker
  17. Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely.
  18. A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  19. It is built higher up with a moat
  20. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  21. Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind.
  22. Solving puzzles together passes the time
  23. She left bananas for Bholu, and he left the mangoes alone.
  24. A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out
  25. The pot is moved into the sunshine
  26. He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out.
  27. The glasses are found on top of his head
  28. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  29. The torn page is mended with tape
  30. A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  31. A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  32. Isha smiled and asked Maria to share her lunch.
  33. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  34. A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  35. She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
  36. Officer Kaur called his name on the loudspeaker.
  37. A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  38. Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing.
  39. Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
  40. They put on the spare tyre together

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