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Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 46 · 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 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 bright sign and a bell bring buyers (b) A puppy has torn a page of a library book (c) The torn page is mended with tape
  2. 2.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) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (b) It is built higher up with a moat (c) Waves keep washing the sandcastle away
  3. 3.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses”
    (a) The box is found under the last seat (b) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
  4. 4.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 boy gets lost in a big crowd (b) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
  5. 5.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) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  6. 6.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) The seat of the park swing has cracked (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  7. 7.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) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  8. 8.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Homework is left at home”
    (a) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) The box is found under the last seat
  9. 9.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees”
    (a) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (b) The pot is moved into the sunshine (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
  10. 10.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) Coach Iqbal swapped them back with a boy in the next lane. (b) His running shoes had been mixed up, and they were too big! (c) On Sports Day, Neel lined up at the sports ground.
  11. 11.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.
  12. 12.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Her model volcano will not fizz”
    (a) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) The pot is moved into the sunshine (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  13. 13.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) Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out. (b) Each time she built a castle, the waves washed it away. (c) During the Christmas holidays, Maria went to the beach.
  14. 14.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) One hot afternoon, Kabir played cricket by the village pond. (c) He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out.
  15. 15.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 puppy is shivering in the cold rain (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  16. 16.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) A baby yak had wandered away from the herd. (c) He found it by a stream and gently led it back.
  17. 17.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A baby yak wanders away from the herd”
    (a) A pond is dug to catch the rain (b) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (c) The baby bird is put back in the nest
  18. 18.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A baby bird falls out of its nest (b) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) The baby bird is put back in the nest
  19. 19.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A kite gets stuck high up in a tree”
    (a) The blue splash is turned into a lake (b) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (c) The torn page is mended with tape
  20. 20.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) The window is opened to let it out (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) A butterfly is trapped at a window
  21. 21.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) Halfway up, the chain of his bicycle slipped off. (c) Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it.
  22. 22.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A bicycle chain slips off halfway up a hill”
    (a) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (b) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) It is built higher up with a moat
  23. 23.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A car tyre goes flat on a long trip”
    (a) The blue splash is turned into a lake (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  24. 24.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 pond is dug to catch the rain (b) The lights go out and her little brother cries (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
  25. 25.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) Aunt Lata cried out that she had lost a gold earring. (b) The earring was shining beside the flower stand. (c) On a festive night, Zoya danced in the wedding hall.
  26. 26.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) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses (b) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
  27. 27.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Waves keep washing the sandcastle away”
    (a) It is built higher up with a moat (b) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
  28. 28.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A butterfly is trapped at a window”
    (a) The shoes are swapped back (b) The pot is moved into the sunshine (c) The window is opened to let it out
  29. 29.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.
  30. 30.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) The cricket ball splashes into a pond (b) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (c) A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  31. 31.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) After the lunch bell, Advik walked into the music room. (c) A butterfly was beating its wings against the window.
  32. 32.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 pond is dug to catch the rain (c) Nobody buys anything from the stall
  33. 33.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) On Pongal morning, Aditi drew a rangoli on the front step. (b) A gust of wind blew the coloured powder everywhere. (c) Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind.
  34. 34.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The cricket ball splashes into a pond”
    (a) The torn page is mended with tape (b) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  35. 35.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “His running shoes are the wrong size”
    (a) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (b) The box is found under the last seat (c) The shoes are swapped back
  36. 36.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) A goat broke its rope and began eating the spinach! (b) One busy morning, Manav walked to the vegetable market. (c) The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner.
  37. 37.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The microphone stops working before her song”
    (a) The baby bird is put back in the nest (b) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  38. 38.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) She poured in the vinegar, but nothing happened. (b) Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab. (c) On Science Day, Ananya took her volcano to the science fair.
  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) One rainy morning, Ayaan walked down the muddy lane. (b) A passing scooter sprayed mud all over his white uniform. (c) Maa quickly gave him a clean spare uniform.
  40. 40.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The seat of the park swing has cracked”
    (a) The baker fixes one letter in icing (b) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (c) A strong plank and rope make a new seat

Answer key

  1. The torn page is mended with tape
  2. It is built higher up with a moat
  3. The glasses are found on top of his head
  4. His name is called on the loudspeaker
  5. The baker fixes one letter in icing
  6. A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  7. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  8. He is allowed to bring it the next day
  9. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  10. Coach Iqbal swapped them back with a boy in the next lane.
  11. His sister Gita stuck clay on a stick and lifted it out.
  12. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  13. Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out.
  14. He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out.
  15. A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  16. He found it by a stream and gently led it back.
  17. Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  18. The baby bird is put back in the nest
  19. A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  20. The window is opened to let it out
  21. Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it.
  22. A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  23. They put on the spare tyre together
  24. Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
  25. The earring was shining beside the flower stand.
  26. The glasses are found on top of his head
  27. It is built higher up with a moat
  28. The window is opened to let it out
  29. Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her.
  30. A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  31. Tanvi waved her notebook to guide it outside.
  32. A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  33. Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind.
  34. A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  35. The shoes are swapped back
  36. The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner.
  37. She sings loudly without a microphone
  38. Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab.
  39. Maa quickly gave him a clean spare uniform.
  40. A strong plank and rope make a new seat

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