Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 478 · 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. 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) Each time she built a castle, the waves washed it away. (c) Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out.
2. 2.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) On her birthday morning, Riya hurried to the bakery. (c) Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing.
3. 3.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “Wind blows away the rangoli powder” (a) A board held up blocks the wind (b) The baker fixes one letter in icing (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
4. 4.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 rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (b) A hard word makes her mind go blank (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
5. 5.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “Nobody buys anything from the stall” (a) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (b) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
6. 6.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) The pot is moved into the sunshine (b) Her model volcano will not fizz (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
7. 7.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) The baby bird is put back in the nest (b) A baby bird falls out of its nest (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
8. 8.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 tiffin box goes missing at lunch time (b) The pot is moved into the sunshine (c) The box is found under the last seat
9. 9.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.
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. 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) The blue splash is turned into a lake (b) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) Nobody buys anything from the stall
12. 12.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) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (b) A kite gets stuck high up in a tree (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
13. 13.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A car tyre goes flat on a long trip” (a) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (b) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) They put on the spare tyre together
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) Her mind went blank on the word “necessary”. (b) On competition day, Nisha stood on stage in the town hall. (c) She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right.
15. 15.Read the story. How is the problem 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 snake rescuer carries it away safely (b) A snake is curled up in a shed (c) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
16. 16.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.
17. 17.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A baby yak wanders away from the herd” (a) The box is found under the last seat (b) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (c) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
18. 18.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) The baker fixes one letter in icing (b) A lift stops between two floors (c) The alarm button brings help
19. 19.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A goat runs loose and eats the spinach” (a) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
20. 20.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) Dadi held the stool while she put it back in the nest. (b) One spring afternoon, Simran found a nest on her balcony. (c) A baby sparrow had fallen out and was chirping loudly.
21. 21.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 rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) The shoes are swapped back
22. 22.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Blue paint spills over a poster” (a) The shoes are swapped back (b) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
23. 23.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) His name is called on the loudspeaker (b) A marble rolls into a deep drain (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
24. 24.Read the story. How is the problem solved?
    During a dry summer, Aisha saw a problem in the washroom. A tap was dripping, and water was being wasted. Aisha wrote a note and took it to the principal. Mr Khan, the plumber, fixed the tap the next day. Aisha smiled, because every drop of water matters. (a) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (b) A tap keeps dripping and wasting water (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
25. 25.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A hard word makes her mind go blank” (a) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) The baby bird is put back in the nest (c) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
26. 26.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) His running shoes are the wrong size (b) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (c) The shoes are swapped back
27. 27.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) On the first day of school, Isha walked into a new school. (b) She knew nobody and sat all alone at lunch. (c) Isha smiled and asked Maria to share her lunch.
28. 28.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) Grandpa could not find his reading glasses anywhere. (c) At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head!
29. 29.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 strong plank and rope make a new seat (b) A car tyre goes flat on a long trip (c) They put on the spare tyre together
30. 30.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) Maa quickly gave him a clean spare uniform. (b) One rainy morning, Ayaan walked down the muddy lane. (c) A passing scooter sprayed mud all over his white uniform.
31. 31.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.
32. 32.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.
33. 33.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 village well has dried up (b) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
34. 34.Read the story. How is the problem 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) The window is opened to let it out (b) A boat starts to leak (c) A rubber slipper plugs the crack
35. 35.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A baby bird falls out of its nest” (a) The glasses are found on top of his head (b) The alarm button brings help (c) The baby bird is put back in the nest
36. 36.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) The window is opened to let it out (c) Everyone sings along with her
37. 37.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) One busy morning, Manav walked to the vegetable market. (b) A goat broke its rope and began eating the spinach! (c) The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner.
38. 38.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy has torn a page of a library book” (a) The box is found under the last seat (b) The torn page is mended with tape (c) A snake rescuer carries it away safely
39. 39.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Waves keep washing the sandcastle away” (a) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (b) Everyone sings along with her (c) It is built higher up with a moat
40. 40.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy cannot find its owner” (a) The baby bird is put back in the nest (b) The shoes are swapped back (c) Posters help the owner find the puppy

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