Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 63 · 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 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 biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (b) A puppy is shivering in the cold rain (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
2. 2.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) The red box was hiding under the very last seat. (b) On a busy Monday, Meera rode the school bus to class. (c) At lunch, Meera saw that her tiffin box was missing.
3. 3.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “A kite gets stuck high up in a tree” (a) His name is called on the loudspeaker (b) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (c) The torn page is mended with tape
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) It is built higher up with a moat (c) A hard word makes her mind go blank
5. 5.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) A pond is dug to catch the rain (b) The village well has dried up (c) The box is found under the last seat
6. 6.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “The lights go out and her little brother cries” (a) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
7. 7.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “A marble rolls into a deep drain” (a) Posters help the owner find the puppy (b) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
8. 8.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) A puppy cannot find its owner (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) Posters help the owner find the puppy
9. 9.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) On a Friday afternoon, Dev walked into the school library. (c) His puppy had torn a page of the book he borrowed.
10. 10.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) The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner. (c) A goat broke its rope and began eating the spinach!
11. 11.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A car tyre goes flat on a long trip” (a) They put on the spare tyre together (b) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
12. 12.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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 tap was dripping, and water was being wasted. (b) Mr Khan, the plumber, fixed the tap the next day. (c) During a dry summer, Aisha saw a problem in the washroom.
13. 13.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The village well has dried up” (a) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
14. 14.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) One sunny morning, Rohan cycled up the hill road. (c) Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it.
15. 15.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Nobody buys anything from the stall” (a) The alarm button brings help (b) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
16. 16.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) A board held up blocks the wind (b) A bean seed does not sprout (c) The pot is moved into the sunshine
17. 17.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) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (b) Her model volcano will not fizz (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
18. 18.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 biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (c) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
19. 19.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) Each time she built a castle, the waves washed it away. (b) Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out. (c) During the Christmas holidays, Maria went to the beach.
20. 20.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) Posters help the owner find the puppy
21. 21.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 saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (b) A tap keeps dripping and wasting water (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
22. 22.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 basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) A train is three hours late (c) Solving puzzles together passes the time
23. 23.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) The shoes are swapped back (c) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses
24. 24.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) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (c) A strong plank and rope make a new seat
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) On a festive night, Zoya danced in the wedding hall. (b) Aunt Lata cried out that she had lost a gold earring. (c) The earring was shining beside the flower stand.
26. 26.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses” (a) The glasses are found on top of his head (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
27. 27.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “An aunt loses a gold earring” (a) The blue splash is turned into a lake (b) The pot is moved into the sunshine (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
28. 28.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.
29. 29.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) The lift jerked and stopped between two floors. (b) Mrs Bose, the guard, called the lift mechanic at once. (c) One Sunday evening, Sahil took the lift in a tall building.
30. 30.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) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (c) The baby bird is put back in the nest
31. 31.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A goat runs loose and eats the spinach” (a) The blue splash is turned into a lake (b) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
32. 32.Read the story. How is the problem 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) Mud splashes all over a white uniform (b) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
33. 33.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) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (b) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) A boat starts to leak
34. 34.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) Ms Gill let him bring it the next day. (c) He found that he had left his homework at home.
35. 35.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) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) The torn page is mended with tape
36. 36.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A new girl has no friends at lunch” (a) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (b) Posters help the owner find the puppy (c) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
37. 37.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) His running shoes had been mixed up, and they were too big! (b) On Sports Day, Neel lined up at the sports ground. (c) Coach Iqbal swapped them back with a boy in the next lane.
38. 38.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A baby bird falls out of its nest” (a) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) The baby bird is put back in the nest
39. 39.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) Early one Saturday, Ishaan ran to the colony park. (c) The seat of the old swing had cracked in two.
40. 40.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) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (b) A kite gets stuck high up in a tree (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free

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