Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 709 · 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?
   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) Wind blows away the rangoli powder (b) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (c) A board held up blocks the wind
2. 2.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) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
3. 3.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) The lights go out and her little brother cries (b) The window is opened to let it out (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
4. 4.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) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (c) He is allowed to bring it the next day
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) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
6. 6.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 rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) A puppy is shivering in the cold rain
7. 7.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “A tap keeps dripping and wasting water” (a) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (b) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
8. 8.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) He is allowed to bring it the next day (c) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses
9. 9.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) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (c) Everyone sings along with her
10. 10.Read the story. How is the problem 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) The blue splash is turned into a lake (b) Blue paint spills over a poster (c) It is built higher up with a moat
11. 11.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.
12. 12.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) She knew nobody and sat all alone at lunch. (b) On the first day of school, Isha walked into a new school. (c) Isha smiled and asked Maria to share her lunch.
13. 13.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) A baby sparrow had fallen out and was chirping loudly. (b) Dadi held the stool while she put it back in the nest. (c) One spring afternoon, Simran found a nest on her balcony.
14. 14.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A tiffin box goes missing at lunch time” (a) Everyone sings along with her (b) The box is found under the last seat (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
15. 15.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) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) A boat starts to leak
16. 16.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Mud splashes all over a white uniform” (a) She sings loudly without a microphone (b) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (c) He changes into a clean spare uniform
17. 17.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) Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab. (b) On Science Day, Ananya took her volcano to the science fair. (c) She poured in the vinegar, but nothing happened.
18. 18.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.
19. 19.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) One bright morning, Anjali went boating on the backwaters. (c) Water began to seep in through a crack in the boat.
20. 20.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.
21. 21.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) Early one Saturday, Ishaan ran to the colony park. (b) Mrs Rao gave them a strong plank and some rope. (c) The seat of the old swing had cracked in two.
22. 22.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) Two weeks later, nothing had come up at all. (c) One spring morning, Tara potted a bean in the school garden.
23. 23.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A bicycle chain slips off halfway up a hill” (a) The baker fixes one letter in icing (b) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
24. 24.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 kite gets stuck high up in a tree (b) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (c) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out
25. 25.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The seat of the park swing has cracked” (a) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (b) He is allowed to bring it the next day (c) A strong plank and rope make a new seat
26. 26.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A lift stops between two floors” (a) It is built higher up with a moat (b) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (c) The alarm button brings help
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) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (c) A train is three hours late
28. 28.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A hard word makes her mind go blank” (a) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
29. 29.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) His friend Kiran brought a bamboo pole to poke it free. (b) One windy afternoon, Aarav flew his kite in the playground. (c) A strong gust blew the kite into the top of a neem tree.
30. 30.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “His running shoes are the wrong size” (a) The shoes are swapped back (b) Everyone sings along with her (c) It is built higher up with a moat
31. 31.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy cannot find its owner” (a) She sings loudly without a microphone (b) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (c) Posters help the owner find the puppy
32. 32.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) Everyone sings along with her (b) His running shoes are the wrong size (c) The shoes are swapped back
33. 33.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) At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head! (c) One quiet Sunday, Saanvi was visiting her grandpa’s flat.
34. 34.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Waves keep washing the sandcastle away” (a) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (c) It is built higher up with a moat
35. 35.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) He found that he had left his homework at home. (c) Ms Gill let him bring it the next day.
36. 36.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) He changes into a clean spare uniform
37. 37.Read the story. How is the problem 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) An aunt loses a gold earring (b) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
38. 38.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) On a Wednesday evening, Meher went to the music school. (c) Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her.
39. 39.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) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (c) It is built higher up with a moat
40. 40.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) She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right. (c) On competition day, Nisha stood on stage in the town hall.

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