Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 710 · 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 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) Blue paint spills over a poster (b) The glasses are found on top of his head (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake
2. 2.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 bean seed does not sprout (b) The pot is moved into the sunshine (c) Solving puzzles together passes the time
3. 3.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “Mud splashes all over a white uniform” (a) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) A board held up blocks the wind
4. 4.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.
5. 5.Which is the best solution to this problem?
   “A kite gets stuck high up in a tree” (a) It is built higher up with a moat (b) The glasses are found on top of his head (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
6. 6.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is solved?
   On Annual Day, Kavya waited to sing in the school hall. Just before her turn, the microphone stopped working. Kavya took a deep breath and stepped onto the stage. She sang so loudly that everyone could hear her. Imran and the whole hall clapped for Kavya. (a) Just before her turn, the microphone stopped working. (b) She sang so loudly that everyone could hear her. (c) On Annual Day, Kavya waited to sing in the school hall.
7. 7.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) Nobody buys anything from the stall (b) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
8. 8.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) Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it. (b) Halfway up, the chain of his bicycle slipped off. (c) One sunny morning, Rohan cycled up the hill road.
9. 9.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) The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner. (c) One busy morning, Manav walked to the vegetable market.
10. 10.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A tiffin box goes missing at lunch time” (a) The box is found under the last seat (b) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) The window is opened to let it out
11. 11.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) They turned the big blue splash into a lake. (b) He bumped a jar, and blue paint spilled everywhere. (c) On Craft Day, Rahul was painting a poster in the art room.
12. 12.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.
13. 13.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.
14. 14.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 basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) A boat starts to leak (c) A rubber slipper plugs the crack
15. 15.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 baker fixes one letter in icing (b) The glasses are found on top of his head (c) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses
16. 16.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) Her train was three hours late. (b) She and an old man, Mr Iyer, solved puzzles together. (c) One foggy morning, Fatima waited at the railway station.
17. 17.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 bamboo pole pokes the kite free (b) A kite gets stuck high up in a tree (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
18. 18.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) It is built higher up with a moat (b) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (c) A marble rolls into a deep drain
19. 19.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) The earring was shining beside the flower stand. (b) Aunt Lata cried out that she had lost a gold earring. (c) On a festive night, Zoya danced in the wedding hall.
20. 20.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) Bang! The back tyre of the car went flat. (b) On a long car trip, Yash rode along the highway. (c) Together they changed the tyre in twenty minutes.
21. 21.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 train is three hours late (c) Posters help the owner find the puppy
22. 22.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) One cloudy evening, Omkar heard a mew on his rooftop. (b) The kitten tiptoed out to drink the milk. (c) A little kitten was stuck behind a water tank.
23. 23.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A goat runs loose and eats the spinach” (a) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (b) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
24. 24.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) It is built higher up with a moat (b) A puppy has torn a page of a library book (c) The torn page is mended with tape
25. 25.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses” (a) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (b) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) The glasses are found on top of his head
26. 26.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) At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head! (b) One quiet Sunday, Saanvi was visiting her grandpa’s flat. (c) Grandpa could not find his reading glasses anywhere.
27. 27.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) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
28. 28.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) Everyone sings along with her (b) The window is opened to let it out (c) A butterfly is trapped at a window
29. 29.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A car tyre goes flat on a long trip” (a) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (b) A board held up blocks the wind (c) They put on the spare tyre together
30. 30.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) Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely. (b) A long snake was curled up near the door. (c) One warm evening, Imran opened the garden shed.
31. 31.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) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) The box is found under the last seat
32. 32.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) During a dry summer, Aisha saw a problem in the washroom. (b) A tap was dripping, and water was being wasted. (c) Mr Khan, the plumber, fixed the tap the next day.
33. 33.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.
34. 34.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 car tyre goes flat on a long trip (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
35. 35.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 glasses are found on top of his head (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
36. 36.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A bicycle chain slips off halfway up a hill” (a) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (b) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) A strong plank and rope make a new seat
37. 37.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A kitten is stuck behind a water tank” (a) The alarm button brings help (b) The shoes are swapped back (c) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out
38. 38.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “His running shoes are the wrong size” (a) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) The shoes are swapped back (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
39. 39.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) The torn page is mended with tape (b) It is built higher up with a moat (c) Waves keep washing the sandcastle away
40. 40.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) On a hot summer night, Sneha read in her flat in Pune. (b) Her brother Arjun giggled at a shadow rabbit. (c) Suddenly the lights went out, and her little brother cried.

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