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Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 757 · 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. 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) Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing. (c) On her birthday morning, Riya hurried to the bakery.
  2. 2.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) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (b) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) Blue paint spills over a poster
  3. 3.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Blue paint spills over a poster”
    (a) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (b) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
  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) He is allowed to bring it the next day (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
  5. 5.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A bicycle chain slips off halfway up a hill”
    (a) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) A board held up blocks the wind (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  6. 6.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) One foggy morning, Fatima waited at the railway station. (c) She and an old man, Mr Iyer, solved puzzles together.
  7. 7.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A marble rolls into a deep drain”
    (a) The window is opened to let it out (b) Everyone sings along with her (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  8. 8.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.
  9. 9.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) At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head! (c) Grandpa could not find his reading glasses anywhere.
  10. 10.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 saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) Her model volcano will not fizz
  11. 11.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A boy gets lost in a big crowd”
    (a) The shoes are swapped back (b) A board held up blocks the wind (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
  12. 12.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) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
  13. 13.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) The seat of the old swing had cracked in two. (b) Mrs Rao gave them a strong plank and some rope. (c) Early one Saturday, Ishaan ran to the colony park.
  14. 14.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) She poured in the vinegar, but nothing happened. (c) On Science Day, Ananya took her volcano to the science fair.
  15. 15.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) A tiny puppy was shivering under a broken cart. (b) The puppy crept out and licked her hand. (c) One stormy night, Diya heard a whimper in a lane in Kochi.
  16. 16.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A kite gets stuck high up in a tree”
    (a) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (b) Everyone sings along with her (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
  17. 17.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.
  18. 18.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) A butterfly was beating its wings against the window. (c) After the lunch bell, Advik walked into the music room.
  19. 19.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) One spring afternoon, Simran found a nest on her balcony. (b) A baby sparrow had fallen out and was chirping loudly. (c) Dadi held the stool while she put it back in the nest.
  20. 20.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) It is built higher up with a moat (c) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  21. 21.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 alarm button brings help (b) A lift stops between two floors (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  22. 22.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) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (b) The seat of the park swing has cracked (c) A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  23. 23.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy cannot find its owner”
    (a) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) Posters help the owner find the puppy
  24. 24.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) She was too shy to sing in front of the others. (c) On a Wednesday evening, Meher went to the music school.
  25. 25.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) One Sunday evening, Sahil took the lift in a tall building. (c) Mrs Bose, the guard, called the lift mechanic at once.
  26. 26.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A tap keeps dripping and wasting water”
    (a) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (b) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  27. 27.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 biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  28. 28.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A lift stops between two floors”
    (a) The alarm button brings help (b) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake
  29. 29.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 boat starts to leak (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake
  30. 30.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) She left bananas for Bholu, and he left the mangoes alone. (b) One summer holiday, Priya stayed at Nani’s orchard. (c) Every morning, ripe mangoes were missing from the trees.
  31. 31.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Wind blows away the rangoli powder”
    (a) A board held up blocks the wind (b) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) A rubber slipper plugs the crack
  32. 32.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The microphone stops working before her song”
    (a) He changes into a clean spare uniform (b) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) The window is opened to let it out
  33. 33.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) A pond is dug to catch the rain (b) Homework is left at home (c) He is allowed to bring it the next day
  34. 34.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) He bumped a jar, and blue paint spilled everywhere. (b) They turned the big blue splash into a lake. (c) On Craft Day, Rahul was painting a poster in the art room.
  35. 35.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 window is opened to let it out (b) Waves keep washing the sandcastle away (c) It is built higher up with a moat
  36. 36.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Waves keep washing the sandcastle away”
    (a) His name is called on the loudspeaker (b) It is built higher up with a moat (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake
  37. 37.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “An aunt loses a gold earring”
    (a) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (b) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) The pot is moved into the sunshine
  38. 38.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Mud splashes all over a white uniform”
    (a) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (b) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) A snake rescuer carries it away safely
  39. 39.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) Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it. (c) One sunny morning, Rohan cycled up the hill road.
  40. 40.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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 old well had dried up, and people had no water. (b) In the dry season, Lakshmi walked to the village square. (c) Raju and the others dug every evening for a month.

Answer key

  1. Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing.
  2. The blue splash is turned into a lake
  3. The blue splash is turned into a lake
  4. His name is called on the loudspeaker
  5. A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  6. She and an old man, Mr Iyer, solved puzzles together.
  7. Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  8. Mr Khan, the plumber, fixed the tap the next day.
  9. At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head!
  10. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  11. His name is called on the loudspeaker
  12. The earring is found beside a flower stand
  13. Mrs Rao gave them a strong plank and some rope.
  14. Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab.
  15. The puppy crept out and licked her hand.
  16. A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  17. The earring was shining beside the flower stand.
  18. Tanvi waved her notebook to guide it outside.
  19. Dadi held the stool while she put it back in the nest.
  20. Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  21. The alarm button brings help
  22. A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  23. Posters help the owner find the puppy
  24. Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her.
  25. Mrs Bose, the guard, called the lift mechanic at once.
  26. A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  27. A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  28. The alarm button brings help
  29. A rubber slipper plugs the crack
  30. She left bananas for Bholu, and he left the mangoes alone.
  31. A board held up blocks the wind
  32. She sings loudly without a microphone
  33. He is allowed to bring it the next day
  34. They turned the big blue splash into a lake.
  35. It is built higher up with a moat
  36. It is built higher up with a moat
  37. The earring is found beside a flower stand
  38. He changes into a clean spare uniform
  39. Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it.
  40. Raju and the others dug every evening for a month.

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