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Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 789 · 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?
    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) A passing scooter sprayed mud all over his white uniform. (b) One rainy morning, Ayaan walked down the muddy lane. (c) Maa quickly gave him a clean spare uniform.
  2. 2.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) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (b) Nobody buys anything from the stall (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  3. 3.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy cannot find its owner”
    (a) Posters help the owner find the puppy (b) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out
  4. 4.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 biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (c) A rubber slipper plugs the crack
  5. 5.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) They put on the spare tyre together
  6. 6.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The village well has dried up”
    (a) The box is found under the last seat (b) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  7. 7.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) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
  8. 8.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The microphone stops working before her song”
    (a) She sings loudly without a microphone (b) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) The torn page is mended with tape
  9. 9.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Nobody buys anything from the stall”
    (a) The alarm button brings help (b) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  10. 10.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) The window is opened to let it out (b) His name is called on the loudspeaker (c) A boy gets lost in a big crowd
  11. 11.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 earring is found beside a flower stand (c) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  12. 12.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Blue paint spills over a poster”
    (a) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (b) Posters help the owner find the puppy (c) The blue splash is turned into a lake
  13. 13.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 board held up blocks the wind (b) Posters help the owner find the puppy (c) A puppy cannot find its owner
  14. 14.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) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) Her model volcano will not fizz
  15. 15.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) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) Homework is left at home (c) Solving puzzles together passes the time
  16. 16.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) Her friend Zubin rang a bell to call people over. (b) On bake sale day, Kiara set up a stall at the school gate. (c) By noon, nobody had bought a single cookie.
  17. 17.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.
  18. 18.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 hard word makes her mind go blank (b) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  19. 19.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) A butterfly is trapped at a window (b) The window is opened to let it out (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  20. 20.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses”
    (a) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (b) The glasses are found on top of his head (c) The window is opened to let it out
  21. 21.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) On competition day, Nisha stood on stage in the town hall. (b) She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right. (c) Her mind went blank on the word “necessary”.
  22. 22.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) He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out. (c) One hot afternoon, Kabir played cricket by the village pond.
  23. 23.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) Two weeks later, nothing had come up at all. (b) One spring morning, Tara potted a bean in the school garden. (c) He helped her move the pot into the sunshine.
  24. 24.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.
  25. 25.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) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (b) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free (c) A kite gets stuck high up in a tree
  26. 26.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) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (b) Solving puzzles together passes the time (c) A train is three hours late
  27. 27.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The wrong name is written on a cake”
    (a) Everyone sings along with her (b) The glasses are found on top of his head (c) The baker fixes one letter in icing
  28. 28.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) The pot is moved into the sunshine (b) A bean seed does not sprout (c) It is built higher up with a moat
  29. 29.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A bicycle chain slips off halfway up a hill”
    (a) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (b) The alarm button brings help (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
  30. 30.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Waves keep washing the sandcastle away”
    (a) It is built higher up with a moat (b) The baker fixes one letter in icing (c) The window is opened to let it out
  31. 31.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) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  32. 32.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) Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees (b) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (c) The pot is moved into the sunshine
  33. 33.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The cricket ball splashes into a pond”
    (a) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (b) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (c) A snake rescuer carries it away safely
  34. 34.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (b) Everyone sings along with her (c) She is too shy to sing in front of others
  35. 35.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.
  36. 36.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) One Sunday evening, Sahil took the lift in a tall building. (b) The lift jerked and stopped between two floors. (c) Mrs Bose, the guard, called the lift mechanic at once.
  37. 37.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) Posters help the owner find the puppy (b) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) A goat runs loose and eats the spinach
  38. 38.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Wind blows away the rangoli powder”
    (a) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (b) Solving puzzles together passes the time (c) A board held up blocks the wind
  39. 39.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.
  40. 40.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) It is built higher up with a moat (b) Waves keep washing the sandcastle away (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand

Answer key

  1. Maa quickly gave him a clean spare uniform.
  2. A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  3. Posters help the owner find the puppy
  4. A rubber slipper plugs the crack
  5. The alarm button brings help
  6. A pond is dug to catch the rain
  7. A pond is dug to catch the rain
  8. She sings loudly without a microphone
  9. A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  10. His name is called on the loudspeaker
  11. The earring is found beside a flower stand
  12. The blue splash is turned into a lake
  13. Posters help the owner find the puppy
  14. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  15. He is allowed to bring it the next day
  16. Her friend Zubin rang a bell to call people over.
  17. The puppy crept out and licked her hand.
  18. A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  19. The window is opened to let it out
  20. The glasses are found on top of his head
  21. She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right.
  22. He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out.
  23. He helped her move the pot into the sunshine.
  24. At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head!
  25. A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  26. Solving puzzles together passes the time
  27. The baker fixes one letter in icing
  28. The pot is moved into the sunshine
  29. A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  30. It is built higher up with a moat
  31. The torn page is mended with tape
  32. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  33. A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  34. Everyone sings along with her
  35. The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner.
  36. Mrs Bose, the guard, called the lift mechanic at once.
  37. A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  38. A board held up blocks the wind
  39. Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her.
  40. It is built higher up with a moat

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