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Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 837 · 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.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Nobody buys anything from the stall”
    (a) The torn page is mended with tape (b) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  2. 2.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 pot is moved into the sunshine (b) The lights go out and her little brother cries (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
  3. 3.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.
  4. 4.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) The shoes are swapped back (b) The alarm button brings help (c) His running shoes are the wrong size
  5. 5.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 alarm button brings help (b) The blue splash is turned into a lake (c) Blue paint spills over a poster
  6. 6.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 bamboo pole pokes the kite free (b) She is too shy to sing in front of others (c) Everyone sings along with her
  7. 7.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) Her model volcano will not fizz (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) He is allowed to bring it the next day
  8. 8.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) On a Wednesday evening, Meher went to the music school. (b) She was too shy to sing in front of the others. (c) Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her.
  9. 9.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) On Pongal morning, Aditi drew a rangoli on the front step. (b) Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind. (c) A gust of wind blew the coloured powder everywhere.
  10. 10.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) Grandpa could not find his reading glasses anywhere. (c) At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head!
  11. 11.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) A strong plank and rope make a new seat
  12. 12.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) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
  13. 13.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) On a long car trip, Yash rode along the highway. (b) Bang! The back tyre of the car went flat. (c) Together they changed the tyre in twenty minutes.
  14. 14.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) On a busy Monday, Meera rode the school bus to class. (b) At lunch, Meera saw that her tiffin box was missing. (c) The red box was hiding under the very last seat.
  15. 15.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) One sunny morning, Rohan cycled up the hill road. (c) Halfway up, the chain of his bicycle slipped off.
  16. 16.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A boat starts to leak”
    (a) The shoes are swapped back (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
  17. 17.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A goat runs loose and eats the spinach”
    (a) The baby bird is put back in the nest (b) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  18. 18.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 farmer shows how to put the chain back (b) A kite gets stuck high up in a tree (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  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) Aunt Lata cried out that she had lost a gold earring. (b) On a festive night, Zoya danced in the wedding hall. (c) The earring was shining beside the flower stand.
  20. 20.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) One spring morning, Tara potted a bean in the school garden. (b) He helped her move the pot into the sunshine. (c) Two weeks later, nothing had come up at all.
  21. 21.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A car tyre goes flat on a long trip”
    (a) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  22. 22.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A baby bird falls out of its nest”
    (a) The baby bird is put back in the nest (b) He is allowed to bring it the next day (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  23. 23.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) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) The box is found under the last seat
  24. 24.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A tap keeps dripping and wasting water”
    (a) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  25. 25.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) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  26. 26.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Homework is left at home”
    (a) The box is found under the last seat (b) He is allowed to bring it the next day (c) The torn page is mended with tape
  27. 27.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) On competition day, Nisha stood on stage in the town hall. (c) She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right.
  28. 28.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) The earring is found beside a flower stand (b) The shoes are swapped back (c) An aunt loses a gold earring
  29. 29.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.
  30. 30.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees”
    (a) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  31. 31.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) During the Christmas holidays, Maria went to the beach. (c) Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out.
  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) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  33. 33.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The microphone stops working before her song”
    (a) The box is found under the last seat (b) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (c) She sings loudly without a microphone
  34. 34.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) Posters help the owner find the puppy (c) He changes into a clean spare uniform
  35. 35.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A boy gets lost in a big crowd”
    (a) His name is called on the loudspeaker (b) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (c) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  36. 36.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) One spring afternoon, Simran found a nest on her balcony. (c) Dadi held the stool while she put it back in the nest.
  37. 37.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) The baker fixes one letter in icing (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  38. 38.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The cricket ball splashes into a pond”
    (a) Everyone sings along with her (b) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  39. 39.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Waves keep washing the sandcastle away”
    (a) A strong plank and rope make a new seat (b) The baker fixes one letter in icing (c) It is built higher up with a moat
  40. 40.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A new girl has no friends at lunch (b) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out

Answer key

  1. A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  2. Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
  3. Tanvi waved her notebook to guide it outside.
  4. The shoes are swapped back
  5. The blue splash is turned into a lake
  6. Everyone sings along with her
  7. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  8. Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her.
  9. Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind.
  10. At last she laughed, for the glasses were on his head!
  11. It is built higher up with a moat
  12. A pond is dug to catch the rain
  13. Together they changed the tyre in twenty minutes.
  14. The red box was hiding under the very last seat.
  15. Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it.
  16. A rubber slipper plugs the crack
  17. A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  18. A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  19. The earring was shining beside the flower stand.
  20. He helped her move the pot into the sunshine.
  21. They put on the spare tyre together
  22. The baby bird is put back in the nest
  23. The box is found under the last seat
  24. A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  25. A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  26. He is allowed to bring it the next day
  27. She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right.
  28. The earring is found beside a flower stand
  29. Ms Gill let him bring it the next day.
  30. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  31. Her friend Kunal dug a moat to keep the water out.
  32. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  33. She sings loudly without a microphone
  34. Posters help the owner find the puppy
  35. His name is called on the loudspeaker
  36. Dadi held the stool while she put it back in the nest.
  37. Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  38. A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  39. It is built higher up with a moat
  40. She makes a friend by sharing her lunch

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