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Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 913 · 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 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) One busy morning, Manav walked to the vegetable market. (c) The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner.
  2. 2.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) On her birthday morning, Riya hurried to the bakery. (c) Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing.
  3. 3.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy has torn a page of a library book”
    (a) The torn page is mended with tape (b) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (c) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  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) One hot afternoon, Kabir played cricket by the village pond. (b) He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out. (c) Farhan hit the ball so hard that it splashed into the water.
  5. 5.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) On bake sale day, Kiara set up a stall at the school gate. (b) By noon, nobody had bought a single cookie. (c) Her friend Zubin rang a bell to call people over.
  6. 6.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) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) Mangoes keep vanishing from the trees (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  7. 7.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) He changes into a clean spare uniform (b) A marble rolls into a deep drain (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  8. 8.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “His running shoes are the wrong size”
    (a) The shoes are swapped back (b) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  9. 9.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (b) She sings loudly without a microphone (c) The microphone stops working before her song
  10. 10.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) A strong gust blew the kite into the top of a neem tree. (b) One windy afternoon, Aarav flew his kite in the playground. (c) His friend Kiran brought a bamboo pole to poke it free.
  11. 11.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.
  12. 12.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 baby bird is put back in the nest (b) A boy gets lost in a big crowd (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
  13. 13.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
  14. 14.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) The window is opened to let it out (b) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (c) A butterfly is trapped at a window
  15. 15.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A snake is curled up in a shed”
    (a) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (b) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
  16. 16.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 rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (b) He is allowed to bring it the next day (c) A hard word makes her mind go blank
  17. 17.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) Her brother Arjun giggled at a shadow rabbit. (b) On a hot summer night, Sneha read in her flat in Pune. (c) Suddenly the lights went out, and her little brother cried.
  18. 18.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Her model volcano will not fizz”
    (a) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (b) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  19. 19.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) A long snake was curled up near the door. (b) One warm evening, Imran opened the garden shed. (c) Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely.
  20. 20.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) One rainy morning, Ayaan walked down the muddy lane. (b) Maa quickly gave him a clean spare uniform. (c) A passing scooter sprayed mud all over his white uniform.
  21. 21.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Nobody buys anything from the stall”
    (a) He is allowed to bring it the next day (b) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  22. 22.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) A butterfly was beating its wings against the window. (b) After the lunch bell, Advik walked into the music room. (c) Tanvi waved her notebook to guide it outside.
  23. 23.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) On Science Day, Ananya took her volcano to the science fair. (b) She poured in the vinegar, but nothing happened. (c) Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab.
  24. 24.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) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (c) An aunt loses a gold earring
  25. 25.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Wind blows away the rangoli powder”
    (a) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (b) A board held up blocks the wind (c) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  26. 26.Read the story. How is the problem 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) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) A tap keeps dripping and wasting water (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  27. 27.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) A gust of wind blew the coloured powder everywhere. (c) Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind.
  28. 28.Read the story. How is the problem 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) The baby bird is put back in the nest (b) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) A baby bird falls out of its nest
  29. 29.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A tap keeps dripping and wasting water”
    (a) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  30. 30.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) His name is called on the loudspeaker (b) A rubber slipper plugs the crack (c) A boat starts to leak
  31. 31.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) The torn page is mended with tape
  32. 32.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A boy gets lost in a big crowd”
    (a) The shoes are swapped back (b) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead (c) His name is called on the loudspeaker
  33. 33.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) A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  34. 34.Read the story. How is the problem 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 pond is dug to catch the rain (b) Mud splashes all over a white uniform (c) He changes into a clean spare uniform
  35. 35.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) Together they changed the tyre in twenty minutes. (b) Bang! The back tyre of the car went flat. (c) On a long car trip, Yash rode along the highway.
  36. 36.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “The village well has dried up”
    (a) She sings loudly without a microphone (b) Everyone sings along with her (c) A pond is dug to catch the rain
  37. 37.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out (b) A kitten is stuck behind a water tank (c) The baby bird is put back in the nest
  38. 38.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) She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right. (b) Her mind went blank on the word “necessary”. (c) On competition day, Nisha stood on stage in the town hall.
  39. 39.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A snake rescuer carries it away safely (b) The wrong name is written on a cake (c) The baker fixes one letter in icing
  40. 40.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A marble rolls into a deep drain”
    (a) The box is found under the last seat (b) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out

Answer key

  1. The goat followed the carrot back to Lakshmi, its owner.
  2. Uncle Jacob, the baker, added a neat y in icing.
  3. The torn page is mended with tape
  4. He tied a basket to a stick and scooped the ball out.
  5. Her friend Zubin rang a bell to call people over.
  6. Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  7. Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  8. The shoes are swapped back
  9. She sings loudly without a microphone
  10. His friend Kiran brought a bamboo pole to poke it free.
  11. Isha smiled and asked Maria to share her lunch.
  12. His name is called on the loudspeaker
  13. The alarm button brings help
  14. The window is opened to let it out
  15. A snake rescuer carries it away safely
  16. A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  17. Her brother Arjun giggled at a shadow rabbit.
  18. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  19. Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely.
  20. Maa quickly gave him a clean spare uniform.
  21. A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  22. Tanvi waved her notebook to guide it outside.
  23. Joseph brought her fresh baking soda from the lab.
  24. The earring is found beside a flower stand
  25. A board held up blocks the wind
  26. A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  27. Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind.
  28. The baby bird is put back in the nest
  29. A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  30. A rubber slipper plugs the crack
  31. The blue splash is turned into a lake
  32. His name is called on the loudspeaker
  33. The pot is moved into the sunshine
  34. He changes into a clean spare uniform
  35. Together they changed the tyre in twenty minutes.
  36. A pond is dug to catch the rain
  37. A saucer of milk tempts the kitten out
  38. She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right.
  39. The baker fixes one letter in icing
  40. Clay on a stick lifts the marble out

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