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Problem and Solution Worksheet

Creative writing lesson 4: The solution in a story · Set 996 · 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?
    “Her model volcano will not fizz”
    (a) A pond is dug to catch the rain (b) The torn page is mended with tape (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  2. 2.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) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  3. 3.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) Mrs Rao gave them a strong plank and some rope. (b) Early one Saturday, Ishaan ran to the colony park. (c) The seat of the old swing had cracked in two.
  4. 4.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) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (c) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  5. 5.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) A goat runs loose and eats the spinach (b) A pond is dug to catch the rain (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  6. 6.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) His name is called on the loudspeaker (b) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (c) A boy gets lost in a big crowd
  7. 7.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) On Annual Day, Kavya waited to sing in the school hall. (b) Just before her turn, the microphone stopped working. (c) She sang so loudly that everyone could hear her.
  8. 8.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) Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind. (b) On Pongal morning, Aditi drew a rangoli on the front step. (c) A gust of wind blew the coloured powder everywhere.
  9. 9.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.
  10. 10.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.
  11. 11.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) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  12. 12.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Wind blows away the rangoli powder”
    (a) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak (b) A board held up blocks the wind (c) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out
  13. 13.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) On Sports Day, Neel lined up at the sports ground. (b) Coach Iqbal swapped them back with a boy in the next lane. (c) His running shoes had been mixed up, and they were too big!
  14. 14.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A bicycle chain slips off halfway up a hill”
    (a) The shoes are swapped back (b) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  15. 15.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) The microphone stops working before her song (b) They put on the spare tyre together (c) She sings loudly without a microphone
  16. 16.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 biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out (b) He changes into a clean spare uniform (c) Mud splashes all over a white uniform
  17. 17.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) Officer Kaur called his name on the loudspeaker. (b) On a crowded evening, Vihaan went to the city fair. (c) He stopped to watch a juggler and lost his dad.
  18. 18.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) A tap keeps dripping and wasting water (b) A plumber fixes the dripping tap (c) A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  19. 19.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A hard word makes her mind go blank”
    (a) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (b) The alarm button brings help (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  20. 20.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 blue splash is turned into a lake (b) The baby bird is put back in the nest (c) A baby bird falls out of its nest
  21. 21.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 bright sign and a bell bring buyers (b) Fresh baking soda makes it fizz (c) Her model volcano will not fizz
  22. 22.Read the story. Which sentence tells how the problem is 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) The puppy had a collar, but no owner was nearby. (b) On a Tuesday evening, Pooja found a puppy in her building. (c) A boy saw a poster and came running for Rocky, his puppy.
  23. 23.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.
  24. 24.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) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) Hoofprints lead to the lost baby yak
  25. 25.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A puppy cannot find its owner”
    (a) A basket tied to a stick scoops it out (b) Posters help the owner find the puppy (c) Bananas are left out for the monkey instead
  26. 26.Read the story. How is the problem 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) A board held up blocks the wind (b) A farmer shows how to put the chain back (c) Wind blows away the rangoli powder
  27. 27.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) On a Wednesday evening, Meher went to the music school. (c) She was too shy to sing in front of the others.
  28. 28.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) One sunny morning, Rohan cycled up the hill road. (b) Halfway up, the chain of his bicycle slipped off. (c) Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it.
  29. 29.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) Posters help the owner find the puppy (b) A puppy cannot find its owner (c) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  30. 30.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “Nobody buys anything from the stall”
    (a) The alarm button brings help (b) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers (c) The earring is found beside a flower stand
  31. 31.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) By noon, nobody had bought a single cookie. (c) On bake sale day, Kiara set up a stall at the school gate.
  32. 32.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) Grandpa cannot find his reading glasses (b) The glasses are found on top of his head (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  33. 33.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A marble rolls into a deep drain”
    (a) A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it (b) Clay on a stick lifts the marble out (c) He changes into a clean spare uniform
  34. 34.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) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (b) It is built higher up with a moat (c) The lights go out and her little brother cries
  35. 35.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) It is built higher up with a moat
  36. 36.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) She and an old man, Mr Iyer, solved puzzles together. (b) Her train was three hours late. (c) One foggy morning, Fatima waited at the railway station.
  37. 37.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) The earring is found beside a flower stand (c) A kite gets stuck high up in a tree
  38. 38.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A new girl has no friends at lunch”
    (a) She makes a friend by sharing her lunch (b) The window is opened to let it out (c) A biscuit and kind words coax the puppy out
  39. 39.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) The shoes are swapped back (c) A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  40. 40.Which is the best solution to this problem?
    “A train is three hours late”
    (a) Solving puzzles together passes the time (b) Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh (c) A carrot leads the goat back to its owner

Answer key

  1. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  2. A pond is dug to catch the rain
  3. Mrs Rao gave them a strong plank and some rope.
  4. A snake rescuer carries it away safely
  5. A carrot leads the goat back to its owner
  6. His name is called on the loudspeaker
  7. She sang so loudly that everyone could hear her.
  8. Her brother Sid held up a board to block the wind.
  9. Together they changed the tyre in twenty minutes.
  10. She spelt it slowly, letter by letter, and got it right.
  11. The alarm button brings help
  12. A board held up blocks the wind
  13. Coach Iqbal swapped them back with a boy in the next lane.
  14. A farmer shows how to put the chain back
  15. She sings loudly without a microphone
  16. He changes into a clean spare uniform
  17. Officer Kaur called his name on the loudspeaker.
  18. A plumber fixes the dripping tap
  19. A rhyme from her teacher helps her spell it
  20. The baby bird is put back in the nest
  21. Fresh baking soda makes it fizz
  22. A boy saw a poster and came running for Rocky, his puppy.
  23. Mr Reddy, a snake rescuer, carried it away safely.
  24. The baby bird is put back in the nest
  25. Posters help the owner find the puppy
  26. A board held up blocks the wind
  27. Mr Bose, the teacher, asked everyone to sing with her.
  28. Mr Das, a kind farmer, showed him how to fix it.
  29. Posters help the owner find the puppy
  30. A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  31. Her friend Zubin rang a bell to call people over.
  32. The glasses are found on top of his head
  33. Clay on a stick lifts the marble out
  34. Shadow animals on the wall make him laugh
  35. He is allowed to bring it the next day
  36. She and an old man, Mr Iyer, solved puzzles together.
  37. A bamboo pole pokes the kite free
  38. She makes a friend by sharing her lunch
  39. A bright sign and a bell bring buyers
  40. Solving puzzles together passes the time

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