Let's go through each question one by one and determine whether the
red part of the sentence is the
problem or the
solution.
---
Understanding Problem vs. Solution:
-
Problem: Something that goes wrong or causes difficulty.
-
Solution: The action taken to fix or resolve the problem.
The word
"so" often signals a
cause-and-effect relationship:
> "Problem so Solution"
So, the part
before "so" is usually the
problem, and the part
after "so" is the
solution.
---
Question 1:
> I
forgot my lunch at home so my mom brought it to me.
✔ Red part: "forgot my lunch at home" → This is what went wrong.
➡️
Answer: A (problem)
---
Question 2:
> It
is raining outside so I ran and got an umbrella.
✔ Red part: "is raining outside" → This is the issue causing the need for an umbrella.
➡️
Answer: B (problem)
---
Question 3:
> Kevin got sick and
went to the doctor.
✔ Red part: "went to the doctor" → This is what he did to address being sick.
➡️
Answer: A (solution)
---
Question 4:
>
Alec got a D on his test so he studied harder.
✔ Red part: "got a D on his test" → This is the bad result (the problem).
➡️
Answer: A (problem)
---
Question 5:
> Malia hit her brother.
Malia said she was sorry to her brother.
✔ Red part: "said she was sorry" → This is her response to hitting him.
➡️
Answer: A (solution)
---
Question 6:
> I dropped my cup of juice on the floor so
I cleaned it up with a mop.
✔ Red part: "cleaned it up with a mop" → Action taken to fix the mess.
➡️
Answer: B (solution)
---
Question 7:
>
I broke my arm when I fell off the playground and had to have a cast put on it.
✔ Red part: "broke my arm..." → This is the injury (problem).
➡️
Answer: B (problem)
---
Question 8:
>
I broke my mom's cell phone and had to buy her a new one.
✔ Red part: "broke my mom's cell phone" → This is the mistake (problem).
➡️
Answer: B (problem)
---
✔ Final Answers:
| Question | Answer |
|--------|--------|
| 1 | A (problem) |
| 2 | B (problem) |
| 3 | A (solution) |
| 4 | A (problem) |
| 5 | A (solution) |
| 6 | B (solution) |
| 7 | B (problem) |
| 8 | B (problem) |
---
📝 Summary:
- Look for
what caused the issue =
problem
- Look for
how it was fixed or responded to =
solution
- Use
"so" as a clue: before = problem, after = solution
- Even without "so", think: *What went wrong?* → problem; *What was done about it?* → solution
Let me know if you'd like this turned into a printable answer key!
Parent Tip: Review the logic above to help your child master the concept of problem and solution worksheet 3rd grade.
