problem / solution

A solution is

• an event or situation that causes trouble
• something used to fix or resolve trouble

A problem is

• an event or something that causes trouble
• the way to fix trouble

Hank came home from school and he was hungry.  He decided to see if there was anything in the cupboard to eat. He checked the shelf and couldn't find any chips or crackers.  He looked in another cupboard and there weren't any snack there either.  Finally he looked in the frig and there he found some apples to eat.
What is the solution?

• Hank found apples to eat.
• Hank likes chips.
• Hank looked for snacks.

I bought my sister a new doll for her birthday.  I thought she would like it.  When she opened the gift, she gave me a big hug and said thank you! I was really glad she like the doll.
Does this paragraph contain a problem/solution text feature or a cause and effect text feature?

• Cause/effect
• Problem/solution

Stacey had a lot of fun riding her bike one sunny afternoon.  She was just about home when she hit a patch of loose gravel.  Stacey skidded and then tipped over on her bike, scraping her knee. After cleaning the scrape, Stacey put a bandage on her knee.
What is the problem?

• She hit a patch of loose gravel.
• She had a lot of fun.
• She scraped her knee.

Ellie felt so bad.  Her head hurt and her stomach ached.  She had a fever too.  Her mom decided to take her to the doctor to find out what was wrong with her.
What is the cause in this paragraph?

• Ellie was sick.
• Ellie went to the doctor.
• Her mom was sick.

Caleb hadn't gotten any sleep for the past few nights.  He was really tired tonight.  He didn't know if he would be able to sleep. He decided to close the curtains in his room to keep out the light and wear ear plugs to keep out the noise. Hank slept very well this night.
Does this paragraph contain a problem/solution text feature or a cause and effect text feature?

• cause/effect
• problem/solution

The rain came down harder and harder.  Suddenly the bridge came tumbling down.
Does this paragraph contain a problem/solution text feature or a cause and effect text feature?

• cause/effect
• problem/solution

How can you tell the difference between information that contains cause and effect and information that contains a problem and solution?

• I can tell the difference when I read it.
• A cause has a solution.
• A cause isn't a problem and an effect isn't a solution.

Which is a good solution to this problem?
I don't understand what we are doing.

• Ask your mom or dad about it.
• Ask your brother or sister about it.
• Ask your teacher about it.