Problem & Solution Read & Respond

The problem section presents the main problem and explains why it is a problem. A problem is something that is "wrong" or causing trouble. It's a challenge that needs to be overcome. It needs to be solved, changed, fixed or figured out.

Read the following passage.

Each day, thousands of people commute into New York City. Many pass through Pennsylvania Station on their way to work. The train station is old which means parts of it sometimes break down and stop working. Therefore, there are many delays, and people are often late to work. People are hopeful that the station will be rebuilt soon. Others propose building a new, second station. For now, the only solution is to repair the parts that break.

Which of the following best describes the problem with Pennsylvania Station in NYC?

• Parts of the station break down, and people are late for work.

• The station is too big, and people get lost in it.

• The station isn’t in a good location in the city.

• The station isn’t big enough.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

A problem and solution text structure presents a problem and how it can be solved. All problems will have a solution. The main solution is the solution that best solves the problem. Cause and effect text structure is very similar to problem and solution. The main difference between the two is that cause and effect does not always include a solution.

Which of the following does not have a problem and solution structure?

• It's cold outside, and Lucia cannot find her favorite jacket. She's looked everywhere in the house. Lucia is running late for school, so she grabs a different jacket instead.

• Marco is walking on the sidewalk. It rained last night, so there are puddles on the side of the road. Because a car drove too fast through a puddle, the puddle splashed all over Marco. Marco is now soaking wet.

• A.J. is baking cupcakes. The recipe calls for two cups of flour, but A.J. only has one. A.J. could go to the store, or he could make half as many cupcakes. The store is closed, so A.J. makes half as many cupcakes.

• Raina wants to play a game of soccer. All of her friends are busy. She doesn't want to play alone in the park. When she gets to the park, she sees a group of boys and girls playing in the field. They let Raina play with them so that she doesn't have to play alone.

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.9-10.5

The solution section tells how the problem is resolved or fixed. There can be more than one suggested solution. The solution that best matches the needs of the problem is the main solution. The solution section can also provide evidence for why one solution is better than all the other solutions.

What does the solution section give evidence for?

• how to identify the problem

• which signal words are the most helpful

• why the problem is not causing a real issue

• why one solution is better than all the others

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.4.5

Signal words are words that help identify sections of the text. They point out where the author is describing the problem and the solution. Some examples of problem signal words are dilemma, reason for, question, since and challenge. Some examples of signal words that show the solution are as a result, answer, leads to and resolve.

In the passage below, which signal word is used to point out the problem?

Horses are social animals. They like company and often get bored when they are alone. Khendra is worried that her horse Blue might get lonely since he is her only pet. She decides to find him a friend. Khendra adopts a cat named Pie. Now, Blue and Pie are best friends.

• now

• since

• decides

• as a result

Tags

CCSS.RI.5.5

CCSS.RI.6.5

CCSS.RI.7.5

CCSS.RI.8.5

CCSS.RI.4.5