Problem/Solution Text Structure

How would you know if a text was written in problem-solution text structure?

• The text would explain the steps of an event in time order

• The text would explain one main issue, and the solution(s) to this issue

• The text would show how two things are similar and different

• The text would define and describe one main topic

Which of these options would be a good solution to the problem:
    Wendy can't reach the package of lightbulbs in the garage.

• She could just stay in the dark.

• She could stack random things to create steps.

• She could use a broom to knock the box down.

• She could use a ladder.

Here is a solution. What could be the problem?
   Ted used glue on his skateboard.

• Ted can't ride a skateboard well.
• Ted fell and broke his glasses.
• Ted snapped a wheel off his board.
• Ted is clumsy and scratched his board on the sidewalk.

Wild chimpanzees are rapidly disappearing. Some people are trying to solve this problem. Otherwise, chimpanzees may one day exist only in zoos. People are trying to save the rain forests and woodlands where the chimps live from being cut down. It will take many people working together to solve this issue. What is the problem?

• Description

• chimpanzees

• chimpanzees are disappearing 

• Sequential

Bands of timber wolves, sometimes follow the musk oxen. In spring, when the calves are born, the wolves become particularly menacing. The musk oxen form a defensive ring, with calves and young animals in the middle. Even a dozen wolves attacking together stand little chance against the circle of lowered heads and sturdy horns. What is the problem?

• directions

• wolves are bad

• there is no order

• the wolves and other animals are hungry

Ben can't find a job. He needs money to pay for college. What could be a good solution to his problem?

• He could turn to crime.
• He could find alternative ways of making money.
• He could not continue his education.
• He could just sit in the classes without paying.

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 fridge and found an apple to eat. What is the solution?

• Hank found an apple to eat.

• Hank likes chips.

• Hank waited until dinner to eat.

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.

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. Caleb slept very well this night.

What was the problem?

• Caleb couldn't sleep.

• Caleb slept very well.

• Caleb wore ear plugs.

Which of the following passages has a problem and solution text structure?

• Roberto likes to sing. He is part of the choir and was in a school play. Roberto even enjoys singing in the shower. The only time Roberto doesn't sing is when he's sick and singing hurts his throat.

• Diana's frisbee is stuck in the tree. She's not tall enough to reach it. First, she tries jumping, but she can't jump high enough. It's still slightly out of reach. As a result, Diana uses a ladder. The ladder makes her tall enough to grab the frisbee.

• Jakub's alarm starts ringing. He turns it off. Then, it goes off again. If he doesn't get up, he'll be late for school. His blanket is warm, so he turns off his alarm. Later, Jakub gets detention for being late. He wishes he hadn't turned off his alarm.

• Lisa's favorite holiday is Halloween. Her younger brother Erik doesn't like the holiday because he's afraid of ghosts. Lisa decides to play a prank on Erik. She dresses up in a mask and surprises Erik. Because of Lisa's prank, Erik has nightmares for a week.