Match problems with their solutions
key notes :
Writers sometimes organise their texts to focus on problems and solutions. As you read, pay attention to what the problems and solutions are. This can help you better understand the topic and the writer’s opinion.
Writers often use signal words to introduce problems and solutions. They can be words like question, answer, stop, fix, solve, should, must and make sure.
- People should pile sandbags around the pond to make sure it doesn’t overflow.
- Problem: The pond might overflow.
- Solution: People should pile sandbags around the pond.
Learn with an example
Read the text.
As the ancient city of Rome grew, it needed more water for its people. In response, the Romans built aqueducts, or long channels that could bring water from far away. However, fast-moving water would damage the aqueducts. For this reason, the Romans designed the aqueducts to have gentle slopes. A gentle slope kept the water from moving too fast. But the Romans still needed to mend their aqueducts sometimes. So, they built doors that allowed people to go inside and fix the aqueducts.
Match the problems with their solutions.
| Fast water could hurt the aqueduct | Aqueducts needed to be repaired sometimes |
| Problem | Solution |
| Romans designed aqueducts so they weren’t too steep. | |
| Romans put doors in the aqueducts |
Look at the signal words in bold.
As the ancient city of Rome grew, it needed more water for its people. In response, the Romans built aqueducts, or long channels that could bring water from far away. However, fast-moving water would damage the aqueducts. For this reason, the Romans designed the aqueducts to have gentle slopes. A gentle slope kept the water from moving too fast. But the Romans still needed to mend their aqueducts sometimes. So, they built doors that allowed people to go inside and fix the aqueducts.
These signal words help you find the problems and solutions.
| Problem | Solution |
| Fast water could hurt the aqueduct | Romans designed aqueducts so they weren’t too steep. |
| Aqueducts needed to be repaired sometimes. | Romans put doors in the aqueducts |
Read the text.
If you have ever seen a cactus plant, you know it is covered by sharp spines. The prickly spines prevent most animals from eating the cactus. Cacti grow in the desert, where the heat and dryness make plant life difficult. To meet this challenge, cacti have shallow roots. These roots soak up any raindrops that may fall on the ground. Cacti then store the water inside special stems.
Match the problems with their solutions.
| The desert is dry. | Animals eat plants. |
| Problem | Solution |
| Cacti have spines. | |
| Cacti have shallow roots. |
Look at the signal words in bold.
If you have ever seen a cactus plant, you know it is covered by sharp spines. The prickly spines prevent most animals from eating the cactus. Cacti grow in the desert, where the heat and dryness make plant life difficult. To meet this challenge, cacti have shallow roots. These roots soak up any raindrops that may fall on the ground. Cacti then store the water inside special stems.
These signal words help you find the problems and solutions.
| Problem | Solution |
| Animals eat plants. | Cacti have spines. |
| The desert is dry | Cacti have shallow roots. |
let’s practice!
