Writing worksheet · Informational writing

Problem and Solution Writing

A problem-and-solution text structure: the problem, why it matters, two solutions and signal words.

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Grade level
Grades 3–5
Time
About 35 minutes
Answer key
Not needed: answers vary
Kids practice
Informational writing, Research and note-taking, Text structure, Writing facts in your own words

What kids do

“Explain a real problem and how people can solve it. Plan with the boxes, then write your paragraph.”

Printed on the sheet:

  1. Pick a problem, or write your own litter on the playground long lunch lines food waste at school noisy hallways

Words on this sheet

Signal wordsbecauseone solutionanother way

Teacher tip

Start with a real school problem, like a messy lunchroom, and brainstorm solutions together.

How to use it

  • Show a nonfiction book that uses the same structure or text feature first.
  • Gather a stack of library books on the topic before kids start.
  • Let early writers draw first, then talk, then write.

Watch for

Copying sentences straight from the book. Have kids close the book, then write.

Talk about it

  • How would a reader find information in your piece?
  • Where else do writers use this skill?

Take it further

Turn finished pages into a class nonfiction book for the library.

US Letter, prints well in black and white. Free for home and classroom use: print as many copies as you need.

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