Problem Solving
Leo is feeling sick on the day of an important class, and there is a quiz he cannot miss. He doesn’t know if he should go to class or stay home and rest. What should Leo do?
Leo could email his professor to explain the situation and ask if he can make up the quiz while taking care of his health.
Holly arrives at the beach at 11 AM when she realizes she forgot to bring sunscreen. Regardless, Holly decides to stay at the beach for 4 hours and lays out in her swim suit all day. The following day Holly returns to the beach but she wears a bucket hat, clothes, and extra sunscreen. What can we infer happened to Holly the previous day and why did she change her attire?
Holly got a sunburn the day before.
Anika started a new job this week at Best Buy. She had no experience selling or fixing computers, but the manager was willing to help her learn the job. Determined to succeed and learn about computers, Anika watched YouTube videos about repairs and visited the local library to find books about computers. Still, she was having little success on the job and frequently needed to ask her coworkers for help. Anika was feeling frustrated, but her coworkers and boss encouraged her to keep trying her best. "Don't throw in the towel," they urged.
Idiom: throw in the towel.
Meaning: to quit or give up
Jamal has to give a class presentation, but he feels very nervous speaking in front of others. His presentation is coming up soon, and he is worried he might mess up. What is the solution?
Jamal could practice his presentation several times, speak in front of a friend, and use notes to help him feel more confident.
Thomas is on his way to Florida with his family. They decide to get there by driving in the car. The drive there is 10 hours and Thomas is riding in the backseat. He begins to turn green in the face and he asks his mom if she has a spare grocery bag. What is going on and how might Thomas be feeling?
Erik invited his friend Gianna to his home for dinner on Saturday night. He wanted to make all of Gianna's favorite foods, including pizza, tacos, and sushi. For dessert, he planned to make cookies, cupcakes, and cake. Realizing that this was way too much food for two people, he said to himself, "Don't get carried away."
Idiom: Don't get carried away.
Meaning: To be so excited about something that you do too much.
Rachel forgot to buy a required textbook, and now she can’t complete her homework. The assignment is due soon, and the campus bookstore is closed. What could Rachel do?
Rachel could borrow the book from a classmate, check the library, or look for an online version.
Maya rushed across campus, holding her laptop tightly as she checked the time on her phone. When she reached the classroom, the door was already closed, and the room was silent inside. She knocked softly, then paused and took a deep breath before opening the door. Everyone turned to look at her as she stepped in. What is going on and how is Maya likely feeling?
Maya is likely late for class and she may be feeling nervous or embarrassed.
The teachers at Oakland Elementary School received a grant to pick a pet for each classroom. On Monday, Mrs. Owen's class was choosing their class pet. The students needed to decide if the class wanted a hamster, a goldfish, or a turtle. The pet with the most votes would be selected. Mrs. Owens announced, "We will decide on the pet by a by a show of hands."
Idiom: A show of hands.
Meaning: to raise your hand for a vote.
Alex has two college classes scheduled at the same time because of a mistake in registration. Both classes are required for his major, and the semester has already started. He feels worried because he doesn’t know which class to attend.
Alex could talk to his academic advisor or professors right away to fix his schedule or find another class time.
Ethan sat in the library with a pile of books, but he kept rereading the same page. His friends laughed at a nearby table, but he didn’t join them like he usually did. He checked his notes again and rubbed his eyes. Then he opened his laptop and started typing quickly. Why do you think Ethan isn't joining his friends?
He was likely stressed about studying or finishing an assignment and needed to focus.
This Friday was going to be a very busy day for Isabella as she prepared for the graduation party. That morning, she woke up early to clean, cook, and decorate the house. When she stopped to look at the clock, it already noon. She muttered to herself, "Time flies."
Idiom: Time flies
Meaning: Time passes quickly when you are busy.
Aiden really wants to get an internship at a tech company, but he doesn’t know how to start applying. He has a resume, but he’s not sure what to write in the cover letter. What should Aiden do?
Aiden could ask a career advisor for help, look at examples of cover letters, and practice explaining his skills clearly.
Sophie opened her backpack and searched through it again, her face starting to look worried. The professor said, “Please take out your homework,” and Sophie froze for a second. She slowly raised her hand while others began turning in their papers. Why do you think Sophie raised his hand?
She likely couldn’t find or forgot her homework and needed to tell the professor.
Taylor's sister was always taking her things without permission. One day, she used Taylor's make up without asking. Another time, she took Taylor's favorite sweatshirt. When Taylor's iPad wasn't in her backpack where she left it, she knew to look in her sister's room. Sure enough, the iPad was on her sister's bed. As she grabbed the iPad, she noticed that the screen was cracked. Taylor cried, "This is the last straw"
Idiom: The last straw
Meaning: The last event that makes someone lose their patience or become angry.