Problem-Solving
Owen sat down at a computer to turn in his online assignment. When he tried to log in, he could not remember his password. What should Owen do?
Owen should reset his password
Maya walked outside and noticed that the bird feeder was empty. Bits of seed were scattered on the ground, and a few birds were flying around nearby, chirping loudly. She grabbed the bag of birdseed and started filling the feeder again. Why was Maya refilling the feeder?
The birds ate all the seeds.
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.
Sam wanted to join a club but felt nervous about going alone. He stayed at home instead.
What is one way Sam could solve this problem and take a step toward his goal?
He could ask someone to go to a club meeting with him.
Jason was playing soccer in the yard even though his dad told him to stay away from the house. When he kicked the ball as hard as he could, he heard a loud crash. The ball rolled back toward him, and he froze. He slowly turned around and saw glass on the ground. When he heard the back door open, his stomach felt tight.
What happened and how is Jason likely feeling?
Jason broke the window and is feeling nervous.
Alex and Sam had been planning a small business together, but they couldn’t agree on where to open their shop. Alex wanted a busy downtown spot, while Sam thought a quieter neighborhood would be better. After talking through the pros and cons, Alex said, “I’m okay with either choice—the ball is in your court.” Sam realized it was now his turn to decide, so he chose the downtown location, and the two partners moved forward with their plan.
Idiom: The ball is in your court.
Meaning: You are responsible for what happens next.
Ava started her homework but kept checking her phone. It took her hours to finish simple work.
What is one way Ava could solve this problem?
Ava could eliminate distractions by putting her phone away.
Ethan went to grab his favorite novel from the bookshelf but it was gone. A small library slip on the desk said, “Due back tomorrow.” Where is Ethan's book?
Someone else had checked out the book he wanted.
Taylor needed to ask their boss for a day off, but they felt nervous. Instead of saying it clearly, Taylor started talking about how busy work had been and how tired they felt. After a few minutes, the boss smiled and said, “You’re beating around the bush—what do you need?” Taylor took a deep breath and finally asked for the day off. The boss nodded and said yes, and Taylor felt relieved for being honest.
Idiom: Beat around the bush.
Meaning: To avoid saying something directly or not get to the main point.
Jordan had a big paper due in one week, but he kept putting it off because it felt too hard. Every time he thought about it, he felt stuck and didn’t start.
What is one way Jordan could solve this problem and get started?
Emma wanted an internship at a small animal clinic, but she had never worked with animals before. Instead of giving up, she started volunteering at a shelter on weekends. She cleaned cages, fed pets, and asked lots of questions. After a few months, she applied again. This time, the clinic accepted her.
What can you infer about why Emma got the internship the second time?
Emma likely got the internship because she gained experience and proved that she was responsible.
Maya had two very different lives. During the week, she lived in a busy city and worked as an architect, designing tall buildings and rushing to meet deadlines. But on weekends, she went to a quiet lake where she stayed in a small cabin and enjoyed the peaceful nature. At first, she thought she had to choose one life or the other. Then one day, while sitting by the lake and working on a design, she got an idea. She mixed the calm shapes of nature with her modern building style. Her new design turned out better than ever. That’s when Maya realized she didn’t have to choose—she could enjoy both her busy city job and her peaceful time at the lake. She had found the best of both worlds.
Idiom: the best of both worlds
Meaning: An ideal situation where someone enjoys two opportunities.
Caleb was assigned a writing assignment over a reading passage. He keeps looking at the words but he cannot seem to understand the passage or put it into his own words. What could Caleb do?
Caleb could reread the passage, reference a graphic organizer, or cover the screen after he reads it so it is easier to put it into his own words.
Mia and Zoe both wanted an internship at a clothing store. Mia had more experience, but Zoe showed excitement and asked thoughtful questions during the interview. Zoe got the internship.
What can you infer about what the manager valued?
You can infer that the manager valued enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Even though Mia had more experience, Zoe showed she was excited to learn and asked good questions, which made a strong impression on the manager
Jake had been putting off his dentist appointment for weeks because he was scared it would hurt. Every time his mom reminded him, he found an excuse to wait a little longer. But one day, his tooth started to ache so badly that he couldn’t ignore it anymore. He knew he had to bite the bullet and go to the dentist. At the appointment, he felt nervous, but the dentist was kind and explained everything. In the end, it didn’t hurt as much as Jake thought it would, and his tooth felt much better. Jake was proud of himself for being brave and facing something he was afraid of.
Idiom: Bite the bullet
Meaning: To face a difficult situation bravely