What Is Problem and Solution?

Problem and solution is both a story element (in fiction) and a text structure (in nonfiction) that organizes writing around a challenge and how it is addressed. Recognizing this structure helps readers understand why events happen and how ideas connect.

Problem and Solution in Fiction

In a story, the problem is the main conflict - the challenge or obstacle the character must overcome. The solution is the resolution - how the character finally solves or deals with the problem.

The structure typically follows this pattern:

Problem → Character attempts a solution → Outcome → Final resolution

Example: In Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Alexander's problem is that everything keeps going wrong. He tries moving to Australia as a (wishful) solution, but ultimately learns some days are just bad - an emotional resolution.

Common conflict types in fiction:

Person vs. Person: A bully keeps taking the main character's lunch

Person vs. Nature: A family is stranded in a snowstorm

Person vs. Self: A student must overcome stage fright

Person vs. Society: A child fights an unfair rule at school

Problem and Solution in Nonfiction

Informational texts often use a problem-solution structure to explain real-world issues. The author presents a problem (often with causes), then describes proposed or actual solutions.

Example: An article on plastic pollution might explain the problem (plastic ending up in oceans, harming marine life), its causes (single-use plastics, poor waste management), and solutions (recycling programs, biodegradable packaging, consumer behavior changes).

Signal Words to Watch For

Problem signal words: problem, challenge, difficulty, issue, obstacle, concern, trouble

Solution signal words: solve, solution, answer, as a result, therefore, one way to, this led to, in order to, so that

Tip for students: When you see the word problem or challenge early in a paragraph, look for signal words like so, therefore, or as a result shortly after - a solution is usually nearby.

A Graphic Organizer for Problem and Solution

Using a simple graphic organizer helps students map this structure:

Problem: What is the challenge?

Attempt 1: What did the character/author try first?

Result: Did it work? Why or why not?

Attempt 2: What was the next try?

Solution: What finally resolved the problem?

Practice Activities

Read a picture book and complete a problem-solution graphic organizer for the main character's challenge.
Find a nonfiction article about an environmental or community issue and highlight signal words in different colors.
Write a short problem-solution paragraph about a real problem in the school or community.
Compare how two different books solve similar problems (both feature characters who feel left out - how does each author resolve it?).
Sort a set of sentence strips into two groups - problem statements and solution statements - from a short text.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between problem and solution in fiction vs. nonfiction?

In fiction, the problem is a character's conflict - it could be a person vs. nature, person vs. person, or person vs. self challenge. In nonfiction, the problem is a real-world issue (pollution, hunger) and the solution section explains what people are doing or could do to fix it.

Can a text have more than one problem or more than one solution?

Yes. In longer texts, a character or author may face multiple problems, try several solutions before one works, or present multiple solutions to one problem. Graphic organizers help students track each attempt.

What signal words help identify problem-and-solution text structure?

Common signal words include: problem, challenge, issue, difficulty, solve, solution, as a result, one answer is, therefore, in order to, and this led to.