Problem and Solution Frame
Problem, attempts, solution boxes.
The Problem and Solution Frame provides three clearly labeled blank boxes—Problem, Attempts, and Solution—laid out in a logical top-to-bottom sequence so students can map out how a challenge is identified, what is tried, and how it is resolved. Grades 2–7 use it to analyze story structure, break down real-world challenges, and plan persuasive or expository writing. Teachers reach for it during guided reading to help students see narrative structure, and again in writing workshop to help students draft a well-organized opinion or informational piece. The inclusion of an Attempts box distinguishes this frame from simpler two-part organizers—it captures the process of working through a problem, which mirrors both story development and real problem-solving. Parents find it useful when helping a child outline a science fair project or unpack the plot of a chapter book.
Learning objectives
- Identify the central problem in a text, scenario, or real-world situation
- Describe the steps or attempts made to address a problem
- Articulate a clear resolution or proposed solution
- Plan problem-solution writing before drafting
- Recognize problem-solution text structure in informational reading
- Build critical thinking and persistence by valuing the attempt process
How to use this template
- Download and print the Problem and Solution Frame—one per student or group.
- Identify the text, scenario, or challenge being analyzed.
- Write the problem clearly in the top box—what went wrong, what the challenge is, or what needs to change.
- Record in the Attempts box all the strategies, actions, or ideas tried before the final resolution.
- Fill in the Solution box with the outcome or the proposed answer, then use the completed frame to draft a written response or presentation.
Classroom & home ideas
- Use after reading a story chapter: students identify the character's main problem, what the character tried, and how it was eventually resolved.
- Assign during a social studies unit on historical challenges—students frame a real event as problem, attempts made, and outcome.
- Use in science for engineering design challenges: problem is the design goal, attempts are prototype iterations, solution is the final working design.
- In writing workshop, students use the frame to plan an opinion piece—stating the problem they want to address, the solutions others have tried, and the solution they recommend.
- Give students a real school or community issue and have them research and complete the frame as preparation for a persuasive letter.
Skills & curriculum links
Frequently asked questions
What if a problem has multiple possible solutions?
Students can list more than one option in the Solution box and then circle or star the one they consider most effective. This works especially well for opinion writing prep where students must defend a position.
Can this frame be used for nonfiction texts?
Yes. Many informational texts—news articles, science reports, social studies readings—are organized around a problem-solution structure. Students fill in the frame as they read to track the argument or explanation.
Is the Attempts box required, or can students skip it?
For simple story problems, the Attempts box may have limited content, but it should still be used. Acknowledging what was tried—even if it failed—builds a more complete understanding of the text or issue.
How does this frame prepare students for standardized writing prompts?
Many state writing assessments include problem-solution prompts. Practicing with this frame helps students internalize the structure so they can produce organized responses quickly under time constraints.
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