Explanation
Exercises
Writing · A2

Tell a Short Story About a Problem

Learn how to tell a short story about an everyday problem by explaining what happened, what you did, how it was solved, and how you felt.

Problems and Everyday Experiences Short problem story 20 min 70–80 words
Lesson progress
Explanation · 1 / 4

Learn how to organise a short problem story with past simple verbs, sequence words, a solution, and a clear ending.

Learning objective

In this lesson, you will learn how to set the scene, explain a problem clearly, use the past simple for events, organise actions with sequence words, describe attempts and solutions, and finish with a personal reaction.

Model text

Yesterday, I took the bus to work and suddenly realised my wallet was at home. First, I checked my bag again, but it was not there. Then I called my sister and explained the problem. Luckily, she was near my house, so she found the wallet and brought it to me at the next bus stop. I was worried at first, but everything ended well. I felt relieved because I did not miss work.

How to write

1
Set the scene.

Yesterday, I took the bus to work.

2
Explain the problem clearly.

I suddenly realised my wallet was at home.

3
Describe what you did in order.

First, I checked my bag. Then I called my sister.

4
Say how the problem was solved.

Luckily, my sister found the wallet and brought it to me.

5
Finish with your reaction.

I felt relieved because I did not miss work.

Useful phrases

Yesterday, I was...
Last week, I...
Suddenly, I realised...
The problem was...
First, I...
Then I...
After that, I...
I tried to...
I asked ... for help.
Luckily,...
In the end,...
I felt ... because...

Language focus

Use the past simple for finished actions:

lose → lost

find → found

call → called

try → tried

feel → felt

Use sequence and problem-solution language:

First, I checked my bag.

Then I called my sister.

Luckily, she found my wallet.

In the end, everything was fine.

Remember:
I lost my keys. Not: I losed my keys.
I couldn't open the door. Not: couldn't opened.
I asked my friend for help.
Use because to explain your final feeling or reaction.
Exercises:
1
2
3
Exercise 1 · Language

Choose the correct sentence

Choose the most natural and grammatically correct sentence in each question.

Practise past simple verbs, problem expressions, sequence words, and reactions.
Exercise 1 · 2 / 4

You need at least 5 correct answers out of 6 to complete this exercise.

1
Which sentence correctly describes a past problem?
2
Which sentence introduces a problem naturally?
3
Which sentence uses sequence words correctly?
4
Which sentence is correct after couldn't?
5
Which sentence gives a clear action to solve a problem?
6
Which sentence gives a clear final reaction?
Exercise 2 · Structure

Build a clear problem story

Choose the sentence that performs each part of a short story about an everyday problem.

Practise organising a story from the opening problem to the solution and final reaction.
Exercise 2 · 3 / 4

A clear problem story sets the scene, explains the difficulty, shows what happened next, and ends with the result.

1
Set the scene
2
Introduce the problem
3
Describe your first attempt
4
Continue with the next action
5
Explain the solution
6
Finish the story
Exercise 3 · Writing

Tell a short story about a problem

Write one connected paragraph about an everyday problem and how it was solved.

Complete the eighth A2 Writing lesson.
Exercise 3 · 4 / 4

Write about 70–80 words. Set the scene, explain the problem, describe what you did, and finish with the result and your reaction.

Your task

Write a 70–80 word short story about a problem.

  • say when and where the story happened, or what you were doing
  • explain the problem clearly
  • use past simple verbs for at least three actions
  • use at least two time or sequence expressions
  • mention something you tried or did to solve the problem
  • explain how the problem was solved or what happened in the end
  • finish with a feeling or personal reaction
Yesterday, I was... Last week, I... Suddenly, I realised... The problem was... First, I... Then I... After that, I... I tried to... I asked ... for help. Luckily,... In the end,... I felt ... because...
Your writing
0 words · Target: 70–80

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Quick check
•Write about 70–80 words
•Set the scene with a time and situation or place
•Explain the problem clearly
•Use past simple verbs for at least three actions
•Use at least two time or sequence expressions
•Mention something you did to solve the problem
•Explain the solution or final result
•Include a feeling or personal reaction
•Organise the story in at least five sentences
AI feedback

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