Writing word problems

Writing word problems

Pencil and paperOnline interactive
Overview
Using this Resource
Connecting to the Curriculum
Marking Student Responses
Working with Students
Further Resources
This task is about writing addition, subtraction, multiplication and division word problems.
Use the information in the pictures below to write four word problems. You are to write a word problem using the operation (addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division) shown in each instruction. This example has been done for you, using the operation of addition.
 
If Timo bought 50 cents worth of choc drops and $1.20 worth of bullets, how much would he have spent all together?
 
$0.50 + $1.20 = $1.70

Question 1Change answer

 
a)  Write an addition word problem for this picture in the space below.

Question 1Change answer

 

 
b)  Write a subtraction word problem for this picture in the space below.

Question 1Change answer

 
c)  Write a multiplication word problem for this picture in the space below.

Question 1Change answer

 
d)  Using 'If I had $3.50 to spend…' to start, write a division word problem for this picture in the space below. 
     If I had $3.50 to spend...
Task administration: 
This task is completed with pencil and paper or online (with NO auto marking).
Level:
3
Curriculum info: 
Maths, Number and Algebra, Number Strategies
Key Competencies: 
Using language, symbols, and texts
Keywords: 
addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, story problems
Description of task: 
Using information given in pictures students write four word problems using the operation set out in each instruction.
Answers/responses: 
 

Y6 (08/2002)
a) An addition word problem has been written. easy
(for both correct)
b) A subtraction word problem has been written. moderate
(for both correct)
c) A multiplication word problem has been written. moderate
(for both correct)
d) A division word problem has been written. difficult
(for both correct)

NOTE: Students' responses will vary. Errors should not include spelling errors if the student's meaning is clear.

Diagnostic and formative information: 
 

Common response

a)

Many students give an example with multiplication as well as addition, e.g., "How much do three muffins and five gums cost?".

b)

Many students gave an example with addition as well as subtraction.

a)&c)

A few students give just a multiplication problem. They may be using successive addition.

d)

A few students give an example with division as well as addition of multiplication.