Problem Solving – Sample Questions
Dear Students,
Problem Solving and Critical Thinking is an important 21st century skill. HCL JIGSAW focuses on spreading awareness
and to identify and reward India’s Young Problem Solvers.
It is not related to Math’s or coding or AI or app development. It’s about the ability to think, innovate and solve real
world problems.
To understand better, below are a few samples questions, to help you understand. In Round 01, you will get such a
situation based, 30 MCQs, which you must attempt in 30 minutes.
Sample Questions: Grade 8
Assessment Parameter 1: Problem Definition
Brava is a well-known kiwi custard seller. He uses locally sourced kiwis. Due to heavy rains this season, the kiwis he
buys are spoiling very quickly. Which of these best describes the problem he is facing?
A. The increasing number of rotten kiwis
B. Finding a way to grow kiwis for himself
C. The decreasing number of rotten kiwis
D. A drop in the sale of fruit custards
Assessment Parameter 2: Information Gathering
Preksha wants to know which microwave popcorn brand has the best quality - she decides to measure quality by
measuring the number of kernels popped. (Independent Variable = IV Dependent Variable = DV Hypothesis = H)
Which of the following should be her experimental set up?
A. IV = Brand of Popcorn; DV = Number of kernels popped; H = The more kernels popped, the higher the quality of
the brand
B. IV = Number of kernels popped; DV = Brand of popcorn; H = The more kernels popped, the higher the quality of
the brand
C. IV = Quantity of butter; DV = Number of kernels popped; H = The more butter, the higher the quality of the
brand
D. IV = Brand of Popcorn; DV = Number of kernels popped; H = The more butter, the more the kernels that pop
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Problem Solving – Sample Questions
Assessment Parameter 3: Scientific Mindset
Neil wants to open an ice-cream store in Gelato Nagar and wants his father to invest. However, his father thinks
that people have become more health-conscious and therefore will buy less ice- cream. Pick the option that will
help Neil convince his father:
A. The total number of households in Gelato Nagar
B. The number of people who love ice cream
C. The amount of ice cream bought in Gelato Nagar
D. Data on rising summer temperatures in the last 2 years
Assessment Parameter 4: Understanding Information
"Out of all the stories written about kings and queens, the ones by Chinmay Das are the most popular in India. His
writing style is notonly original and hard to mimic but also capable of making the reader feel every single emotion
that the characters are feeling. His work has made a global impact as well, traveling through online stores and
blogs." What is the main idea of the passage above?
A. The work and style of Chinmay Das
B. The life and fame of Chinmay Das
C. The critique of the work of Chinmay Das
D. The details of the stories written by Chinmay Das
Assessment Parameter 5: Systems Thinking
Ms. Braganza is a middle school mathematics teacher. Each year, she conducts an exam for her students at the
beginning of the year called "Start Line". She then teaches her students various topics in mathematics and at the
end of the year conducts a similar exam called "Finish Line". She uses data from these test results to see how
much students' scores improve after doing the course she teaches. Over the last 2 years, she has noticed that the
increase in scores from "Start Line" to "Finish Line" has been reducing. However, the average score on "Finish
Line" has remained the same. What is a possible explanation for Ms. Braganza's observation?
A. The class size reduced 2 years ago
B. Students have become less sincere and hardworking over 2 years
C. Incoming students are now better prepared for her class
D. Ms. Braganza's course is confusing students and making their scores drop
Twinning Owl | e: hcljigsaw@twinningowl.com | M : 9818322204 , 7428200332 | www.twinningowl.com/
Problem Solving – Sample Questions
Assessment Parameter 6: Forming Conclusions
Alice is an aspiring singer who recently got selected to join a reality singing show. She asks her friends for advice
on whether she should join the show or not.
Friend 1: You should avoid joining competitions like these. They are broadcast to the entire country. They tend
to focus on internal politics and stray away from actual singing. There are too many distractions for a singer.
Friend 2: You should give it a chance as this could be the platform you're looking for to become famous. You will
be heard by people all over the country. You may also get recognized by professionals and be selected for future
work. What is common between the advice of both her friends?
A. Both friends agree that this competition will be seen by people all over the country
B. Both friends agree that this competition is a good idea and focuses on actual singing
C. Both friends agree that this competition focuses on internal politics
D. Both friends agree that this competition will help her get recognized by professionals
Assessment Parameter 7: Evaluation/Justification
Statement: In a basketball match, the total number of points scored by both teams was 10. Out of these 4 points
were scored by the tallest player.
Conclusions:
1. The tallest player's team won the game
2. Both teams scored at least one point
Based on the above statement, which conclusion can you confirm?
A. Only conclusion 1
B. Only conclusion 2
C. Both conclusions
D. Neither conclusion
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Problem Solving – Sample Questions
Assessment Parameter 9: Sound Convincing
One of Jade's neighbors has asked her for her Lemon Slice cake recipe, she wants to make one for her mother's
birthday. Another one of Jade's friends is cooking a Thanksgiving meal for the entire family and has asked for the
same recipe. Which of the following would be appropriate for both the recipients?
A. "Hi, I hope everything is fine and you are doing well. This cake recipe will taste so good, especially for
Thanksgiving. Your families will love it!"
B. "Hey, what's up? Hope you guys have fun with this recipe. I remember how much you guys loved it. Super glad I
can share it with y'all!."
C. "Hello, I hope everything is well. Here's the recipe that you had asked for. It should serve around 4-5
people but you can always adjust it accordingly."
D. "Hi, I hope everything is fine. Please find attached the recipe that you had asked fo last week. Feel free to
contact me on the number below if you have questions."
Assessment Parameter 10: Being Fair
Anna made a report for her history class, but later that day she found her older sister's report on the same topic.
Her sister's report was more interesting, clear, and precise. Anna wanted to use the old report as inspiration but
does not know how she can use it, or what parts of it she can use. In what way can Anna avoid plagiarism? Select all
that apply.
A. Check her sister's paper to ensure she has not missed any key points
B. Use her sister's analysis and not cite it, since its original analysis
C. Use the sources cited by her sister and cite them accordingly
D. Paraphrase a section of her sister's report which addresses a key point Anna missed earlier, without
citation
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