📝 Daily Short Practice
🎯 Vocabulary Goal
Learn natural collocations to talk about handling problems in everyday situations.
📚 Words & Phrases
| Word or phrase | Simple meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
solve a problem |
find a way to fix a problem | She managed to solve a problem with the computer quickly. |
|
deal with a problem |
handle or take action to manage a problem | We need to deal with a problem before it gets worse. |
|
face a problem |
accept or confront a problem | He has to face a problem at work about his schedule. |
🔍 See It in Context
Handling Problems at Work
Anna faced a problem when the project deadline was moved earlier. She decided to deal with the problem by asking her team for help. Together, they solved the problem by working extra hours. Facing problems like this is normal in any job. The important thing is to deal with problems quickly to avoid bigger issues.
💡 Notice the Pattern
Difference between 'solve a problem' and 'deal with a problem'
To solve a problem means to find a clear answer or fix it. To deal with a problem means to manage or handle it, which may not always mean completely fixing it.
- She solved the problem by restarting the computer.
- We need to deal with the problem until we find a solution.
💬 Useful Examples
- I need to face a problem before it gets more serious.
- Can you help me deal with a problem at school?
- They solved the problem by calling technical support.
- Facing problems is part of learning new skills.
✏️ Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1.
She asked her manager for advice on how to ____ quickly (solve a problem / face a problem / deal with a problem).
2.
We must ____ before the situation gets worse (solve a problem / deal with a problem / face a problem).
3.
He tried to ____ about the missing report at the meeting (deal with a problem / solve a problem / face a problem).
4.
The team finally ____ after many hours of discussion (solved a problem / dealt with a problem / faced a problem).
5.
Sometimes it's hard to ____ when you don't know what to do (solve a problem / face a problem / deal with a problem).
🔗 Exercise 2 – Matching
1.
solve a problem
2.
deal with a problem
3.
face a problem
4.
They solved the problem by working together.
5.
She had to deal with a problem at work yesterday.
✅ Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1.
Which phrase means to accept that you have a problem?
2.
If you find an exact answer to a problem, you ____.
3.
Which phrase fits best? “We should ____ this problem carefully before it gets worse.”
4.
If someone ignores a problem, which phrase would NOT describe their action?
5.
“The engineers ____ the problem by changing the software.” What happened?
📝 Use It Yourself
Write 2-3 sentences about a time you faced a problem and how you dealt with or solved it.
Example:
Last month, I faced a problem with my internet connection. I dealt with it by calling the provider. They solved the problem quickly.
🎙️ Speaking Practice
Practice these sentences aloud.
Say:
I need to solve a problem with my computer today.
Say:
How do you usually deal with problems at work?
Say:
Sometimes it is hard to face a problem, but it is important.
Ask:
Can you say a time when you solved a problem recently?
🔎 Answer Key
Exercise 1 – Fill in the Blanks
1. solve a problem
2. deal with a problem
3. face a problem
4. solved a problem
5. face a problem
Exercise 2 – Matching
1. c – find a clear answer to fix an issue
2. d – handle or manage a difficult situation
3. e – accept or confront a challenge
4. a – They fixed the issue by cooperating.
5. b – She managed a work issue yesterday.
Exercise 3 – Multiple Choice
1. face a problem
2. solve a problem
3. deal with a problem
4. face a problem
5. solved a problem