Word Problems: How to Teach ‘Read the Question’

Most word-problem mistakes happen before the maths begins. The child isn’t “bad at maths” — they’ve just started calculating before they’ve understood the story.

So the real skill to teach is simple: slow down, understand the question, then choose the maths.

Related guides: Maths (7–11) · Study Skills & Focus · All blog posts

Who this is for

• Kids aged 7–11 who “know the maths” but get word problems wrong.
• Kids who rush and lose marks on simple questions.
• Parents/tutors who want a repeatable routine (not more random practice).

The big idea: word problems are reading problems first

Word problems test two skills at once:

• Comprehension: understand the story and goal.
• Maths selection: choose the right operation or steps.

If a child starts calculating immediately, they skip the part that actually protects marks.

The 4-step method (coach version)

Use the same four questions every time. Repetition is what makes it automatic.

1. What is the story?

   Say it back in one sentence: “This is about…”

   Example: “This is about sharing sweets equally.”

2. What do we need to find?

   What is the final answer asking for? Total? Left? Difference? Cost? Time?

   Shortcut: underline the actual question sentence.

3. What information matters?

   Which numbers and details actually help — and which are just there to distract?

   Rule: if a detail doesn’t change the calculation, it’s noise.

4. What operation fits?

   Add, subtract, multiply, divide — or a two-step combination?

   Check: “Does this operation match the story?”

The simple annotation trick

This is the fastest way to stop “rushing” errors. Do it before any calculation:

• Circle the numbers.
• Underline the goal (what you’re finding).
• Cross out noise (extra details you don’t need).

Make it even clearer with “job words”

Teach your child to spot common “goal words”:

• Total / altogether → usually add
• Left / remaining → usually subtract
• Each / per / groups of → usually multiply or divide
• Difference / more than / fewer than → usually subtract (compare)

Note: these are clues, not rules — always check against the story.

Try this next (the “no maths” drill)

Do 5 word problems with zero calculations.

• Just identify the goal (what you’re finding).
• And choose the operation (what maths you would use).
• Optional: write a “math sentence” like 24 ÷ 6 or 18 + 7.

When “read the question” becomes a habit, the maths gets easier.

If careless mistakes are a pattern across subjects, pair this with: How to Stop Careless Mistakes.

And if focus is the issue, keep practice short with: The 10-Minute Focus Routine.

Want a low-friction way to practise little-and-often? Try the free Classroom Trial and use word problems as your daily “5-minute focused task.”