Write a Story for the Number Sentence is a free printable Grade 1 math worksheet on making up a story that a given number sentence solves, within 20, aligned to Common Core standard 1.OA.A.1. It prints 4 questions with an answer key on its own sheet of paper, in 25 versions that each ask different questions, so no two students in the class work from the same page. Print it from the browser or download it as a PDF — no account, no email.

Set 7 of 25 · the same problems every time you open this link.

One paper per student

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25

Set 1 has all 25 in a single PDF. All 25 sets ask different questions.

Write a Story for the Number Sentence

1.OA.A.1

NameDate

Write a short story for each number sentence.

1.Write a short story that matches 12 + 8 = ___. Then answer your own question.

uses the numbers 12 and 8
the question is answered by adding
the answer is 20

2.Write a short story that matches 5 + 2 = ___. Then answer your own question.

uses the numbers 5 and 2
the question is answered by adding
the answer is 7

3.Write a short story that matches 9 + 2 = ___. Then answer your own question.

uses the numbers 9 and 2
the question is answered by adding
the answer is 11

4.Write a short story that matches 2 − 1 = ___. Then answer your own question.

uses the numbers 2 and 1
the question is answered by taking away
the answer is 1

LessonPrint · 1.OA.A.1 · Set 7 · free to copy for classroom use

Answer key — Write a Story for the Number Sentence

Set 7. Prints on its own sheet.

1.A story that uses the numbers 12 and 8; the question is answered by adding; the answer is 20.
2.A story that uses the numbers 5 and 2; the question is answered by adding; the answer is 7.
3.A story that uses the numbers 9 and 2; the question is answered by adding; the answer is 11.
4.A story that uses the numbers 2 and 1; the question is answered by taking away; the answer is 1.

Last reviewed 2026-09-05. Aligned to 1.OA.A.1 of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.