CBSE Class 10 English Chapter 5: The Hundred Dresses-I NCERT Solutions
This section provides NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 10 English (First Flight), Chapter 5, titled 'The Hundred Dresses-I'. The chapter delves into themes of prejudice, bullying, and the importance of recognizing talent, even in those who are different. It includes a diary entry from the perspective of Wanda Petronski, the protagonist who faces mockery for her attire and name, but ultimately showcases her artistic talent. The solutions also cover reading comprehension questions based on an excerpt about Harriet Tubman, highlighting her bravery against racial discrimination and her dedication to freeing slaves. These solutions aim to help students understand the nuances of the story, develop empathy, and practice answering comprehension and creative writing questions effectively for their exams.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | Words and Expressions |
| Session | 2026 |
| Language | English |
| Type | NCERT Solutions |
| Chapter | Chapter 5 |
Chapter summary
Chapter 5, 'The Hundred Dresses-I', focuses on the story of Wanda Petronski, a Polish girl who is bullied at school. The NCERT Solutions cover a diary entry from Wanda's perspective, detailing her feelings and experiences. Additionally, comprehension questions based on an excerpt about Harriet Tubman explore themes of courage, freedom, and fighting against injustice. The solutions provide a clear understanding of the chapter's narrative and underlying messages.
Learning outcomes
- Understand the themes of bullying, prejudice, and empathy presented in 'The Hundred Dresses-I'.
- Develop the ability to write a diary entry from a character's perspective.
- Analyze the character of Wanda Petronski and her resilience.
- Comprehend the historical context and significance of Harriet Tubman's struggle.
- Answer reading comprehension questions based on provided text excerpts.
- Recognize the importance of talent and inner worth over external differences.
Topics covered
Paper topics
- Diary Entry Writing
- Character Analysis (Wanda Petronski)
- Themes of Bullying and Prejudice
- Empathy and Social Differences
- Reading Comprehension
- Harriet Tubman's Story
- Courage and Freedom
- Artistic Talent Recognition
Important topics
- Understanding Wanda's perspective through a diary entry
- Analyzing the impact of bullying and prejudice
- Recognizing hidden talents
- Harriet Tubman's fight against slavery
- Developing empathy for marginalized characters
PDF preview
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Questions and Solutions
Let's Begin:
Solution:
Dear Diary,
It's been difficult since we moved from Poland to Connecticut. The new school is so different, and my name, Wanda Petronski, sounds strange to the other children. They often make fun of me, especially Peggy, who always asks about my dresses. I only have one dress, the same one every day, and it's old. Maddie, Peggy's friend, sometimes looks uncomfortable, but she doesn't say anything, probably because she wears Peggy's old dresses too. Today, Peggy asked me again how many dresses I had. I got tired of her questions and told her I had a hundred dresses at home, all lined up in my closet. I even described one, a beautiful frock. I wonder if they believed me. Later, in the drawing competition, I submitted my paintings of dresses. I hope they see how talented I am. My father is thinking of moving us again because of the teasing. I will miss my paintings, but maybe a new place will be better. Still, I will miss the hope of one day having friends who understand.
Wanda
Reading Comprehension: Text I
"The difference between us is very marked. Most that I have done and suffered in the service of our cause has been in public, and I have received much encouragement at every step of the way. You, on the other hand, have laboured in a private way. I have wrought in the day-you in the night. I have had the applause of the crowd and the satisfaction that comes of being approved by the multitude, while the most you have done witnessed by few trembling, scared, and footsore bondmen and women, whom you have led out of the house of bondage, and whose heartfelt God bless you has been your only reward. The midnight sky and the silent stars have been the witnesses of your devotion to freedom and your heroism."
When years later, in her old age, a reporter for the New York Herald Tribune came to interview her one afternoon at her home in Auburn, he wrote that, as he was leaving, Harriet looked towards an orchard nearby and said,
"Do you like apples?"
On being assured that the young man liked them, she asked, "Did you ever plant any apples?" The writer confessed that he had not.
"No" said the old woman, "but somebody else planted them". I liked apples when I was young. And I said, "Someday I'll plant apples myself for other young folks to eat. And I guess I did."
Her apples were the apples of freedom. Harriet Tubman lived to see the harvest.
Solution:
The provided text is an excerpt from a biographical account of Harriet Tubman, highlighting her courageous work in freeing slaves. It includes a comparison by Frederick Douglass, who notes that his work was public and acclaimed, while Harriet's was private, dangerous, and often unseen, rewarded only by the gratitude of those she saved. The passage also recounts an anecdote from Harriet's old age, where she uses the metaphor of planting apples to explain her life's work: she planted the 'apples of freedom' for future generations, just as someone else had planted the apple trees she enjoyed in her youth. This illustrates her dedication to creating a better future for others, even after her active work was done.
Common mistakes
- Misinterpreting Wanda's feelings or motivations.
- Failing to capture the correct tone and perspective in the diary entry.
- Overlooking the subtle themes of social discrimination and its impact.
- Struggling to connect the Harriet Tubman excerpt to broader themes of courage and freedom.
Revision tips
- Reread the story 'The Hundred Dresses-I' to fully grasp Wanda's situation and emotions.
- Practice writing diary entries from different characters' viewpoints.
- Analyze the comparison between the narrator and Harriet Tubman in the comprehension passage.
- Focus on understanding the underlying messages about prejudice and talent recognition.
- Review the key events and character developments in the chapter.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What was the main reason Wanda Petronski was mocked by her classmates?
Explanation: Wanda was mocked primarily because her name sounded foreign and she wore the same old dress every day, setting her apart from her peers.
Q2. Who was Peggy's close friend who also participated in teasing Wanda?
Explanation: Maddie was Peggy's close friend, and although she felt uncomfortable with the teasing, she often went along with Peggy.
Q3. What did Wanda claim to have in her closet?
Explanation: When asked about her dresses, Wanda claimed to have a closet full of one hundred dresses, which her classmates found hard to believe.
Q4. What did Wanda win at the school competition?
Explanation: Wanda won the drawing competition with her beautiful designs, proving her artistic talent.
Q5. Harriet Tubman is referred to as 'The Moses of Her People' because:
Explanation: Harriet Tubman earned this title for her courageous efforts in helping enslaved people escape to freedom.
Frequently asked questions
What is the main theme of Chapter 5, 'The Hundred Dresses-I'?
The main themes are bullying, prejudice based on social and economic differences, the importance of empathy, and the recognition of hidden talents.
How does the chapter help students understand empathy?
By presenting Wanda's experience of being mocked and later revealing her talent, the chapter encourages students to consider the feelings of others and avoid judging based on appearances.
What is the purpose of the diary entry question?
The diary entry allows students to step into Wanda's shoes, express her emotions, and demonstrate their understanding of her character and situation.
Who was Harriet Tubman and why is she mentioned in this chapter?
Harriet Tubman was a famous abolitionist who helped many slaves escape. She is mentioned to draw parallels with courage, resilience, and fighting against injustice, similar to how Wanda's story subtly addresses social issues.
How can these NCERT Solutions help with exam preparation?
These solutions provide clear explanations and rewritten answers for comprehension and creative tasks, helping students understand the chapter's content, themes, and practice answering questions effectively.
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