CBSE Class 10 English First Flight Chapter 5: The Hundred Dresses - I NCERT Solutions

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NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This section provides detailed NCERT Solutions for Chapter 5, 'The Hundred Dresses - I', from the CBSE Class 10 English 'First Flight' textbook. It covers the initial comprehension questions focusing on Wanda Petronski's character, her social standing, and the dynamics within the classroom. The solutions delve into why Wanda sat in a particular spot, the nature of her living conditions in Boggins Heights, and the reasons behind Peggy and Maddie noticing her absence. It also explores the underlying meaning of 'having fun with her' and how Wanda's unique qualities set her apart from her peers. These solutions are designed to help students grasp the nuances of the story, understand character motivations, and prepare effectively for their exams by clarifying the text's core elements.

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Quick info

BoardCBSE
ClassClass 10
SubjectFirst Flight
Session2026
LanguageEnglish
TypeNCERT Solutions
ChapterChapter 5

Chapter summary

Chapter 5, 'The Hundred Dresses - I', introduces Wanda Petronski, a quiet and seemingly different student. These NCERT Solutions focus on the oral comprehension checks from pages 65 and 67. They explore Wanda's seating arrangement, her home in Boggins Heights, and the reasons for her absence from school. The solutions also analyze the teasing she endures, her claims about having a hundred dresses, and Maddie's complex feelings about Peggy's actions. This section helps students understand Wanda's isolation and the social dynamics at play.

Learning outcomes

  • Understand Wanda Petronski's social and economic background.
  • Analyze the reasons for Wanda's isolation and her seating choice.
  • Interpret the meaning of 'having fun with her' in the context of bullying.
  • Explain why Wanda claimed to have a hundred dresses.
  • Describe the differences between Wanda and her classmates, particularly Maddie.
  • Identify the emotional impact of Peggy's questions on Maddie.

Topics covered

Paper topics

  • Wanda Petronski's character analysis
  • Social and economic disparities in school
  • Bullying and teasing
  • Inferiority complex
  • Character motivations
  • Classroom dynamics
  • Setting: Boggins Heights
  • Themes of isolation and difference
  • Maddie's perspective and empathy
  • Interpretation of dialogue

Important topics

  • Wanda's character and background
  • The theme of bullying and its impact
  • Maddie's internal conflict
  • Wanda's claims about dresses
  • Social class differences

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Questions and Solutions

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-65

Q.1 Where in the classroom does Wanda sit and why?
Solution: Wanda Petronski typically sat in the classroom in the very last seat, located in the last row. She chose this spot because her shoes were often dirty with mud from her walk to school. By sitting in the corner, she hoped to make herself less noticeable and avoid becoming the subject of ridicule or jokes from her classmates.
Q.2 Where does Wanda live? What kind of a place do you think it is?
Solution: Wanda lives in an area called Boggins Heights. Based on the description of dry mud, it can be inferred that this is likely a less affluent neighborhood, possibly situated a considerable distance from the school, and characterized by unpaved, muddy terrain.
Q.3 When and why do Peggy and Maddie notice Wanda's absence?
Solution: Peggy and Maddie noticed Wanda's absence on Wednesday, which was unusual as she was typically present, albeit often late. They specifically noted her absence because Wanda's tardiness sometimes made them late for school, and they had intended to engage with her, likely to tease her, before she arrived. Her non-appearance prevented them from doing so.
Q.4 What do you think 'to have fun with her' means?
Solution: The phrase 'to have fun with her' in this context does not imply genuine enjoyment or playfulness. Instead, it refers to the act of teasing, mocking, and making fun of Wanda Petronski due to her unique name, her clothing, and her background. It highlights a common human tendency to target individuals who are perceived as different or vulnerable for amusement.

Oral Comprehension Check Pg-67

Q.1 In what way was Wanda different from the other children?
Solution: Wanda Petronski was different from the other children in several ways. She was a Polish girl with a name that was considered unusual and difficult to pronounce by her classmates. She usually walked to school alone, indicating a lack of friends. Most notably, she consistently wore the same faded blue dress to school every day, setting her apart from her peers who likely had more varied wardrobes.
Q.2 Did Wanda have a hundred dresses? Why do you think she said she did?
Solution: It is highly unlikely that Wanda actually possessed a hundred dresses, especially given that she wore the same faded blue dress daily. She probably claimed to have a hundred dresses to cope with an inferiority complex. Knowing that her classmates were making fun of her limited wardrobe, she might have invented this claim as a way to assert herself, hide her poverty, and counter their mockery.
Q.3 Why is Maddie embarrassed by the questions Peggy asks Wanda? Is she also Wanda, or is she different?
Solution: Maddie felt embarrassed by Peggy's persistent questions to Wanda because Maddie herself came from a poor family and often wore hand-me-down clothes. She understood Wanda's situation and felt uncomfortable with Peggy's relentless teasing, as it highlighted the economic disparities and made her feel sympathetic towards Wanda. While Maddie shares Wanda's poverty, she is different because she is not as isolated; she has friends like Peggy and doesn't claim to have things she doesn't possess, indicating a different way of coping with her circumstances.

Common mistakes

  • Misinterpreting 'having fun with her' as genuine amusement rather than teasing.
  • Underestimating the significance of Wanda's poverty and its effect on her behavior.
  • Failing to recognize Maddie's internal conflict and empathy towards Wanda.
  • Confusing Wanda's claims about her dresses with reality.

Revision tips

  • Focus on understanding Wanda's character and her feelings of isolation.
  • Pay attention to the descriptions of Boggins Heights and Wanda's home.
  • Analyze the interactions between Wanda, Peggy, and Maddie to understand social dynamics.
  • Consider the reasons behind Wanda's claims about her dresses.
  • Reflect on Maddie's embarrassment and her own background.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Where did Wanda Petronski usually sit in the classroom?

Q2. What does the description of Boggins Heights suggest about Wanda's living conditions?

Q3. Why did Peggy and Maddie notice Wanda's absence on Wednesday?

Q4. What did 'to have fun with her' likely mean in the context of the story?

Q5. How was Wanda different from the other children at school?

Q6. Why did Wanda likely say she had a hundred dresses?

Q7. Why was Maddie embarrassed by Peggy's questions to Wanda?

Frequently asked questions

What is Chapter 5 of CBSE Class 10 First Flight about?

Chapter 5, 'The Hundred Dresses - I', introduces Wanda Petronski, a student who is different from her classmates. The initial part focuses on her background, her seating in class, and the teasing she faces.

Where does Wanda live?

Wanda lives in a place called Boggins Heights, which is described as having a lot of dry mud, suggesting it is not a wealthy area.

Why did Wanda sit in the last row?

Wanda sat in the last seat of the last row because her feet were often covered in mud, and she wanted to avoid being the target of jokes from her classmates.

What does 'to have fun with her' mean in this chapter?

In this context, 'to have fun with her' means to tease and mock Wanda Petronski about her appearance and her claims, rather than genuine fun.

Why did Wanda claim to have a hundred dresses?

Wanda likely claimed to have a hundred dresses to cope with her poverty and inferiority complex, and to counter the teasing she received from her classmates.

How do these solutions help Class 10 students?

These solutions provide clear, rewritten answers to the chapter's comprehension questions, helping students understand Wanda's character, the story's themes, and prepare for exams.

Important links

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