CBSE Class 10 English: The Hundred Dresses – I NCERT Solutions

Reviewed by NCERT Help Editorial Team · Updated on 29 Jul 2026

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 10 PDF

This resource provides detailed NCERT Solutions for CBSE Class 10 English, Chapter 5, "The Hundred Dresses – I". It delves into the character of Wanda Petronski, exploring her shy nature, her living conditions on Boggins Heights, and the reasons behind her unique claims about having a hundred dresses. The solutions also address the social dynamics within the classroom, including bullying, the role of popular students like Peggy, and the internal conflict faced by Maddie. Key themes such as empathy, courage, and the impact of teasing are examined through the questions and answers. These solutions are designed to help students understand the nuances of the story, analyze character motivations, and prepare effectively for their English examinations by offering clear explanations and insights into the text.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 10
Subject	English
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	5. The Hundred Dresses – I

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for "The Hundred Dresses – I" (Class 10 English) cover comprehension questions focusing on Wanda Petronski's character, her social isolation, and the reasons behind her imaginative claims. The solutions analyze the dynamics of bullying, the role of peer pressure, and the internal struggles of characters like Maddie. They explore themes of poverty, appearance, and self-worth, providing a clear understanding of the story's context and character development, essential for exam preparation.

Learning outcomes

Understand Wanda Petronski's character and her social situation.
Analyze the reasons behind Wanda's claims about having a hundred dresses.
Identify and explain the themes of bullying and empathy in the story.
Examine Maddie's internal conflict and her relationship with Peggy and Wanda.
Interpret the significance of the drawing contest within the narrative.
Develop critical thinking skills to analyze character motivations and plot elements.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Character Analysis of Wanda Petronski
Social Dynamics in the Classroom
Themes of Bullying and Teasing
Empathy and Understanding
Poverty and Appearance
Imagination vs. Reality
Peer Pressure
Maddie's Internal Conflict
Peggy's Role in the Story
The Drawing Contest
Character Development
Understanding Literary Texts

Important topics

Wanda's Character and Claims
The Impact of Bullying
Maddie's Dilemma and Empathy
Social Hierarchy and Popularity
Themes of Appearance vs. Inner Worth
The Drawing Contest Significance

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Questions and Solutions

Oral Comprehension Check - Page 65

Question 1: Where in the classroom does Wanda sit and why?

Solution: Wanda Petronski sat on the corner-most benches in the classroom. She chose this seat because she was a very poor, shy, and quiet girl. She preferred to sit in isolation, away from others, in a spot often occupied by rough boys, to avoid interaction and potential teasing.

Question 2: Where does Wanda live? What kind of a place do you think it is?

Solution: Wanda lives upon Boggins Heights. This place is likely a poor and undeveloped area, possibly a slum. Descriptions suggest it's characterized by mud, lack of proper roads, and is inhabited by people of lower economic status, indicating a challenging living environment.

Question 3: When and Why do Peggy and Maddie notice Wanda's absence?

Solution: Peggy and Maddie noticed Wanda's absence on Monday and Tuesday. While her absence might not have been generally noticed, they specifically became aware of it when they waited for her after school, intending to tease her. Otherwise, her quiet nature meant her absence went largely unremarked by classmates.

Question 4: What do you think "to have fun with her" means?

Solution: "To have fun with her" in this context means to mock and laugh at Wanda. It refers to the act of making fun of her perceived imperfections, such as her name, her poverty, and her worn-out dresses, highlighting a cruel tendency to find amusement in others' misfortunes or differences.

Oral Comprehension Check - Page 67

Question 5: In what way was Wanda different from the other children?

Solution: Wanda was different from the other children in several ways. Her Polish surname was uncommon and difficult for Americans to pronounce. She came to school alone, often with muddy feet, and preferred sitting in the back corner. Most notably, despite wearing a single faded blue dress, she claimed to own a hundred dresses, setting her apart from her peers.

Question 6: Did Wanda have a hundred dresses? Why do you think she said she did?

Solution: It is highly unlikely that Wanda actually had a hundred dresses. She likely claimed to have them as a defense mechanism against the daily teasing and mockery from her classmates about her clothes and name. By asserting she had numerous dresses and shoes, she might have been trying to create an imaginary world where she felt superior and less vulnerable, showcasing her imagination and self-confidence despite her circumstances.

Question 7: Why is Maddie embarrassed by the questions Peggy asks Wanda? Is she also like Wanda, or is she different?

Solution: Maddie is embarrassed because she is also poor and wears hand-me-down clothes, making her understand and empathize with Wanda's feelings of humiliation. While Maddie is an American and perhaps more integrated than Wanda, she shares Wanda's vulnerability regarding poverty and appearance. She is different in that she is not as isolated and is part of the popular group, but she shares Wanda's sensitivity to being judged based on clothing.

Oral Comprehension Check - Page 70

Question 8: Why didn't Maddie ask Peggy to stop teasing Wanda? What was she afraid of?

Solution: Maddie didn't ask Peggy to stop teasing Wanda primarily because she was afraid of becoming Peggy's next target. Peggy was the most popular girl in school, and although generally kind, her behavior towards Wanda was different. Maddie feared that if she spoke up for Wanda, Peggy and her friends might turn their taunts and teasing towards her, making her a social outcast.

Question 9: Who did Maddie think would win the drawing contest? Why?

Solution: Maddie believed Peggy would win the drawing contest. This was because Peggy was talented and popular, and her drawings were generally considered excellent by the other students. Maddie assumed that Peggy's skill and status would naturally lead her to victory in the competition.

Common mistakes

Confusing Wanda's claims with reality without understanding her motivations.
Underestimating the impact of bullying on a shy and isolated individual.
Failing to recognize Maddie's internal conflict and fear of becoming a target.
Misinterpreting Peggy's actions as purely malicious without considering social dynamics.

Revision tips

Focus on Wanda's character sketch and the reasons for her behavior.
Analyze the interactions between Peggy, Maddie, and Wanda to understand social dynamics.
Consider the theme of appearance versus inner worth as presented in the story.
Pay attention to Maddie's feelings and her dilemma about speaking up.
Review the context of the drawing contest and its potential significance.

Practice MCQs

Q1. Where did Wanda Petronski sit in the classroom?

Q2. What was the name of the place where Wanda lived?

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

Q4. What did Wanda claim to have besides a hundred dresses?

Q5. Why was Maddie embarrassed by Peggy's questions to Wanda?

Q6. What was Maddie afraid of if she asked Peggy to stop teasing Wanda?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of "The Hundred Dresses – I"?

The main themes include the impact of bullying on vulnerable individuals, the importance of empathy, and the contrast between outward appearance and inner worth.

Why did Wanda claim to have a hundred dresses?

Wanda likely claimed to have a hundred dresses as a coping mechanism to deal with the teasing and mockery she faced due to her poverty and unique background. It was a way to create an imaginary world where she felt superior.

What is Maddie's internal conflict regarding Wanda?

Maddie is conflicted because she feels sympathy for Wanda and understands her pain, but she is also afraid of Peggy and the social consequences of defending Wanda, fearing she might become the next target.

How does Wanda's seating arrangement in the classroom reflect her character?

Wanda sits in the corner where rough boys sit, indicating her isolation and shyness. She prefers to be unnoticed and separate from the main group, possibly to avoid drawing attention to her poverty.

What does Boggins Heights represent in the story?

Boggins Heights represents poverty and a lack of development. It is described as a place covered in mud with no proper roads, symbolizing the marginalized social and economic status of its residents like Wanda.

How do these NCERT Solutions help in preparing for exams?

These solutions provide clear, detailed answers to comprehension questions, helping students understand character motivations, plot details, and underlying themes, which are crucial for answering exam questions effectively.

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