NCERT Class 12 English Kaliedoscope: Chapter 16 — 71/ONE CENTIMETRE
This chapter from NCERT Class 12 English Kaleidoscope, titled 'One Centimetre,' introduces Bi Shu-min, a renowned Chinese doctor and writer. The narrative focuses on Tao Ying, a factory cook, and her son Xiao Ye. The story highlights Tao Ying's astute nature, particularly her approach to bus fares, and her deep maternal love and sense of responsibility towards her son. It delves into the physical and emotional connection between mother and child, symbolized by the 'one centimetre' difference in Xiao Ye's height that determines his bus ticket. The chapter explores themes of social class, maternal instinct, and the profound impact a mother has on her child's world, even amidst her own feelings of insignificance. It emphasizes the importance of setting a good example and nurturing a child's well-being.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaliedoscope |
| Chapter | Chapter 16 — 71/ONE CENTIMETRE |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 680 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the characterization of Tao Ying and her maternal instincts.
- Analyze the significance of the 'one centimetre' detail in the story.
- Explore themes of social responsibility and personal sacrifice.
- Appreciate the author's portrayal of the mother-child relationship.
- Develop comprehension skills for nuanced literary texts.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| astute | having or showing an ability to accurately assess situations or people and turn this to one's advantage. |
| casual | relaxed and unconcerned. |
| conscious | aware of and responding to one's surroundings. |
| lustre | a gentle sheen or soft glow, especially that of a partly reflective surface. |
| skimped | obtaining or providing just the bare minimum amount of something. |
| gaping | wide open. |
| aperture | an opening, hole, or gap. |
| overwhelmed | greatly affected or overcome by strong emotions. |
| insignificance | the quality of being unimportant. |
| privileged | having advantages because of wealth or high social status. |
| gracious | courteous, kind, and pleasant. |
| impression | an idea or feeling formed about someone or something. |
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Practice questions
- Why did Tao Ying often not bother to buy a ticket on the bus? Answer: Tao Ying did not buy a ticket because she felt that without her, the bus would still run its route, and the driver and conductor would still be employed, using the same amount of petrol.
- What did Xiao Ye say to his mother when her jacket got caught? Answer: Xiao Ye reminded his mother about the tickets, indicating that the ride wouldn't count as proper without them.
- What was the height requirement painted on the bus door? Answer: The height requirement painted on the bus door was 1.10 m.
- How did Tao Ying describe her son's hair? Answer: She described his hair as fluffy as a bundle of straw—dry and without lustre.
- What did Tao Ying feel when she touched the aperture on her son's head? Answer: She felt overwhelmed by a sense of responsibility, realizing she was the one who brought him into the world and that she must be a perfect mother for him.
- Why did Tao Ying tell her son he was still one centimetre away from the height requirement? Answer: She told him this softly, possibly to teach him a lesson about honesty or to set an example of gentleness and graciousness, even though she knew he wasn't quite tall enough.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is the profession of Tao Ying?
Explanation: Tao Ying works as a cook in the canteen of a factory, baking wheat cakes.
Q2. What does Xiao Ye consider essential for a proper bus ride?
Explanation: Xiao Ye believes that without a ticket in his hand, the ride doesn't count as a proper ride, showing children's consciousness of rituals.
Q3. What does the painted digit '1.10 m' on the bus door indicate?
Explanation: The number 1.10 m painted on the door signifies the height requirement for a child to need a ticket.
Q4. How does Tao Ying feel about her own significance in the world?
Explanation: Despite feeling like the center of the universe to her son, Tao Ying senses her own insignificance in the wider world.
Q5. What does Tao Ying's son's hair look like?
Explanation: The text describes Xiao Ye's hair as fluffy as a bundle of straw—dry and without lustre.
Q6. What does Tao Ying want to be for her son?
Explanation: Realizing she is the center of her son's universe, Tao Ying strives to be the most perfect and flawless mother she can be.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of 'One Centimetre'?
The author of 'One Centimetre' is Bi Shu-min, a well-known Chinese doctor and writer.
What is the main theme of the chapter 'One Centimetre'?
The main themes revolve around maternal love, responsibility, the mother-child relationship, and the mother's perception of her role and significance.
Who are the main characters in the story?
The main characters are Tao Ying, a factory cook, and her son, Xiao Ye.
What incident highlights Tao Ying's maternal feelings?
When Tao Ying touches the soft spot on her son's head (aperture), she is overwhelmed by a sense of responsibility towards him.
What does the 'one centimetre' detail signify in the story?
The 'one centimetre' detail refers to Xiao Ye being just short of the height requirement for a bus ticket, highlighting a small but significant aspect of his childhood and his mother's care.
What is Tao Ying's attitude towards her own importance?
Tao Ying senses her own insignificance in the world but realizes she is the center of her son's universe.
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NCERT Class 12 English — Kaliedoscope — Chapter 16 — 71/ONE CENTIMETRE. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.