NCERT Class 12 English Kaliedoscope: Chapter 21 — 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 height that determines Xiao Ye's bus fare. The chapter explores themes of motherhood, societal expectations, and the quiet strength of ordinary individuals, emphasizing the profound impact a mother has on her child's world, even amidst her own feelings of insignificance.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 12 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Kaliedoscope |
| Chapter | Chapter 21 — 71/ONE CENTIMETRE |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 4 minutes |
| Word count | 693 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the characterization of Tao Ying and her maternal instincts.
- Analyze the significance of small details, like the 'one centimetre' height difference.
- Appreciate the themes of responsibility and love in parenting.
- Recognize the author Bi Shu-min's background and literary style.
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. |
| careless | not giving sufficient attention or thought to avoiding harm or errors. |
| conscious | aware of and responding to one's surroundings. |
| lustre | a gentle sheen or soft glow, especially that of a partly reflective surface. |
| skimped | obtained or provided less of something than is needed, especially money. |
| hemispheres | halves of a sphere; in this context, referring to the two halves of the skull. |
| aperture | an opening or hole. |
| overwhelmed | greatly affected or overcome by strong emotions. |
| insignificance | the quality of being unimportant. |
| privileged | having or enjoying special rights or advantages. |
| gracious | courteous, kind, and pleasant. |
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Practice questions
- Why did Tao Ying often not bother to buy a ticket when riding the bus alone? Answer: Tao Ying believed 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. She saw not buying a ticket as a small saving for herself and a minor punishment for a careless conductor.
- What does Xiao Ye say to his mother when her jacket gets caught in the bus doors? Answer: Xiao Ye says, 'Mama, tickets!'
- What detail on the bus door does Xiao Ye notice? Answer: Xiao Ye notices the shape of a pale finger painted on the door, pointing at the number '1.10 m', indicating a height requirement.
- How does Tao Ying describe her son's hair? Answer: She describes his hair as looking as fluffy as a bundle of straw—dry and without lustre.
- What does Tao Ying feel when she touches the aperture on her son's head? Answer: She feels overwhelmed by a sense of responsibility, realizing she brought this delicate creature into the world and must be a perfect mother for him.
- Why does Tao Ying tell her son he is still one centimetre away from being tall enough for a ticket? Answer: She tells him this softly, possibly as a gentle way to manage the situation or perhaps because he is indeed just short of the required height. She wants to set a good example for him by being gentle and gracious.
Practice MCQs
Q1. What is Tao Ying's profession?
Explanation: The text explicitly states that Tao Ying works as a cook in the canteen of a factory.
Q2. What does Tao Ying do if the bus conductor appears casual and careless?
Explanation: The text mentions that if the conductor seemed casual, she would not pay, viewing it as a small saving for herself.
Q3. Why does Xiao Ye remind his mother about tickets?
Explanation: Xiao Ye says, 'Mama, tickets!' because children are often more conscious of rituals, and for him, the ride doesn't count without a ticket.
Q4. What is the height requirement mentioned on the bus door?
Explanation: The number painted on the door, pointing at the height requirement, is '1.10 m'.
Q5. What does Tao Ying realize about her role for her son?
Explanation: The text states that although she senses her own insignificance, she realizes that to her son, she is the center of the universe.
Q6. How does Tao Ying's work affect her nails?
Explanation: Because she is in contact with oil all day, her nails are described as shiny, glistening like the smooth curved back of a sea shell.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of 'One Centimetre'?
The author of 'One Centimetre' is Bi Shu-min, a prominent Chinese doctor and writer.
What is the main theme of the chapter 'One Centimetre'?
The main themes revolve around the profound bond between a mother and her child, maternal responsibility, and the subtle observations of everyday life.
What does the 'one centimetre' detail signify in the story?
The 'one centimetre' refers to the height difference that determines if Xiao Ye needs a bus ticket, highlighting a small but significant detail in their daily lives and Tao Ying's careful management of their resources.
What is Tao Ying's profession?
Tao Ying works as a cook in a factory canteen.
How does the chapter portray Tao Ying's character?
Tao Ying is portrayed as an astute, responsible, and loving mother who is conscious of her role in her son's life, even while feeling her own insignificance in the larger world.
What is mentioned about Xiao Ye's physical appearance?
Xiao Ye's hair is described as fluffy like straw, dry and without lustre, despite his mother ensuring he has a good diet. His skull is noted to have a soft spot where the two halves meet.
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Topics covered
NCERT Class 12 English — Kaliedoscope — Chapter 21 — 71/ONE CENTIMETRE. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.