Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Chapter 5: One Centimetre NCERT Solutions

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

NCERT Solutions PDF Class 12 PDF

CBSE Class 12 English Kaleidoscope Chapter 5, "One Centimetre," delves into the intricate relationship between a mother, Tao Ying, and her son, Xiao Ye, exploring themes of perception, honesty, and the arbitrary nature of rules. The NCERT Solutions for this chapter offer a comprehensive analysis of Tao Ying's choices regarding bus tickets and temple entry, examining the underlying motivations and the impact on her son's developing understanding. We explore how the story uses the concept of measurement, even a mere centimetre, to highlight the complexities of judging situations and people based on appearances versus reality. The solutions provide clear explanations of character development, the narrative's social commentary, and the emotional depth of the story, aiming to equip students with a thorough understanding to excel in their examinations.

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Quick info

Board	CBSE
Class	Class 12
Subject	Kaleidoscope
Session	2026
Language	English
Type	NCERT Solutions
Chapter	Chapter 5

Chapter summary

NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Kaleidoscope, Chapter 5, "One Centimetre" focuses on the narrative of Tao Ying and her son, Xiao Ye. The solutions dissect the story's exploration of societal expectations, personal integrity, and the parent-child bond. Key aspects covered include the protagonist's financial prudence, her interactions with bus conductors and temple officials, and the significance of measurements and rules. The exercises prompt critical thinking about character motivations and the story's underlying messages.

Learning outcomes

Understand the motivations behind Tao Ying's actions regarding ticket purchases.
Analyze the relationship dynamics between Tao Ying and her son, Xiao Ye.
Evaluate the reliability and fairness of official rules and measurements as depicted in the story.
Identify instances of social commentary on appearances versus reality.
Interpret the significance of the chapter title, "One Centimetre", in relation to the plot.

Topics covered

Paper topics

Parent-child relationships
Honesty and integrity
Perception vs. reality
Arbitrary rules and measurements
Social commentary
Character analysis (Tao Ying, Xiao Ye)
Financial prudence
Self-esteem and dignity
Symbolism in literature
Narrative interpretation

Important topics

Mother-son conflict and trust
The theme of 'one centimetre' and its implications
Critique of societal rules and measurements
Tao Ying's character and motivations
The role of perception in relationships

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Questions and Solutions

Stop and Think - Question 1

What made Tao Ying decide whether to buy a ticket or not when she rode a bus alone?

Solution: Tao Ying's decision to buy a bus ticket when traveling alone was based on her perception of the conductor's demeanor. If the conductor appeared responsible and diligent, she would pay for her ticket. However, if the conductor seemed casual, careless, or less attentive, she would often choose not to pay, believing her individual action wouldn't disrupt the bus's routine.

Stop and Think - Question 2

Why did she insist on buying tickets both for herself and her son that day?

Solution: On that particular day, Tao Ying insisted on buying a ticket for her son, Xiao Ye, primarily to uphold his sense of dignity and self-esteem. Although Xiao Ye himself insisted he needed a ticket, Tao Ying recognized the underlying need to affirm his maturity and respect, even if the ticket wasn't strictly necessary based on his height.

Stop and Think - Question 3

Were the old lady's scales a reliable measure of height and weight? What convoluted logic were her measurements based on?

Solution: No, the old lady's scales were not a reliable measure of height and weight. The logic behind her measurements was convoluted because she had deliberately altered the scales to be inaccurate. Her reasoning was that people generally desire to appear thinner and taller, so by providing measurements that flattered these desires, she made her service appealing, even though it was based on deception.

Stop and Think - Question 4

What was the conflict between the mother and son?

Solution: The conflict between Tao Ying and her son, Xiao Ye, stemmed from Xiao Ye's suspicion that his mother was deliberately misrepresenting his height. He believed she pretended he was shorter than he actually was solely to avoid paying for his bus tickets. This led Xiao Ye to distrust his mother, creating a significant falling out between them.

Stop and Think - Question 5

Did Tao Ying really intend to cheat at the temple?

Solution: Tao Ying did not intend to cheat at the temple. She was confident that her son, Xiao Ye, was under the height requirement for a ticket. However, she was surprised and embarrassed when the temple's measuring scale indicated he was taller than she believed, which led to the unexpected situation.

Stop and Think - Question 6

Why did Tao Ying change her intention to buy another ticket?

Solution: Tao Ying changed her intention to buy another ticket due to a combination of factors. As the crowd grew and the ticket seller became visibly agitated, she realized the futility of arguing with an inaccurate scale. More importantly, she noticed her son's negative perception of her actions, which prompted her to buy the ticket to resolve the situation and perhaps regain his respect.

Understanding the Text - Question 1

How did Tao Ying's son influence the way she led her life?

Solution: Tao Ying's son, Xiao Ye, significantly influenced her life, particularly in how she presented herself and managed their finances. Coming from a modest background, Tao Ying worked diligently and led her life as a positive example for her son. She adopted a gentle approach and consciously altered her lifestyle choices, aiming to earn Xiao Ye's respect and maintain his positive regard for her.

Understanding the Text - Question 2

Pick out instances from the story to show that official rules are often arbitrary.

Solution: The story provides several instances where official rules appear arbitrary. For example, the scales used at the temple entrance were inaccurate, leading to Tao Ying's humiliation and denial of entry despite her son likely being under the required height. Similarly, on the bus, she was sometimes discouraged from paying even when she wanted to, and questioned about cashing tickets during informal journeys, suggesting inconsistencies in rule enforcement.

Understanding the Text - Question 3

Tao Ying was very careful about spending money. What were her reasons for refusing the compensation offered by the temple officials?

Solution: While Tao Ying was indeed careful with her spending due to her financial background, her primary reason for refusing compensation from the temple officials was not about the money itself. After the embarrassing incident at the temple entrance, her main concern was to restore her dignity and regain her son's respect. Accepting compensation would not address the underlying issue of her perceived humiliation in front of her son and the crowd.

Common mistakes

Misinterpreting Tao Ying's intentions as purely deceptive.
Overlooking the emotional impact of rules and measurements on characters.
Failing to connect the son's perspective to the mother's actions.
Not recognizing the arbitrary nature of some societal rules.

Revision tips

Reread the story focusing on Tao Ying's internal thoughts and justifications.
Discuss the mother-son conflict with a study partner to explore different viewpoints.
Pay close attention to the descriptions of measurements and tickets as symbolic elements.
Consider how the chapter title relates to the central themes of perception and accuracy.

Practice MCQs

Q1. What was Tao Ying's initial reason for sometimes not paying for her bus ticket when traveling alone?

Q2. Why did Tao Ying insist on buying a ticket for her son, Xiao Ye, on that particular day?

Q3. What was the primary conflict between Tao Ying and her son, Xiao Ye?

Q4. How did the old lady's scales function as described in the story?

Q5. What caused Tao Ying to change her mind about arguing at the temple entrance?

Frequently asked questions

What is the main theme of Chapter 5, "One Centimetre", in Class 12 Kaleidoscope?

The main themes include the complexities of parent-child relationships, the importance of honesty and integrity, the arbitrary nature of rules and measurements, and the contrast between perception and reality.

Who are the main characters in Chapter 5, and what is their relationship?

The main characters are Tao Ying, a mother, and her son, Xiao Ye. Their relationship is central to the story, marked by misunderstandings and evolving dynamics.

Why did Tao Ying sometimes not pay for her bus ticket when traveling alone?

She believed her individual payment or non-payment didn't significantly impact the bus's routine, but she would pay if the conductor seemed responsible.

What conflict arose between Tao Ying and Xiao Ye regarding tickets?

Xiao Ye suspected his mother was pretending he was shorter than he was to avoid paying for his bus ticket, which caused a rift in their trust.

How do the NCERT Solutions for this chapter help students?

These solutions provide clear explanations of the plot, character motivations, and underlying themes, helping students understand the text deeply and prepare for exams.

What is the significance of the chapter title, "One Centimetre"?

The title likely refers to the small margin of height that can make a significant difference in rules and perceptions, highlighting how seemingly minor details can have major consequences.

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