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EnglishClass 12One Centimetre

One Centimetre | Class 12 English Notes

By ConceptScroll Team · Published on 17 July 2026 · 4 min read

One Centimetre – this guide gives you a concise, exam-ready overview of One Centimetre from Class 12 English, written by ConceptScroll editors and reviewed against the latest NCERT textbook.

Introduction to One Centimetre

The story 'One Centimetre' by Bi Shu-min introduces us to Tao Ying, a cook in a factory canteen, and her son Xiao Ye. The narrative begins with Tao Ying’s habit of sometimes not buying a bus ticket when she travels alone, rationalizing that her absence does not affect the bus operations or fuel consumption. This initial detail sets the tone for the story’s exploration of ethics, responsibility, and the small compromises people make in daily life. Tao Ying’s character is portrayed as astute and practical, yet she is also a caring mother who wants to set a good example for her son. The story is set against the backdrop of everyday life in China, highlighting social norms, economic constraints, and the mother-son relationship. The author, Bi Shu-min, is a well-known Chinese writer and doctor, whose literary works often reflect social realities and human emotions. 'One Centimetre' exemplifies her mature storytelling, focusing on the subtle complexities of ordinary life and moral dilemmas.

📊 Diagram: The opening pages include photographs of the author Bi Shu-min and an image depicting Tao Ying and Xiao Ye on the bus, illustrating the setting and characters.

🧪 Activity: No specific activity in this introductory section.

🔗 Connection: Leads into the detailed narrative of Tao Ying and Xiao Ye’s bus ride and the height measurement issue.

Frequently asked questions

1. How did Tao Ying's son influence the way she led her life? 2. Pick out instances from the story to show that official rules are often arbitrary. 3. Tao Ying was very careful about spending money. What were her reasons for refusing the compensation offered by the temple officials? 4. Why was her final vindication important to Tao Ying?

1. Tao Ying's son influenced her life by making her more cautious and protective. She became more aware of the world around her and the challenges they faced, especially regarding official rules and social attitudes. His presence and innocence motivated her to stand up for herself and seek justice.

2. Instances showing that official rules are often arbitrary include the officials measuring Xiao Ye's height with a metallic tape and drawing a line on the wall, which was challenged by Tao Ying as

Discuss the following in pairs or in small groups 1. The way a child looks at the world is very different from that of an adult. 2. There is always a gap between what we really are and what we wish to appear to be to others.

1. Children often see the world with innocence, curiosity, and simplicity, focusing on immediate experiences and emotions. Adults, however, tend to view the world with complexity, influenced by social norms, responsibilities, and past experiences.

2. The gap between our true selves and the image we project arises because of social expectations, fear of judgment, or desire for acceptance. This discrepancy can lead to misunderstandings and internal conflicts.

1. Comment on the significance of the first sentence of the story to its theme. 2. Would you describe the author's portrayal of Tao Ying's character in the story as sympathetic, critical or realistic? 3. Identify the episodes that bring out the ambivalent attitude to ethics commonly seen in human life? 4. How effectively does the narrative technique adopted in this story illustrate 'unity of thought'?

1. The first sentence sets the tone for the story, introducing the theme of memory and the lingering impact of past events on the characters' present lives.

2. The author's portrayal of Tao Ying is realistic, showing her strengths, vulnerabilities, and moral dilemmas without idealizing or criticizing her.

3. Episodes such as the officials' arbitrary measurement and their offer of money and tickets reveal the ambivalence in ethics, where rules conflict with human feelings and justice.

4. The n

Pick out examples of simile and metaphor from the story and state the two elements or concepts that are compared and the manner of comparison.

Examples of simile:

  • 'Her jacket is caught, ballooning up like a tent behind her.'

Comparison: The ballooning jacket is compared to a tent using 'like', making it a simile.

  • 'The white of the wall looks like a virgin canvas and Xiao Ye a painting filling up the space.'

Comparison: The whiteness of the wall is compared to a virgin canvas using 'like'.

Example of metaphor:

  • 'But in order to melt the ice in her son's eyes, she must do something.'

Comparison: The 'ice' metaphorically repre

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