NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Kaliedoscope Short Stories Chapter 5
FAQs on NCERT Solutions for Class 12 English Kaliedoscope Chapter 5 Short Stories
1. What is the correct way to structure an NCERT solution about Tao Ying's character in 'One Centimeter'?
To correctly structure an answer analysing Tao Ying's character, follow this method:
- Introduction: Begin by identifying Tao Ying as the protagonist, a mother who grapples with maintaining her principles while raising her son.
- Core Traits with Evidence: Dedicate separate points to her key traits. Discuss her principled nature, citing the temple incident. Explain her motherly love, using the bus ticket incident as an example. Mention her desire to be a perfect role model for her son, Xiao Ye.
- Conclusion: Conclude by summarising her internal conflict between idealism and the practical demands of motherhood, highlighting how she ultimately prioritises moral integrity.
2. How should one approach solving NCERT questions that require a comparison between the bus and temple incidents in the story?
For a complete solution, you must contrast Tao Ying's actions and motivations in both scenarios. The correct approach is to highlight that while her actions seem contradictory, her underlying principle remains the same. In the bus incident, she buys an unnecessary ticket for her son's happiness, a personal choice. At the temple, she refuses to buy a ticket she is being wrongly forced to buy, taking a stand against institutional corruption. The solution should clearly state that the first act is about personal indulgence for her son, while the second is a public stand for moral integrity.
3. What essential points are needed for a complete NCERT answer explaining the significance of the title, 'One Centimeter'?
A high-scoring answer on the title's significance must cover both its literal and symbolic meanings. Your solution should include:
- Literal Meaning: The 'one centimeter' literally refers to the tiny margin by which her son, Xiao Ye, is under the height requirement for a ticket, making the conflict at the temple seem trivial yet deeply significant.
- Symbolic Meaning: Symbolically, it represents the fine line between right and wrong, the small compromises that can lead to a loss of integrity, and the seemingly insignificant principles that define one's character.
Mentioning both aspects is crucial for a comprehensive solution as per the CBSE 2025-26 syllabus expectations.
4. How can a student effectively justify Tao Ying’s contradictory behaviour in the NCERT exercise questions?
To justify her seemingly contradictory behaviour, the key is to focus on the context of her decisions. A correct solution would argue that her actions are not contradictory but are guided by a consistent moral compass applied to different situations. On the bus, her decision is a private one, impacting only her and her son. At the temple, she faces a corrupt system. Your answer should explain that she is willing to bend personal rules for her son's joy but refuses to bend to unjust authority, thereby teaching a silent lesson in integrity.
5. While framing an NCERT solution, what is a common mistake to avoid when describing Xiao Ye's understanding of his mother's actions?
A common mistake is to state that Xiao Ye simply misunderstands his mother. A more nuanced and accurate solution should specify that his perspective is shaped by a child's limited and literal understanding. He cannot grasp the abstract concepts of dignity and principle. Instead, he interprets her actions as being solely about saving money. The correct method is to explain that the gap in understanding is not due to a lack of love but a difference in cognitive and moral development, which is a central theme of the story.
6. Why is it important to refer to Tao Ying's socio-economic background when solving questions from Chapter 5?
Referring to her socio-economic background is crucial for adding depth to your answers. Her job as a baker of wheat bread establishes that she is not wealthy, which makes her choices more impactful. For instance, her willingness to spend money on the bus ticket highlights her love for her son, while her refusal to be extorted at the temple shows that her principles are more valuable than money. Including this context in your NCERT solution demonstrates a deeper understanding of her character's motivations beyond the surface-level events.
7. For a high-scoring answer, how can one use the concept of 'moral dilemma' to solve the value-based questions from this chapter?
To solve value-based questions effectively, you should frame Tao Ying's situation as a classic moral dilemma. This means she faces a conflict between two competing values: her desire to be a perfect, yielding mother versus her duty to uphold and teach integrity. Your answer should explain how her choices in the bus and temple incidents represent her attempts to navigate this dilemma. Using this framework allows you to analyse her character with greater depth and demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of the story's central theme as required by the CBSE curriculum.
