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Last updated at 11:44 BST, Tuesday, 30 August 2011

Fairy tales

Every week we ask you a different question. Hear what people in London say, then join the conversation!

What's your favourite fairy tale?

Join the conversation. What's your favourite fairy tale? Use the form below to let us know.

The Express English team

Most people love them. And three were mentioned: Jack and the Beanstalk, the Princess and the Pea and The Three Billy Goats Gruff.

Some people like the happy endings. But one man thought they might be patronising and they have many stereotypes.

Did you know?

Fact

Fairy tales were told or enacted and handed down from generation to generation. The oldest known written fairy tales appeared in ancient Egypt, around 1300 BC.

Language tip

It is traditional to start fairy tales with the words:'Once upon a time'.

'Upon' also means 'on' but it is rarely used because it can sound too formal. E.g. I rely upon/on my servants to move my heavy luggage.

Cultural tip

In many tales from Bangladesh the wicked stepmother of European fairy tales is replaced by a jealous wife.

End of Section

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What's your favourite fairy tale?

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