California Teacher Credentialing Examination (CSET) 2026 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

Fairy tales are known for their distinctive storytelling conventions, and a common feature is their use of formulaic opening lines. These often include phrases like "Once upon a time" or "In a faraway land," which immediately establish a sense of the fantastical and transport readers or listeners into an imaginative world. This introductory style sets the tone for the narrative, signaling that a story filled with magic, adventure, and moral lessons is about to unfold. Such openings create expectations about the plot and characters, making them an integral part of the fairy tale tradition.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect essential characteristics of fairy tales. They can be inspired by historical events but are not always historically accurate. Supernatural elements are a staple of fairy tales, including magical creatures or enchanted objects. Additionally, fairy tales typically favor archetypical characters like princes, princesses, witches, and animals rather than realistic portrayals of contemporary, real-life individuals or blended cultures.