Grimms Fairy Tales Reading Answers: IELTS Reading Practice Test with Answers

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Updated on Apr 08, 2025, 13:58

In the  IELTS Reading section, you will answer 40 questions based on three different passages. You have 60 minutes to complete the section, and the questions test a variety of skills, such as skimming, scanning, understanding main ideas, and recognising opinions or claims. The content is taken from books, magazines, newspapers, and academic journals.
 

Grimms Fairy Tales Reading passage explores the origin, influence, and evolution of Grimms’ Fairy Tales. You will read about how the Grimm brothers collected traditional folk stories and how these tales have shaped literature and culture over time.


Let’s look at the Grimms Fairy Tales reading answer passage, questions, and answers with explanations.

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1. Grimms Fairy Tales Reading Answer Passage

You should spend approximately 20 minutes answering Questions 1 – 14 based on the Grimms Fairy Tales Reading Answer Passage below.

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2. Grimms Fairy Tales Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Discover exciting and informative IELTS reading answers about Grimms Fairy Tales.

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3. Check Out Top 70 IELTS Reading Practice Test Questions with Answers

Below are some top free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. 

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1.

Grimms Fairy Tales Reading Answer Passage

General Information

  • Read Instructions: Understand each question before answering.
  • Manage Time: Spend about 20 minutes per passage.
  • Skim and Scan: Quickly get the main idea and find specific information.
  • Highlight Key Info: Underline essential words or phrases.
  • Answer All Questions: Attempt every question; no penalty for wrong answers.
  • Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and keep your attention on the task.
  • Check Spelling: Ensure correct spelling and grammar.
  • Transfer Answers Clearly: Write answers neatly on the answer sheet.
  • Don’t Dwell: Move on if stuck and return later.
  • Review: If time allows, review your answers.

 

 

Grimms Fairy Tales Reading Answer Passage

 

Paragraph A. Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm gave their story collection the title Children's and Household Tales, and the very initial of its seven editions was released in Germany in 1812. Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, and the Frog King are all listed in the table of contents like A-list fairy-tale stars. The 210 tales in the Grimm's collection, which were primarily derived from oral narratives, comprise an unparalleled collection of fairy tales, animal fables, country farces, and religious allegories.

 

Paragraph B. The modest Grimms would have been shocked by such enduring fame. The collection only sold a handful of hundred copies a year at first during their lifetimes in Germany.

Early versions didn't even have a child audience in mind. Scholarly citations took up almost as much space as the talcs themselves, and the brothers originally rejected to consider illustrations. Jacob and Wilhelm saw themselves as patriotic folklorists rather than kid-friendly entertainers. When they started their work, Napoleon's French had just taken over Germany and were determined to repress local culture. The Brothers Grimm undertook the collection of fairy tales as young, workaholic scholars who were single and shared a small apartment with the intention of preserving Germany's imperiled oral tradition.

 

Paragraph C. Teachers, parents, and religious leaders, especially in the United States, condemned the Grimms' collection for much of the 19th century because of its undeveloped, barbaric content. Adults who were offended protested the horrific punishments meted out to the stories' villains. The evil stepmother in the original "Snow White" is made to dance in hot iron shoes until she passes out. The Grimms' talcs are still avoided by some protective parents because of their reputation for violence.

 

Paragraph D. Children's and Household Tales gradually gained traction with the general public despite its occasionally rocky reception. The brothers had no idea that the publication of their work would take place at the same time as Europe's children's literature was experiencing great flowering. In order to appeal to a newly literate audience looking for moral nursery literature, English publishers took the lead and produced beautiful folktale collections and high-quality picture books like Jack and the Beanstalk. The Brothers Grimm began modifying and relaxing their tales, which had originally been earthy peasant fare, once they became aware of this new audience. The Grimms turned unmarried lovers into married couples, cruel mothers into evil stepmothers, and the intimate father into the devil.

 

Paragraph E. The Grimms' fairy tales have taken over children's bedroom bookcases in the 20th century. The tales seem to come true: handsome lads and beautiful damsels defeat giants, witches, and wild animals with the aid of magic. They outsmart cruel, egotistical adults. The boy and girl will undoubtedly fall in love and marry. Parents continue to read because they agree with the finger-wagging morals drilled into the stories: keep your word, don't approach strangers, put in the effort, and obey your parents. The Grimms claimed that the compilation served as "a manual of manners".

 

Paragraph F. About 40 people in total brought stories to the Grimms. A large number of storytellers visited the Grimms' home in Kassel. Dorothea Viehmann, a widow who walked into town to sell produce from her garden, was especially welcomed by the brothers. Viehmann, the daughter of an innkeeper, had grown up hearing tales from travellers heading to Frankfurt.

She had "Aschenputtel"—Cinderella—among her treasure. Their sister Charlotte's friend, Marie Hassenpflug, was a well-educated, French-speaking woman in her 20s. Perrault's influential 1697 book, Tales of My Mother Goose, which included elaborate versions of "Little Red Riding Hood," "Snow White," and "Sleeping Beauty," among other stories, and Marie's wonderful tales combined themes from the oral tradition. Numerous of these were adaptations of earlier Italian stories.

 

Paragraph G. The question of how German Grimm tales are necessary in light of the fact that many of their sources can be found throughout Europe, the Middle East, and the Orient. Heinz Rolleke, a scholar, says it's very. Teutonic characteristics include a love of the underdog, simplicity in the countryside, and creativity. The stories were also influenced by the rough texture of life in Germany during the Middle Ages when many of the tales entered the oral tradition. Similar to Hansel and Gretel, young children were frequently abandoned and neglected throughout Europe. As with the evil mother-in-law in "The Six Swans," suspected witches were burned at the stake. Rolleke notes that "the cruelty in the stories was not the Grimm's fantasy" but rather "it reflected the law-and-order system of the old times".

 

Paragraph H. The Grimms' editorial imprint betrays the particular values of German bourgeois, Christian society in the 19th century. But that hasn't stopped almost every culture and nation in the world from embracing the tales. What explains this widespread and enduring appeal? There are no specific descriptions of the clothes, the land, the forest, the castles, or the "universal style" of writing, as noted by Bernhard Lauer. According to Jack Zipes of the University of Minnesota, whose 1987 translation of the entire canon of fairy tales captures the rustic vigour of the original text, it makes the stories timeless and placeless. "The tales allow us to express 'our utopian longings'," he says. They demonstrate a desire for happiness that none of us fully understands but that we feel is attainable. We can empathise with the protagonists of the stories and imagine ourselves to be the masters and mistresses of our own fates.

 

Paragraph I. The unconscious is exercised by fairy tales, according to psychoanalysts. The therapeutic value of the Grimms' tales was famously emphasised by Bruno Bettelheim, who referred to fairy tales as "great comforters." Children discover they can control their anxieties by facing their fears and phobias, which are represented by witches, heartless stepmothers, and ravenous wolves. The validity of Bettelheim's theory is still hotly contested. However, the majority of young readers aren't keen on using their unconsciousness. In fact, there are countless ways to enjoy the Grimm tales; something about them seems to reflect our own attitudes and interests as we read them. They are suitable for almost any time and any culture, thanks to their flexibility of interpretation.

 

Let’s explore the questions and answers of the Grimms Fairy Tales reading answer passage.

2.

Grimms Fairy Tales Reading Answers with Sample Questions

Have you read the passage? Now, take the test and find Grimms Fairy Tales Reading answers! Try to answer these questions by yourself before you sneak a peek at the answers given below.

Questions and Answers 1-6
Do the following statements agree with the information given in Grimms Fairy Tales Reading Answers Passage?
In boxes 1-6 on your answer sheet, write
  • YES if the statement agrees with the information.
  • NO if the statement contradicts the information.
  • NOT GIVEN if there is no information about this.

 

1. In England rather than Germany, the first edition of Grimm's fairy tales sold more copies.

2. The life of Dorothea Viehmann served as the inspiration for the Grimm brothers' "Cinderella" story.

3. For reasons that are different from those that children have, adults enjoy reading Grimm's fairy tales.

4. The Grimm brothers thought they would become well-known around the world.

5. Grimm fairy tales are still viewed as inappropriate for children by some parents today.

6. The Grimm brothers were compelled to operate covertly.
 

Grimms Fairy Tales Reading Answers with Explanations (1-6)
 

Type of question: Yes/No/Not Given(True/False/Not Given)

 

In this question type, you are required to determine whether the statements provided agree with, contradict, or are not mentioned in the reading passage. 

 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Understand what information is being presented and what is being asked.
  • Find relevant information in the reading passage that relates to the statement.
  • Determine if the statement agrees with, contradicts, or is not mentioned in the passage.
  • If the information is not explicitly provided in the passage, select 'Not Given' rather than making assumptions.
  • Base your answers solely on the information presented in the passage, avoiding personal opinions or outside knowledge.

 

1. Not Given

 

Reference: N/A

 

Explanation: The passage provides no comparison between the sales of the first edition in Germany and England. It only mentions that the book initially sold a few hundred copies in Germany. Therefore, there's no information to confirm or deny the statement.

 

2. No

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: “Dorothea Viehmann, a widow who walked into town to sell produce from her garden, was especially welcomed by the brothers. Viehmann, the daughter of an innkeeper, had grown up hearing tales from travellers heading to Frankfurt. She had "Aschenputtel"—Cinderella—among her treasure.”

 

Explanation: This line shows that Dorothea Viehmann shared the story of Cinderella with the Grimms. However, there is no suggestion that her life directly inspired the plot or characters in the story, which makes the statement incorrect.

 

3. Yes

 

Reference: From Paragraph E: “Parents continue to read because they agree with the finger-wagging morals drilled into the stories: keep your word, don't approach strangers, put in the effort, and obey your parents. The Grimms claimed that the compilation served as "a manual of manners".

 

Explanation: This line suggests that adults appreciate the moral values in the tales, whereas children enjoy fantasy and adventure. Since the reasons differ, the statement is considered true.

 

4. No

 

Reference: From Paragraph B: “The modest Grimms would have been shocked by such enduring fame.”

 

Explanation: The line directly implies that the Grimm brothers did not expect to achieve lasting global fame. They saw themselves more as folklorists than entertainers, proving the statement incorrect.

 

5. Yes

 

Reference: From Paragraph C: “Teachers, parents, and religious leaders, especially in the United States, condemned the Grimms' collection for much of the 19th century because of its undeveloped, barbaric content. The Grimms' talcs are still avoided by some protective parents because of their reputation for violence.”

 

Explanation: The line confirms that even today, some parents consider Grimm tales inappropriate due to their violent content. This ongoing concern makes the statement accurate.

 

6. Not Given

 

Reference: N/A

 

Explanation: Although the passage mentions that the Grimms worked during a time of French occupation, it does not say they were forced to operate secretly. There’s no specific line supporting this idea, so the answer is not given.

 

Also Read: 350+ English Vocabulary Words for IELTS

Questions and Answers 7-9
  • Choose the correct letter: A, B, C or D.
  • Write your answers in boxes 7-9 on your answer sheet.

 

7. What exactly did Marie Hassenpflug add to the Grimm Brothers' stories?

A. She used her talent for languages to translate a well-known book for the brothers
B. She recited oral tales, which were based on classic Italian tales
C. She published stories
D. She talked with them about the stories
 

8. What modifications did the Grimm Brothers make in subsequent printings?

A. Less violence was featured in the stories' plots
B. They discovered additional tale sources
C. The stories were condensed
D. They spoke more verbally
 

9. What changes in Europe are mentioned in paragraph D?

A. Children had access to schools
B. Excellent picture books were collected by many people
C. The population's level of literacy increased
D. It became simpler to publish as printing technology advanced

 

Grimms Fairy Tales  Reading Answers With Explanations (7-9)
 

Type of question: Multiple choice questions

 

In this question type, you are asked to answer the question followed by several options, typically lettered A, B, C, or D. The task is to select the correct answer from the given choices based on the information provided in the reading passage.

 

How to best answer: 
 

  • Read the question carefully and understand what it asks.
  • Pay attention to the keywords in the question.
  • Skim the passage quickly to locate relevant information.
  • Eliminate the clearly incorrect options.
  • Select the answer that best fits the information in the passage.

 

7. B - She recited oral tales, which were based on classic Italian tales

 

Reference: From Paragraph F: “Perrault's influential 1697 book, Tales of My Mother Goose, which included elaborate versions of "Little Red Riding Hood," "Snow White," and "Sleeping Beauty," among other stories, and Marie's wonderful tales combined themes from the oral tradition.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that Marie Hassenpflug contributed tales that were a blend of oral traditions and existing literary works, particularly those rooted in classic European tales. Her input enriched the Grimm Brothers’ collection with stories adapted from earlier Italian and French sources, making option B the correct answer.

 

8. A - Less violence was featured in the stories' plots

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “The Brothers Grimm began modifying and relaxing their tales, which had originally been earthy peasant fare, once they became aware of this new audience.”

 

Explanation: This line suggests that the Grimm Brothers edited their stories to suit a broader audience, particularly children. The word “relaxing” implies they reduced harsh elements like violence, supporting the idea that less violence appeared in later versions, making A the correct answer.

 

9. C - The population's level of literacy increased

 

Reference: From Paragraph D: “In order to appeal to a newly literate audience looking for moral nursery literature, English publishers took the lead and produced beautiful folktale collections and high-quality picture books like Jack and the Beanstalk.”

 

Explanation: This line clearly shows that literacy rates in Europe had risen, creating a demand for literature aimed at newly literate readers. The phrase “newly literate audience” directly supports the idea that increased literacy influenced publishing trends, making C the correct answer.

 

To build a strong word bank that can help you approach the Reading section with clarity and confidence, go through the Dictation Words for IELTS!

Questions and Answers 10-14
  • Complete the following summary of the paragraphs of Reading Passage, using NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the Reading Passage for each answer.
  • Write your answers in boxes 10-14 on your answer sheet.

 

10. According to Jack Zipes, the pursuit of happiness in the stories indicates that

11. According to Bruno Bettelheim, the therapeutic benefits of the stories make the fairy tales

12. Bernhard Lauer claimed that the Grimm Brothers' writing style is universal since they

13. According to Heinz Rolleke, The Grimm's Tales are "German" because

14. Heinz Rolleke claimed that the orphans in fairy tales
 

A. Identify the real-life heroes

B. narrate how straightforward life was in the German countryside

C. help people believe in the power of nature

D. assist kids in resolving their issues

E. omit information about the social context of the characters

F. reflect on the way of life at the time

G. Show the inefficient system

H. encourage people to think of themselves as capable of anything

 

Grimms Fairy Tales Reading Answers With Explanations (10-14)

 

Type of question: Matching sentence endings

 

In this question type, you will be given incomplete sentences, and you will have to complete the end of the sentence by selecting suitable words or phrases from the given list. 

 

How to best answer: 

 

  • Skim through the incomplete sentences to get an idea of the context.
  • Recognise keywords in each sentence.
  • Scan your list of options and look for the keywords.
  • Verify the context and check if the word flows with the rest of the sentence. 
  • Finalise your answers.

 

10. H - encourage people to think of themselves as capable of anything

 

Reference: From Paragraph H: “They demonstrate a desire for happiness that none of us fully understands but that we feel is attainable. We can empathise with the protagonists of the stories and imagine ourselves to be the masters and mistresses of our own fates.”

 

Explanation: This line indicates that readers see themselves in the characters and feel inspired to take control of their own lives. It reflects a pursuit of happiness that feels achievable, which is why “encourage people to think of themselves as capable of anything” is the correct answer.

 

11. D - assist kids in resolving their issues

 

Reference: From Paragraph I: “The therapeutic value of the Grimms' tales was famously emphasised by Bruno Bettelheim, who referred to fairy tales as "great comforters." Children discover they can control their anxieties by facing their fears and phobias, which are represented by witches, heartless stepmothers, and ravenous wolves.”

 

Explanation: This line shows that fairy tales provide psychological comfort by helping children face and manage their inner fears. As the stories personify anxieties, they assist children in resolving their issues, making this the correct choice.

 

12. E - omit information about the social context of the characters

 

Reference: From Paragraph H: “There are no specific descriptions of the clothes, the land, the forest, the castles, or the "universal style" of writing, as noted by Bernhard Lauer. According to Jack Zipes of the University of Minnesota, whose 1987 translation of the entire canon of fairy tales captures the rustic vigour of the original text, it makes the stories timeless and placeless.”

 

Explanation: This line reveals that the stories are written in a way that lacks specific cultural or social details. Because of this broad and universal style, “omit information about the social context of the characters” is the correct answer.

 

13. B - narrate how straightforward life was in the German countryside

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: “Teutonic characteristics include a love of the underdog, simplicity in the countryside, and creativity. The stories were also influenced by the rough texture of life in Germany during the Middle Ages when many of the tales entered the oral tradition.”

 

Explanation: This line clearly highlights how Grimm tales reflect simple rural life in Germany. Since the tales draw heavily from countryside living, “narrate how straightforward life was in the German countryside” is the most accurate answer.

 

14. F - reflect on the way of life at the time

 

Reference: From Paragraph G: “Similar to Hansel and Gretel, young children were frequently abandoned and neglected throughout Europe.”

 

Explanation: This line explains that the harsh events in fairy tales mirrored real societal norms of the medieval period. Because they capture the realities of life back then, “reflect on the way of life at the time” is the correct answer.
3.

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Below are some the top 70 free IELTS Reading Practice test online questions with detailed answers to enhance your IELTS preparation online. We have provided sample passages for each test type for your reference.
 

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FAQs

Q. What are common keywords in Grimms Fairy Tales reading passage?

Ans. In the Grimms Fairy Tales passage, common keywords often include “folktales,” “oral tradition,” “moral lessons,” “children’s stories,” and “original vs modern versions.” These words help you identify the main themes, track specific information, and understand how the tales evolved over time.

Q. How to answer matching headings questions in Grimms Fairy Tales reading passage?

Ans. To answer matching headings questions, first skim each paragraph to understand its main idea. Don’t focus on individual words—look for the central theme or purpose. Then, match this to the most appropriate heading by eliminating headings that don’t fit. Look out for repeated words or summary sentences.

Q. What is a challenging aspect of Grimms Fairy Tales reading passage?

Ans. A common challenge is distinguishing between similar ideas, especially when comparing the original tales to their modern versions. Some words or references may also be outdated or academic in tone. You’ll need to understand the main message rather than just scanning for keywords.

Q. Are Grimms Fairy Tales passages part of the IELTS Academic or General Reading?

Ans. Grimms Fairy Tales-type passages typically appear in the Academic IELTS Reading test. These texts are more analytical or historical in nature, and require higher-level comprehension skills. They are designed to reflect the kind of reading done in academic settings.

Q. What is the format of the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The IELTS Reading test has 40 questions spread over three sections or passages. Each passage comes with a variety of question types like matching headings, sentence completion, and multiple choice. You must read and answer all questions within 60 minutes.

Q. How many passages are there in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. There are three reading passages in both the Academic and General Training versions of IELTS. However, in the General version, the first two sections contain several shorter texts, while the third is a long passage similar to the Academic format.

Q. How long is the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The test lasts for 60 minutes with no extra time given to transfer answers. You must manage your time carefully across the three passages. Each passage typically gets about 20 minutes, though the last one is usually more difficult.

Q. Can I use a pen or pencil for the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. You are required to use a pencil for the Reading section as the answer sheet is scanned by a machine. Using a pen may result in your answers not being recognised. It's a good idea to bring extra pencils and an eraser.

Q. Are the passages in the IELTS Reading test related to specific topics?

Ans. Yes, the passages cover a wide range of topics, including science, environment, technology, history, and culture. They are meant to test your ability to understand complex and unfamiliar content, much like what you’d read in academic or professional settings.

Q. How are the questions structured in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. The questions are usually arranged in the same order as the information in the passage. Types include True/False/Not Given, multiple choice, summary completion, and matching headings or information. Each type tests a different skill, like scanning, skimming, or understanding the main ideas.

Q. Is there negative marking for incorrect answers in the IELTS Reading test?

Ans. No, there is no negative marking in the IELTS Reading test. You won’t lose marks for wrong answers, so it’s better to guess than leave a question blank. This approach gives you a better chance of increasing your overall score.