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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What color is Bilbo's front door into his hobbit hole?

2. Who is the first to see the lights from the elves' feast?

3. What is the name of the inn where the dwarves meet Bilbo in Chapter 2?

4. How does Beorn find out that Gandalf's story is true?

5. What do the goblins use to beat time while they sing?

Short Essay Questions

1. Explain in your own words the history behind the the dwarves' quest for the dragon's treasure. Use details from the dwarves' song and Thorin's story in your answer.

2. How do the trees that the adventurers are hiding in in Chapter 6 manage to catch fire?

3. Why do the adventurers take shelter in the cave in Chapter 4?

4. What does Gandalf leave on Bilbo's door after Bilbo invites him to tea in Chapter 1?

5. What significant turning point in Bilbo's personal development occurs during the events of Chapter 8, and how does it change Bilbo?

6. How does Gandalf manage to save the dwarves from being eaten by the trolls?

7. How does Bilbo react when he sees Gollum between him and the way out and why?

8. In Chapter 9, Bilbo becomes a successful burglar for the first time. Name some of the things he steals, how he does so, and what obstacles he has to overcome.

9. What good luck do the adventurers have while they are staying in Rivendell that is likely to prove vital to their quest?

10. Why does Bilbo believe that there is no end to the forest after he climbs up the tall oak to have a look around?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Many locations are described within the world of The Hobbit. Where would you most like to live in this world and why? Are there any disadvantages or downsides of living in the place you have chosen?

Choose from one of the following possible locations:

1. Hobbiton

2. Rivendell

3. Beorn's house

4. Laketown

5. The palace of the Elvenking

Essay Topic 2

In the action of The Hobbit, Bilbo changes from being a soft and timid hobbit to being a character of wisdom and courage. Several key events and incidents go towards changing and developing him. Identify at least three of these "turning points" and explore each one. For each "turning point," explain what the turning point was and how it changed Bilbo in some way, or how it marked a milestone in Bilbo's development.

Essay Topic 3

When an author has a large number of characters involved in most of the action of the plot and usually appearing as a group, giving individuals within that group can be difficult. How has Tolkien managed to make the dwarves into distinct characters? Are any of the dwarves "undistinguished" and lacking in individuality?

(see the answer keys)

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