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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 does Bilbo find on the floor in Chapter 5?

2. Which dwarf puts up the most fight when the trolls try to capture him?

3. What animals set up the dinner table and light the lamps in Beorn's hall?

4. What does Gollum call the ring?

5. How does Gollum get from his island to the shore of the lake?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Summarize in your own words how the trade between the Wood Elves and the men of Laketown operates.

3. Why do the Wood Elves imprison the dwarves?

4. What accident do the travelers experience in Chapter 6 that turns out to be in their favor?

5. What is significant about Bombur's (and Bilbo's) dreams while in their enchanted slumbers?

6. What does Bilbo discover about his sword and how does he discover this?

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

8. What is special about the swords that Gandalf and Thorin took from the trolls' hoard of plunder?

9. Why does Bilbo decide to go with the dwarves and declare himself to be willing to join the adventure?

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

Tolkien uses several traditional fantasy races in the setting of The Hobbit, including elves, dwarves, goblins, trolls and dragons. In you own words, describe what two of these fantasy races are like, using evidence from the text rather than from wider reading. Your answer should cover appearance, typical behavior and whether the race is, in general, "good" or "evil."

Essay Topic 3

Are any stereotypes or cliches used in The Hobbit? If so, what are they? If not, what are some things that make The Hobbit fresh and original?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 1,400 words (approx. 5 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample