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This test consists of 5 multiple choice questions, 5 short answer questions, and 10 short essay questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What will the alteration mean for the book Tolkien is writing in Letter #128?
(a) It will be designed to have a sequel.
(b) It will be meant not to be read by children.
(c) It will be designed not to have a sequel.
(d) It will be meant to be read by children.

2. According to the information provided in Letter #69, how often does Tolkien write to Christopher?
(a) It is not clear.
(b) Frequently.
(c) Occasionally.
(d) Rarely.

3. Who is the initial publisher for Tolkien's books when "Publisher Drama" begins?
(a) Collins.
(b) Humphrey.
(c) Unwin.
(d) Allen.

4. How does Tolkien describe the alteration he is contemplating making to his manuscript in Letter #128?
(a) Decorative.
(b) General.
(c) Unnecessary.
(d) Specific.

5. In Letter #130, what distinction does Tolkien make about the artificial languages he creates for his books?
(a) They are the opposite of an actual real life language.
(b) They are seldom used in real life.
(c) They are a combination of two real-life languages.
(d) They are never used in real life.

Short Answer Questions

1. How does Tolkien think children will respond to Farmer Giles of Ham?

2. What request is made of Tolkien after he finishes Farmer Giles of Ham?

3. How much time has passed between Tolkien's initial idea for drawing maps and when it becomes an issue with a publisher?

4. What is the skill or ability of the Elves'?

5. What chapter of the book that Tolkien is working on is he considering altering in Letter #128?

Short Essay Questions

1. Who is Tolkien traveling with in the story he recounts for Christopher in a letter from April 3, 1944, and what is the point of the story?

2. What stipulation does Tolkien have in working with Allen & Unwin on publishing The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and what request do they have for him?

3. What change does Tolkien consider and eventually make to The Hobbit in Letters #128 and #129, and why is it significant?

4. What message does Tolkien hear when he is becoming impatient about the publishing of The Lord of the Rings?

5. How was the collection of J.R.R. Tolkien's letters compiled and who helped with the process?

6. How can the One Ring of Power be destroyed?

7. How does Tolkien describe the development of his penchant for stories in Letter #130?

8. How are the letters for "To Unwin about The Hobbit" chosen and what information is left out of them?

9. What observation does Tolkien make about his Middle English class to Mrs. E.M. Wright in Letter #6?

10. How does Tolkien explain the role of humans and mankind in his stories in Letter #131?

(see the answer keys)

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