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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 is the name of Gandalf's cousin?

2. What question of Balin's enraged the Elvenking?

3. What will happen if Bilbo loses the riddle contest?

4. Where were Glamdring and Orcrist originally forged?

5. What is Thorin considering doing when he learns that the other dwarves are also in prison with him?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does Gandalf instruct the dwarves to arrive two by two at five-minute intervals?

2. 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.

3. Why does Bilbo arrive at the Green Dragon without a hat, walking stick or handkerchief, or anything else for the journey?

4. How do the Wood Elves differ from the goblins in regards to their treatment of prisoners?

5. 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.

6. How does Bombur manage to fall into the enchanted stream?

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

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

9. What has Beorn been doing when he is absent from the house?

10. Why are the wargs (wolves) in the woods that night in Chapter 6?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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?

Essay Topic 2

Conflicts and obstacles are very important in creating plot and plot tension. What are some of the important conflicts and obstacles in The Hobbit and how are these conflicts or obstacles resolved and overcome? Do any conflicts remain unresolved, and if so, how?

Essay Topic 3

The Hobbit contains a lot of "author talking," where the author addresses the listener or reader directly (often referring to "you and me"). Sometimes, this can be effective, but at other times it can be irritating.

Part 1: Find an example of effective "author talking" and explain why it is effective.

Part 2: Find an example of irritating or distracting "author talking" and explain why this technique should not have been used.

(see the answer keys)

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