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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. What happens when Tolkien first decides to approach the publishers about the delay of the books?
(a) The publishers provide a list of excuses.
(b) The publishers take even more time.
(c) The publishers decline to publish them.
(d) The publishers do not respond.

2. Which one of the following does Tolkien vigorously discuss in his letters?
(a) Talking with students.
(b) Grading papers.
(c) Reporting to class on time.
(d) Reading academic books.

3. What does Tolkien explain he uses in developing his fascination with imaginary worlds?
(a) His skills, abilities, and sense of humor.
(b) His skills and abilities.
(c) His abilities and sense of humor.
(d) His skills and sense of humor.

4. What is Allen & Unwin?
(a) A law firm.
(b) A publishing house.
(c) A printing service.
(d) A bank.

5. In describing the power of the pen, what aspect of fiction writing does Tolkien refer to when explaining his own writing process and the way he invents characters?
(a) The extensive reading of other fiction done before writing.
(b) The predictability of it.
(c) The unpredictability of it.
(d) The extensive research done before writing.

6. What does Tolkien offer to the schoolboy in Letter #114?
(a) An encyclopedia set.
(b) The first draft of a never released manuscript.
(c) Early copies of documents.
(d) Monogrammed stationery.

7. How does Tolkien originally respond to Unwin's request about the poem?
(a) He is indifferent.
(b) He is unaware of it.
(c) He is confused by it.
(d) He is grateful.

8. How long is the summary that Tolkien's new publisher asks him to write at the end of "Publisher Drama"?
(a) Two-hundred words.
(b) Fifty words.
(c) One-hundred-and-fifty words.
(d) One-hundred words.

9. Who provides the main order of the letters included in the book?
(a) J.R.R. Tolkien.
(b) Christopher Tolkien.
(c) Humphrey Carpenter.
(d) Edith Bratt.

10. How long is Tolkien separated from Edith, making his affection for her grow stronger?
(a) Four years.
(b) One year.
(c) Two years.
(d) Three years.

11. How many improvements does Tolkien indicate he has made to the manuscript for Farmer Giles of Ham?
(a) Too many to count.
(b) None.
(c) Numerous.
(d) Only a few.

12. As mentioned in Letter #69, which specific part of his manuscript does Tolkien plan on revising?
(a) Where the Sun has risen and set.
(b) When the Moon has risen and set.
(c) Where the Moon has risen and set.
(d) When the Sun has risen and set.

13. Where does the conversation about accents take place that Tolkien discusses in his letter to Christopher?
(a) In a car.
(b) On a train.
(c) On a plane.
(d) In a boat.

14. In Letter, #6, to what college subject does Tolkien refer?
(a) English Literature.
(b) Astronomy.
(c) History.
(d) Middle English.

15. Who provides input , feedback, and advice for the letters in the book?
(a) Edith Bratt.
(b) Christopher Tolkien.
(c) J.R.R. Tolkien.
(d) Humphrey Carpenter.

Short Answer Questions

1. What does Tolkien suggest is the greatest resource for the information the schoolboy is seeking in Letter #114?

2. As mentioned in Letter #66, why does Tolkien think that he will have to move some of the sections of his book?

3. How do the Hobbits respond to magic in Tolkien's stories?

4. What two factors contribute to the main part of Letter #66 to Christopher?

5. Which school is Tolkien attending when the first letter begins?

(see the answer keys)

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