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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 meant not to be read by children.
(b) It will be meant to be read by children.
(c) It will be designed not to have a sequel.
(d) It will be designed to have a sequel.

2. As stated in "The Professor," when are The Lord of the Rings books officially published?
(a) 1954.
(b) 1952.
(c) 1951.
(d) 1953.

3. Under what conditions is Tolkien asked to chair an English department in "The Professor"?
(a) Limited.
(b) Contradicting.
(c) Confusing.
(d) Broad.

4. How does Tolkien think children will respond to Farmer Giles of Ham?
(a) They might like it.
(b) He encourages them not to read it.
(c) They will not understand it.
(d) They will not like it.

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

Short Answer Questions

1. How much of The Silmarillion takes place before the arrival of human beings?

2. Based on the information in the Introduction, how many chapters does the book have?

3. During the time these letters are written, what term do the British typically use to label Americans?

4. As Tolkien explains in Letter #131, what motivates The Enemy in his stories?

5. How does Tolkien describe the change that he has made to his manuscript in Letter #129?

Short Essay Questions

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

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

3. What happens between Tolkien and Edith leading up to their engagement?

4. In Letters #66 and #69, how is Tolkien's relationship with Christopher defined?

5. What request does Allen & Unwin have about Farmer Giles of Ham and how does Tolkien respond?

6. How does Rayner Unwin first contact Tolkien, leading to his involvement with publishing The Lord of the Rings?

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

8. What happened when the Elves and the Dwarves became friends in the past of Tolkien's fictional realm?

9. How does Tolkien write about being given the position of chairing the English department at the university?

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

(see the answer keys)

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