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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 German word meaning "essential" does Tolkien refer to in Letter #6, stating that it is actually viewed as an English word?
(a) Unentbehrlich.
(b) Grundlegend.
(c) Entscheidend.
(d) Wesenhaft.

2. What is the skill or ability of the Elves'?
(a) Science.
(b) Math.
(c) Communication.
(d) Art.

3. During the time these letters are written, what term do the British typically use to label Americans?
(a) City folk.
(b) Westerners.
(c) Yanks.
(d) Colonists.

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

5. According to Tolkien in Letter #131, what is the source of magic in his stories?
(a) Only the Machine.
(b) Neither the Machine nor the Elves.
(c) The Machine and the Elves.
(d) Only the Elves.

Short Answer Questions

1. Which of the following is the main focal point of The Silmarillion?

2. Who participates in the Machine?

3. Who does Tolkien express gratitude to in Letter #6?

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

5. With whom does Tolkien work in order to avoid the responsibilities of chairing the English department?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Tolkien's proficiency in writing displayed in the story he tells to Christopher in his April 3, 1944, letter?

2. What inspires a schoolboy to write to Tolkien about The Hobbit in Letter #114 and what advice does Tolkien give in return?

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

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

5. 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?

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

7. How does Tolkien characterize Sauron in Letter #131?

8. What is the One Ring of Power in Tolkien's stories?

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

10. In what way does Tolkien realistically depict his job as a professor in 1952?

(see the answer keys)

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