The Hobbit Test and Answer Key

With this summative test covering The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, high school English teachers will evaluate student knowledge and analysis of plot while eliminating the need for at-home assessment planning. In addition to an answer key, a standards-based rubric for scoring the essay section is included to streamline the scoring process. Materials are delivered in printable Word Document and PDF formats. (Alternatively, a self-grading Google Drive option is available.)

By taking this test, students will:

• Demonstrate understanding of plot (characters, setting, conflicts, etc.)

• Apply knowledge of literary devices to the text

• Write about literature with clarity, accuracy, and precision

• Support claims with relevant textual evidence

Part 1. Character Identification. Students will demonstrate knowledge of:

• Bilbo

• Thorin

• Gandalf

• Elrond

• Beorn

• Bard

• Smaug

• Roac

• Kili & Fili

• Bombur

• Bifur

• Bofur

• Dwalin

• Balin

• Dori

• Gollum

• The Great Goblin

• Lord of the Eagles

• The trolls

• The Elvenking

• The woof-elves

• The thrush

• Wargs

Part 2. Important Places and Concepts. Students will demonstrate knowledge of:

• The Arkenstone

• Durin's Day

• Description of a typical Baggins

• What it means to be "Tookish"

• The dwarves' response to Bilbo's participation

• Bilbo's emotional response following the unexpected party

• The conflict involving the trolls

• Beorn's concerns

• Bilbo's sword

• The Orcrist

• Rivendell and the Last Homely House

• The enchanted stream

• Thorin and the Elvenking's stubbornness

• Bilbo's strategic rescue of the adventurers

• Bilbo's flaw in the escape plan

• Lake-town's reaction to the presence of the adventurers

• The mountain's secret door

• A dragon's special traits

Part 3. Literary Devices. Students will demonstrate knowledge of:

• Internal conflict

• Metaphor

• Simile

• Hyperbole

• Imagery

• Dramatic irony

• Situational irony

• Onomatopoeia

• Alliteration

• Personification

Part 4. Quote Association. Students will identify the speakers of the following quotes:

• “If I say he is a Burglar, a Burglar he is, or will be when the time comes.”

• “Moon letters are rune letters, but you cannot see them.”

• “He’s found it, yes he must have. My birthday present.”

• “The day will come when they will perish and I will go back!”

• “I’m going to lie here and sleep and dream of food, if I can’t get it any other way.”

• “No treasure will come back through Mirkwood without my having something to say in the matter.”

• “You ought to have brought 500 burglars, not one."

• “I don’t know your smell, but if you are not one of those men of the lake, you had their help.”

• “Look for the hollow of the left breast as he flies and turns above you.”

• “It is a hundred years and three and fifty since I came out of the egg…”

Part 5. Essay Writing. Students will read the last few paragraphs of the novel and articulate what the author implies about achieving a fulfilling life.