70 pages 2 hours read

J. R. R. Tolkien

The Hobbit

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 1937

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During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Reading Check and Short Answer Questions on key points are designed for guided reading assignments, in-class review, formative assessment, quizzes, and more.

CHAPTERS 1-3

Reading Check

1. Who are the unexpected guests who disrupt Bilbo’s peaceful life?

2. From whom are the dwarves trying to reclaim their homeland, the Lonely Mountain?

3. Why do the dwarves believe Bilbo will be of help in their quest?

4. What do the runes tell the group about the secret entrance to the mountain lair?

Short Answer

Answer each question in at least 1 complete sentence. Incorporate details from the text to support your response.

1. How are the dwarves and Gandolf representative of Duty as a Governing Moral and a Guiding Force relating to their quest and Bilbo?

2. How would one describe a hobbit and how does this description relate to Bilbo’s initial hesitation in joining the quest?

3. How were the trolls defeated after capturing the group?

4. Why are the dwarves nervous about going to the Last Homely House?

Paired Resource

Tolkien’s Grandson on How WW1 Inspired The Lord of the Rings

  • This BBC article discusses Tolkien’s experiences in the war and how it impacted his writing.
  • The information in this resource connects to the theme of Duty as a Governing Moral and a Guiding Force.