Chapter 1 Activity Packet for

The Hobbit

By J.R.R. Tolkien

Vocabulary

Activity #1: Choose 10 words from the list below and write the entire sentence from the novel in which each word was used. (Don’t choose two words that share the same sentence!) Approximate page numbers are in parenthesis for that purpose. Use the Chapter 1 Definition list to help you understand each word in context. Section due:______

No incomplete work will be accepted! Yes, grammar rules count, always!

Activity #2: Use the remaining 21 words in a vocabulary story related to The Hobbit. Be sure to use each word correctly and that your story makes sense. Section due:______

No incomplete work will be accepted! Yes, grammar rules count, always!

Activity #3: Study the definitions and spellings for your vocabulary and spelling quiz.

  1. inclined (2) mm 12. flummoxed (11)23. parchment (19)
  2. remarkable (2) 13. wretched (11)24. rune (19)
  3. brim (4) mm 14. confusticate (11)25. devour (20)
  4. lads (5) 15. mantelpiece (12)26. blunt (21)
  5. lasses (5) 16. sorcerous (13)27. remuneration(22)
  6. pantry (6) 17. harp (15) mm28. necromancer (25)
  7. tremendous (6) 18. kindling (15)29. witless (25)
  8. cloak (7) mm 19. shudder (15) mm30. wandering (25)
  9. depredations (9) 20. cellar (15)31. poached (26)
  10. throng (9) 21. audacious (16)
  11. hearth (9) 22. conspirator (16)

*mm= multiple meaning word. Be sure to use the correct meaning based on the context of the sentence in the novel.

Questions: *Answer all questions using complete, cursive sentences that within them restate the entire question. Papers that do not follow this format will be returned to be fixed and resubmitted for late credit. Use your own separate notebook paper for all answers and label each section.

This section and all that follow are due : ______

Use facts from the novel & your own experience (when needed) to answer questions. Know the answers--you will be quizzed and expected to know the information we've read!

  1. Characterization--Characters are developed by their traits, what they say, think, and do, and how others in the novel react to them. In this chapter, what do we learn about Bilbo Baggins? Begin an attribute web for him. [Traits, Words, Actions, Thoughts, & Interactions-include at least 3-4 example bubbles for each subtopic included above=15 bubbles minimum] Do this cluster map on legal-sized typing paper.
  1. Setting –Describe the appearance (how they look) of hobbits and their homes in general. Then specifically, describe Bilbo Baggins' home. Who built it and why is it and he special?
  1. Characterization–Describe the kind of character Gandalf is? What do we learn about him in chapter 1?
  1. Characterization-- What did you learn about Bilbo Baggins' character specifically when the dwarves entered his home?
  1. Why do the dwarves gather at Bilbo's house?
  1. How many dwarves came to tea? Who is their leader? What are each of their names?
  1. How did Bilbo react to the plan of the dwarves? Why do you think Gandalf chose Bilbo to be the burglar?
  1. What changed Bilbo's mind about the adventure? What awakened his "Tookish" side? What are some of his Tookish elements and some of his Baggin elements? (Create a T-chart for this part.)
  1. Why did the dwarves question Gandalf's choice?
  1. What important item/family heirloom does Gandalf give to Thorin?
  1. Explain how the dwarves lost their treasure and kingdom?
Figures of Speech

Remember, simile is a figure of speech in which a comparison between two unlike objects is stated directly, using the words "like" or "as."

The poor little hobbit could be seen kneeling on the hearth-rug, shaking like a jelly that was melting.

  1. In the simile above what two things are being compared?
  1. What is the effect of this comparison? (In other words, what is the speaker trying to say literally?)
  2. Copy another whole sentence from Chapter 1 that includes a simile, metaphor, or personification. Identify what figure of speech is used in your quote? What does the sentence mean literally? Underline and highlight the figurative language.
Language Arts
  1. Review pages 1-3. List at least eight (8) adjectives used to describe hobbits and their environment.
Short Writing Activity

Bilbo makes several statements that he later regrets. Give two examples of these statements. Briefly write about a time when you made a statement you later regretted (less than one page, please).

Chapter 1 Definition List --The Hobbit

inclined- (v)drawn toward an opinion or thought; tending to be

remarkable- (adj)extraordinary, unusual; worthy of being liked

brim - (n)edge or rimlads- (n)boyslasses- (n)girls

pantry –(n) place to keep food

tremendous – (adj)powerful, great, causing dread, awe, or terror

cloak –(n) a loose outer garment or coat

depredations –(v) the laying of waste and taking by force and violence

throng – (n) a crowdhearth- (n)area in front of a fireplace

flummoxed – (adj) frustratedwretched – (adj) miserable, woeful

confusticate – (v) to confuse

mantelpiece –(n)a shelf the overhangs a fireplace

sorcerous – (adj)like a magician or sorceror

kindling – (n)easily combustible material for starting a fire

shudder -(v)to shake, tremble or quakecellar - (n)basement

audacious- (adj)daring, bold

conspirator -(n)one who is part of a plan or conspiracy

parchment- (n)a skin of an animal prepared for writing; an old paper

rune –(n)mysterious, magical writingdevour- to eat up greedily

blunt -(adj)not sharp;dull

remuneration- (n)money; compensation, payment

necromancer –(n)one who practices the art of conjuring up the spirits of the dead for the purposes of revealing the future

wit - (n)reasoning power; intelligence; cleverness

wander- (v)to move about aimlessly or without purpose; roam

poached – (adj)cooked in simmering liquid