THE HOBBIT
A Comprehensive Webquest
for Cass Lake-Bena H.S. students.
Design by: Ron Kjensmo
Introduction:
Imagine, you’re a Hobbit, you think adventure is a nasty, disturbing and uncomfortable thing. Then one day, thirteen dwarves
and a wizard enter your home unexpectedly and persuade you to go on a long, dangerous adventure with them. Such is true of
Bilbo Baggins, the main character in “The Hobbit”, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Join Bilbo on this exciting adventure full of dragons,
treasure, trolls, and wizards. A world where fantasy meets reality, and treasure is the ultimate goal! -by Nathan and Andrew of The Hobbit Site
Task:
You will learn about all the characters in “The Hobbit”. As you learn about these characters, you will do research on one of the
main characters. The research will include what part the character played in the book, why the character was important and how
the character developed (changed) throughout the story. You will also write a comprehensive summary of the entire story and a
persuasive evaluation of the novel’s merit (was it entertaining, why?). After completing these three essays, you will complete a
short quiz on the last link and work in cooperative groups to complete a “Life-Size Character” project.
Process for Webquest I (Essay One / Character Analysis) :
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Click this first link http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/hobbit/charlist.html to find a
list of characters of the book. After reading about all the characters, choose one (1) character to
further research and then search for more information on your chosen character.
For more information on your chosen character try clicking on these links :
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hobbit/canalysis.html
and
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hobbit/characters.html
Take Notes! You will not be allowed to print all this information!
You will need to know (1) what part the character played in the book, (2) why the character
was important and (3) how the character developed (changed) throughout the story.
More helpful links:
http://www.theonering.net/movie/char/bilbo.html At the bottom of this site are two bars that read :
“The Fellowship” and “The Rest”. Clicking on these will provide you with a Biography on other Hobbit Characters.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hobbit/canalysis.html This site provides you with an analysis and
an in-depth analysis for the major characters and their development throughout the story..
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hobbit/themes.html This site provides excellent information on
how the character developed (changed) throughout the story
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hobbit/facts.html This site provides you with a short explanation
of all the important components of the story.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hobbit/study.html This site provides you with an outstanding, brief
explanation of the major characters’ personality and development.
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Note as much information about this character as you can, the more you have, the better your
grade`
Process for Webquest II (Essay Two / Summary) :

Click this first link http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/hobbit/shortsumm.html
to find a summary of the entire story.
For more information on the story’s events, try clicking on these links :
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hobbit/summary.html
and
http://www.gradesaver.com/ClassicNotes/Titles/hobbit/fullsumm.html
and
http://www.bookrags.com/notes/hob/SUM.htm
Take Notes! Use a pen and paper to write down the information!
You will not be allowed to print all this information!
You will need to know (1) what happened in the beginning of the book, (2) happened in the
middle of the story and (3) what happened in the end of the book. Make sure your summary
includes all the major events that occurred in the story.
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Note as much information about the story as you can, the more important events you describe, the
better your grade.
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Process for Webquest III (Essay Three /Evaluation):
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Click this first link :
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/customer-reviews/0345339681/ref=cm_rev_sort/103-2992249-5263861?customerreviews.sort_by=-HelpfulVotes&me=ATVPDKIKX0DER&x=11&y=15
to find reviews of the story. In the box that has “Show” on the left and “GO!” on the right, make
sure the words “Most Helpful First” are in the window of the box. Read, at least, 7 or 8 of the
reviews. Also, search this page for other reviews.
For more information on the story’s events, try clicking on these links :
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hobbit/study.html The answers to the questions on this site should
give you some great ideas for an essay.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hobbit/themes.html If you want an A++ use the information on
this page to write an essay that explains the beautiful use of “Themes, Motifs and Symbols” in
The Hobbit.
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Take Notes! Use a pen and paper to write down the information!
You will not be allowed to print all this information!
You will need to have (3) three intelligent reasons why this book was or was not entertaining.
Each of your three reasons will need to have two specific examples (Quotes) taken directly
from the book to illustrate the reason cited.
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Note as much information about the story as you can, the more specific reasons you provide, the
better your grade.
Process for Webquest IV (Quiz) :
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Next you will be taking an online quiz using the information you have read. Click on this link
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hobbit/quiz.html and complete the quiz. Use the any of the
sites to find the answers to questions that you don’t know. When you finish, click on the “submit”
box and show your score to the teacher
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Process for Webquest V (Life-Size Character Project) :

Click this first to find a http://www.theonering.net/movie/char/bilbo.html
physical description of your character. For more information on your chosen character try
clicking on this link : http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/hobbit/characters.html The following link
has pictures from the movie, just press the “next” or “previous” words icons to view different
pictures. http://www.theonering.net/scrapbook/view/394 This site has art work you can view
http://www.mi.uib.no/~respl/tolkien/ just click on “Art” and select what year you want to see.
Finally, this last site has the actual written story with helpful side suggestions.
http://www.bookrags.com/notes/hob/PART1.htm
Take Notes! Use a pen and paper to write down the information!
You will not be allowed to print all this information!

The sites above have everything you will need to complete the Life-Size Character Project.
You will need to know (1) Character’s Voice--dialogue that illustrates the character’s
personality, (2) Character’s Actions—things the character does that reveal what he/she/it is
like (Brave, Mean, Honest, etc.), (3) Character’s Appearance—describe the character
physically, (4) Character’s Thoughts and Feelings—descriptions of what the character is
thinking and feeling, (5) Style of Dress—what clothes does the character wear and what
personal objects does he/she/it carry.
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Note as much information about the story as you can, the more detailed descriptions of the
character you provide, the better your grade.
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Conclusion :
Hopefully the journey you took was filled with adventure, and you found out a lot about J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, The Hobbit.
Try to remember all you’ve learned, because you’ll never know when someone will come to you, and bring you along on a
grand adventure. Until that time, have fun, and watch out for dragons! -by Nathan and Andrew of The Hobbit Site
The following pages need
to be printed on paper.
The “Information
Collection Sheets” will
hold all the notes needed
to complete the three
essays and the “Essay
Outlines” will be used to
write the rough drafts of
the three essays.
Information Collection Sheet
for the Character Analysis Essay
Note as much information about this character as you can, the more you have, the better your grade
(1) What part did the character play in the book:
Also make a list of the other characters in the book
(2) Why was the character important:
(3) How did the character develop (change) throughout the story.
Character Analysis Essay
(The Hobbit)
Title of your Essay: ____________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 1
(Introduction Paragraph)
The first paragraph, the introduction paragraph, should begin with, at least, three sentences (that means you can use more) that
briefly describe the many different characters in the novel. The last sentence, the thesis statement, will then introduce the main
topics.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Describe the many different characters in the novel…
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The last sentence of this first paragraph, the thesis statement, should list the 3 main ideas you’ll be discussing : What part the character played in the book,
why the character was important and how the character developed throughout the story.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2
Explanation of the first main idea -- the second paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that names the first main idea :
(1) what part the character played in the book. This should be followed by 5 - 8 sentences that explain what part the character
played in the book.
Topic sentence: _______________________________________________________________________
Names what part the character played in the book
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
For example , ________________________________________________________________________
5 - 8 sentences that explain the topic sentence in detail
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Paragraph 3
Explanation of the second main idea -- the third paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that names the second main idea :
(2) why the character was important. This should be followed by 8 - 10 sentences that explain why the character was important.
Topic sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
Names why the character was important
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
For instance , _________________________________________________________________________
8 - 10 sentences that explain the topic sentence in detail
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Paragraph 4
Explanation of the third main idea -- the fourth paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that names the third main idea :
(3) How the character developed (changed) through out the story. This should be followed by 10 - 15 sentences that explain
how the character changed in the story.
Topic sentence: ______________________________________________________________________
Names how the character developed through out the story
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
For example , _______________________________________________________________________
10 - 15 sentences that explain, in detail , how the character changed in the story
____________________________________________________________________________________
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Paragraph 5
(Conclusion)
The conclusion should consist of a brief, short summary of all the ideas stated earlier in the essay. More simply, it’s a mirror
reflection of the introduction : “This was the part the character played in the book, why the character was important and how the character developed
throughout the story.”
In conclusion , _______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Information Collection Sheet
for the Summary Essay
Note as much information about this character as you can, the more you have, the better your grade
(1) Major events that occurred in the beginning of the story (chapters 1 – 5) :
(2) The middle of the story (chapters 6 – 10) :
(3) Major events at the end of the novel (chapters 11 – 19) :
Summary Essay
(The Hobbit)
Title of your Essay: ____________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 1
(Introduction Paragraph)
The first paragraph, the introduction paragraph, should begin with, at least, three sentences (that means you can use more) that briefly
summarize the more major events in the novel. The last sentence, the thesis statement, will then introduce the main topics.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The last sentence of this first paragraph, the thesis statement, should list the 3 main ideas you’ll be discussing : (1) What major event(s) occurred in the
beginning of the book, (2) What major event(s) occurred in the middle of the book, and (3) What major event(s) occurred in the end of the book,
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2
Explanation of the first main idea -- the second paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that names the first main idea :
(1) What major event(s) occurred in the beginning of the book. This should be followed by 8 - 10 sentences that explain the
major events that occurred in chapters 1 – 5.
Topic sentence: _______________________________________________________________________
Names the major events that occurred in chapters 1 – 5.
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
For example , ________________________________________________________________________
8 - 10 sentences that explain the topic sentence in detail
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Paragraph 3
Explanation of the second main idea -- the third paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that names the second main idea :
(2) What major event(s) occurred in the middle of the book. This should be followed by 8 - 10 sentences that explain what
important events happened in chapters 6 - 10
Topic sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
Names what important events happened in chapters 6 - 10
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
For instance , _________________________________________________________________________
8 - 10 sentences that explain the topic sentence in detail
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Paragraph 4
Explanation of the third main idea -- the fourth paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that names the third main idea :
(3) What major event(s) occurred in the end of the book,. This should be followed by 10 - 15 sentences that explain what
happened in chapters 11 - 19.
Topic sentence: ______________________________________________________________________
Names what happened in chapters 11 - 19.
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
For example , _______________________________________________________________________
10 - 15 sentences that explain in detail explain what happened in chapters 11 - 19.
____________________________________________________________________________________
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Paragraph 5
(Conclusion)
The conclusion should consist of a brief, short summary of all the ideas stated earlier in the essay. More simply, it’s a mirror
reflection of the introduction : These are the major events that occurred in the beginning of the story (chapters 1 – 5), the middle of the story (chapters 6
– 10),and the end of the novel (chapters 11 – 19).
In conclusion , _______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Information Collection Sheet
for the Evaluation Essay
Note as much information about this character as you can, the more you have, the better your grade
(1) Reason “one” why The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story :
Example or Quote that illustrates your first reason:
Example or Quote that illustrates your first reason:
(2) Reason “two” why The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story :
Example or Quote that illustrates your second reason:
Example or Quote that illustrates your second reason:
(3) Reason “three” why The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story :
Example or Quote that illustrates your third reason:
Example or Quote that illustrates your third reason:
Example or Quote that illustrates your third reason:
Evaluation Essay
(The Hobbit)
Title of your Essay: ____________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 1
(Introduction Paragraph)
The first paragraph, the introduction paragraph, should begin with, at least, three sentences (that means you can use more) that
briefly describe the many different characters and the many different events in the novel. The last sentence, the thesis
statement, will then introduce the main topics.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Describe the different events and characters in the novel…
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The last sentence of this first paragraph, the thesis statement, should list the 3 main ideas you’ll be discussing : “Because of (reason one), (reason two), and
(reason three) The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story.”
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 2
Explanation of the first main idea -- the second paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that names the first main idea :
(1) “Because of (reason one) The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story.”. This should be followed by 8 - 10 sentences that explain why
The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story according to your first reason.
Topic sentence: _______________________________________________________________________
Names why The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
For example , ________________________________________________________________________
8 - 10 sentences that explain the topic sentence in detail
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 3
Explanation of the second main idea -- the third paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that names the second main idea :
(2) “Because of (reason two) The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story.”. . This should be followed by 8 - 10 sentences that explain
why The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story according to your second reason
Topic sentence: ________________________________________________________________________
Names why The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
For instance , _________________________________________________________________________
8 - 10 sentences that explain the topic sentence in detail
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
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Paragraph 4
Explanation of the third main idea -- the fourth paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that names the third main idea :
(3) “Because of (reason three) The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story.”. . This should be followed by 8 - 10 sentences that explain
why The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story according to your third reason.
Topic sentence: ______________________________________________________________________
Names why The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story
___________________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________________
For example , _______________________________________________________________________
8 - 10 sentences that explain, in detail why The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Paragraph 5
(Conclusion)
The conclusion should consist of a brief, short summary of all the ideas stated earlier in the essay. More simply, it’s a mirror
reflection of the introduction : “Because of (reason one), (reason two), and (reason three) The Hobbit was/was not an entertaining story.”
In conclusion , _______________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________________________
Life-Size Character Analysis
Objectives: To analyze a character and create a visual representation of the character.
Time: Three to four 40 minute class periods.
Materials: Large sheets of butcher paper 5’ or 6’ feet long, construction paper, markers and crayons,
rulers, scissors. Glue sticks.
Step-by-step:
1. Assign groups and have each group choose a character from the novel they are reading.
2. Number group members 1 to 4 and tell them to assume the following group roles:
1. Character’s Voice: look for examples of the characters speech that reveal important
information about him or her. Record at least two direct quotes. Beneath each quote,
record what you think the characters words say about him or her.
2. Character’s Deeds: search for passages that show something the character does. Write
at least two examples of the characters actions. Use direct quotes, or state what the
character does in your own words. Beneath each statement record what you think the
characters actions reveal about him or her.
3. Character’s looks: Find passages that describe the characters appearance. If you can
not find a direct quote, write what you think the character looks like and why you
picture the character this way. Include information about the characters hair color, eye
color, age, height, clothing style and distinguishing features. Draw a sketch of the
character.
4. Character’s thoughts and feelings: Find descriptions of the characters thoughts and
feelings. Record at least two passages that show what’s inside the characters mind and
heart. Beneath each quote record what you learn about the character by examining his
or her thoughts or feelings.
3. Next, a volunteer lies down in the middle of the butcher paper to be traced. After the tracing is
completed, group members outline the shape in black marker and erase any pencil marks.
4. Working cooperatively, students add clothes and facial features to the “body” to portray the
character studied. They may work from the sketch drawn by the “Character’s Looks” group
member.
5. Students neatly write the information they found in their assigned roles (Character’s: voice, deeds, looks,
thoughts and feelings) on colored paper, cut them out in creative shapes and glue them onto the butcher
paper.
6. Each group introduces its life-size character to the class. The class then compares and contrasts the
various characters.
1. Character’s Voice: examples of the characters speech that reveal important information about
him/her/it. Record at least two direct quotes. Beneath each quote, record what you think the characters
words say about him or her:
Quote One :
What does this reveal about the character:
Quote Two :
What does this reveal about the character:
2. Character’s Deeds (part one) : search for passages that show something the character does. Write at
least two examples of the characters actions. Use direct quotes, or state what the character does in
your own words. Beneath each statement record what you think the characters actions reveal about
him or her or it.
Description of character’s action :
What does this reveal about the character:
2. Character’s Deeds (part two) : search for passages that show something the character does. Write at
least two examples of the characters actions. Use direct quotes, or state what the character does in
your own words. Beneath each statement record what you think the character’s actions reveal about
him her.
Description of character’s action :
What does this reveal about the character:
3. Character’s looks: Find passages that describe the characters appearance. If you can not find a direct
quote, write what you think the character looks like and why you picture the character this way.
Include information about the characters hair color, eye color, age, height, clothing style and
distinguishing features. Draw a sketch of the character.
Hair:
Eyes:
Age:
Height:
Clothing style:
Distinguishing features:
Draw a sketch of the character:
4. Character’s thoughts and feelings: Find descriptions of the characters thoughts and feelings. Record
at least two passages that show what’s inside the characters mind and heart. Beneath each quote
record what you learn about the character by examining his or her thoughts or feelings.
Quote One :
What does this reveal about the character:
Quote Two :
What does this reveal about the character: