ACADEMIC LISTENING TEST PRACTICE
"THE HOBBIT" SUMMARY
"THE HOBBIT" SUMMARY
For Students Preparing for Academic Tests / IELTS and TOEFL
Listen as you read the script.
Playing Time: 2 minutes 18 seconds
"The Hobbit" is a fantasy novel by J.R.R. Tolkien first published in 1937. The story follows the adventures of a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins who is recruited by the wizard Gandalf to join a group of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon, Smaug.
At the start of the story, Bilbo is a contented and comfortable hobbit, living in his cozy hole in the ground. He is startled one day when Gandalf arrives with a group of dwarves led by the warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Gandalf has chosen Bilbo to be the group's "burglar" and help them on their quest to reclaim their lost treasure from the dragon Smaug.
Despite his initial reluctance, Bilbo agrees to join the group and sets out on a journey that takes him through the dangerous and enchanted forest of Mirkwood, over the Misty Mountains, and into the Lonely Mountain where Smaug the dragon lies guarding the treasure. Along the way, the group encounters all manner of strange creatures, including, giant spiders, talking wolves, and giant eagles.
Despite the many challenges and dangers they face, Bilbo and the dwarves eventually reach the Lonely Mountain and confront Smaug. Bilbo manages to steal a golden cup from the dragon's hoard and escapes, but not before Smaug is awoken and flies off in a rage to attack the nearby human town, of Lake Town.
In the end, Bilbo and the dwarves are able to defeat Smaug and reclaim the treasure, but their victory is short-lived as they soon find themselves caught in the middle of a war between the humans, elves, and dwarves, and the orcs and goblins of the region. This war is known as the Battle of the Five Armies. Bilbo ultimately returns home, and not only is he wiser and more adventurous than when he left, but he has a magic ring that can make him invisible.
At the start of the story, Bilbo is a contented and comfortable hobbit, living in his cozy hole in the ground. He is startled one day when Gandalf arrives with a group of dwarves led by the warrior, Thorin Oakenshield. Gandalf has chosen Bilbo to be the group's "burglar" and help them on their quest to reclaim their lost treasure from the dragon Smaug.
Despite his initial reluctance, Bilbo agrees to join the group and sets out on a journey that takes him through the dangerous and enchanted forest of Mirkwood, over the Misty Mountains, and into the Lonely Mountain where Smaug the dragon lies guarding the treasure. Along the way, the group encounters all manner of strange creatures, including, giant spiders, talking wolves, and giant eagles.
Despite the many challenges and dangers they face, Bilbo and the dwarves eventually reach the Lonely Mountain and confront Smaug. Bilbo manages to steal a golden cup from the dragon's hoard and escapes, but not before Smaug is awoken and flies off in a rage to attack the nearby human town, of Lake Town.
In the end, Bilbo and the dwarves are able to defeat Smaug and reclaim the treasure, but their victory is short-lived as they soon find themselves caught in the middle of a war between the humans, elves, and dwarves, and the orcs and goblins of the region. This war is known as the Battle of the Five Armies. Bilbo ultimately returns home, and not only is he wiser and more adventurous than when he left, but he has a magic ring that can make him invisible.
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