Name: Date:

The Prologue from The Canterbury Tales

Geoffrey Chaucer

WORD LIST
valiantly sincerity discreet personable eminent diligent

A. DIRECTIONS: In each of the following items, think about the meaning of the
italicized word or phrase, and then answer the question.

1. If you are discreet, does that mean you can be trusted to keep a secret?
Explain.

2. The students were diligent in the classroom. How did the students approach
their classwork and homework? Explain.

3. The knight behaved valiantly. Would others want to serve with the knight?
Explain.

4. How would someone become eminent? Explain.

5. What character traits make someone personable? Explain.

6. Would you want to be with someone who has sincerity? Why or why not?

B. WORD STUDY: The Latin suffix -able means “capable of being,” “worthy of
being,” or “having a certain quality.” Below, choose the correct meaning of the
word on the left from the definitions on the right. Then, write its letter on the line
provided.
1. alterable A. causing grief or sorrow

2. biodegradable B. removable

3. deplorable C. can be changed

4. hospitable D. can be broken down by living organisms

5. detachable E. welcoming

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