Directions: Select the most appropriate filler(s) for the blank(s) such that the sentence makes coherent sense.

Because of his reputation as a comedic actor best suited for playing outlandish eccentrics, the director was ________ to consider him for the more serious role of the solemn monarch.

The word ‘because’ indicates that the first part of the sentence sets up the cause - this actor’s history is playing comedic roles and the second part of the sentence states the effect that creates, which are some doubts in the mind of the director in that he might be unwilling or reluctant to cast him in this new role. As such, ‘loath’ means unwilling and reluctant and it fits in with the sentence. Hence, (2) is the answer.