For this question, choose the option nearest in meaning to the word or phrase in italics.
The students were reluctant to participate in the debate.
Answer Details
Reluctant means not willing or inclined to do something; hesitant or disinclined. A person who is reluctant about an activity would rather avoid it.
The word nearest in meaning to reluctant is unwilling, which directly means lacking the desire or readiness to do something. "The students were unwilling to participate in the debate" carries the same meaning as the original sentence.
The other options are essentially the opposite of reluctant:
excited means feeling enthusiastic and eager.
happy means feeling pleasure or contentment.
eager means keenly wanting to do something.
All three suggest a positive desire to participate, which contradicts the meaning of reluctant.