In the following question, the sentence with blank is to be filled with appropriate word. Select the correct alternative out of the four and indicate it by selecting the appropriate option.
Two decades ago theatre groups ________ protective of their group members.
The sentence talks about a past feature that used to prevail. Thus, ‘second form of verb’ must be used. Also we can see that the meaning of adjective (‘protective’) is to be modified. Thus, we require an ‘adverb’ here.
Hence, ‘were zealously’ is the most appropriate choice here.
Option 4 is correct answer.