In the following passage, there are blanks each of which has been numbered.…

In the following passage, there are blanks each of which has been numbered. These numbers are printed below the passage and against each five words have been suggested, one of which fills the blanks appropriately.

Recently the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) released separate reports on poverty. The World Bank (___1___) its benchmark of extreme poverty by 25 cents from $ 1 per person per day to $1.25 per person a day. The ADB announced an even (___2___) benchmark of $1.35 per person a day. These new benchmarks are based on surveys in the world’s poorest countries. Experts often like to claim that poverty has declined because of economic growth in India and China. This is wrong and (___3___). In the past twenty – five years the poverty rate in India has (___4___) by less than one – percentage point a year. Whether we use a poverty line of $1 per person per day or $1.25 per person per day makes little difference. The number of poor in India is large. The purpose of these statistics is not to dispute them but to (___5___) whether the benefits of economic growth are being shared with the poor.

Find out the appropriate word in 5th case.