Does the passage provide a clear definition or threshold of absolute poverty?

The correct answer indicates that the passage does not present a clear definition or a specific threshold for absolute poverty because it relies on relative comparisons within a country. Absolute poverty is typically understood as a condition where individuals lack the financial resources to meet basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, often measured by a specific dollar amount, such as the international poverty line set by the World Bank. In contrast, relative poverty measures an individual's economic status in comparison to others within the same community or society.

In this case, stating that the passage is based on relative comparisons means it likely evaluates poverty as a measure of inequality rather than defining a fixed level of income or resources that constitute absolute poverty. This understanding aligns with concepts of relative deprivation, which focus more on one's well-being as compared to the living standards of others.

Although some options mention a global standard threshold or basic needs for defining absolute poverty, these interpretations imply a concrete, measurable standard, which is not what the passage conveys. Similarly, the option discussing only statistical averages suggests a focus on broader economic data without the specificity required for defining poverty levels, further reinforcing that the passage does not provide a clear definition or threshold for absolute poverty.