Meaning: 'Accelerated' means to increase in speed or rate, indicating that the worldwide economy related to mass migration has been growing rapidly.

Wrong options:

• swelled: While 'swelled' suggests an increase, it typically refers to size rather than speed, making it less suitable in this context.
• descended: 'Descended' implies a decrease, which contradicts the positive growth indicated in the sentence.
• declined: 'Declined' also indicates a decrease, which is the opposite of what the sentence is conveying about the economy.

Correct answer: astonished

Explanation: The word 'astonished' is the correct choice as it conveys a strong sense of surprise, fitting well with the context of experts reacting to unexpected figures. It is also grammatically correct as it aligns with the subject 'experts' in the sentence.

Meaning: 'Astonished' means to be greatly surprised or impressed, indicating that the figures related to remittances were unexpectedly high for the experts.

Wrong options:

• scared: 'Scared' implies fear, which does not fit the context of experts reacting to economic figures.
• marked: 'Marked' suggests a noticeable change but lacks the emotional response conveyed by 'astonished.'
• pleasure: 'Pleasure' does not fit grammatically or contextually, as it does not convey a reaction to the figures.

Correct answer: exceed

Explanation: The word 'exceed' is grammatically correct as it fits the structure of the sentence, indicating that the remittances will surpass a certain amount. It is contextually appropriate as it conveys the idea of going beyond a specified figure.

Meaning: 'Exceed' means to go beyond a limit or amount, indicating that the remittances are expected to be more than $232 billion.

Wrong options:

• over: 'Over' is a preposition and does not fit grammatically in this context as a verb.
• surpass: While 'surpass' has a similar meaning, it is less commonly used in this context compared to 'exceed.'
• pass: 'Pass' is too vague and does not convey the same sense of exceeding a specific amount.

Correct answer: tracks

Explanation: The word 'tracks' is appropriate as it indicates monitoring or keeping a record of the figures, fitting grammatically and contextually with the subject 'World Bank.' It suggests an ongoing action of observation.

Meaning: 'Tracks' means to monitor or keep a record of something, indicating that the World Bank is actively observing remittance figures.

Wrong options:

• trails: 'Trails' implies lagging behind, which does not fit the context of actively monitoring figures.
• follows: 'Follows' suggests a sequence rather than active monitoring, making it less suitable here.
• chases: 'Chases' implies pursuit, which does not convey the intended meaning of monitoring or recording.

Correct answer: impacts

Explanation: The word 'impacts' fits grammatically as it is a noun that aligns with the subject of study. Contextually, it refers to the effects or consequences of remittances, which is the focus of the sentence.

Meaning: 'Impacts' refers to the effects or influences that remittances have on poor countries, indicating the significance of the study.

Wrong options:

• outcomes: 'Outcomes' suggests results but lacks the nuance of effects implied by 'impacts.'
• results: 'Results' is similar to 'outcomes' and does not capture the broader implications of remittances.
• enforcement: 'Enforcement' relates to ensuring compliance with laws, which is unrelated to the context of remittances.