Correct option is A
The correct option to fill in the blank is (a) "much."
"Much" is used to emphasize a comparative adjective, in this case, "poorer."
Meanings of other options:
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Most: Used for the superlative degree, not appropriate here.
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More: Used for comparative degree, but not with "poorer."
•
Very: Used to emphasize an adjective, but not in comparative forms.