From the word lettered A to D, choose the word that best completes each of the following sentences The truth of the evidence is...

Analyze the question: The sentence is "The truth of the evidence is __." We need the word that fits evidence being true, so that it cannot be challenged or disproved.

Explain the concept: All four options begin with the prefix ir- (meaning "not"), so the difference is in the root word:

• Irreversible: cannot be reversed or undone (e.g., an irreversible decision or damage).
• Irrefutable: cannot be refuted or disproved (e.g., irrefutable proof, irrefutable evidence).
• Irreparable: cannot be repaired or put right (e.g., irreparable harm).
• Irretrievable: cannot be recovered or retrieved (e.g., an irretrievable loss). Note that the spelling in option D, "irretrieveable", is also incorrect.

Solution:

• Evidence is something that is either proven or challenged, so a word about being disproved is needed.
• "Refute" means to prove something wrong, so "irrefutable" means it cannot be proved wrong.
• "The truth of the evidence is irrefutable" means no one can deny it, which fits perfectly.
• The other options describe things that cannot be undone, repaired or recovered. These make no sense when talking about the truth of evidence.

Answer: B. irrefutable

Exam tip: Match the root word to the context. Think of refute as "argue against": irrefutable goes with evidence, proof, argument, and facts. Irreparable goes with damage or harm. Irreversible goes with decisions or processes. Irretrievable goes with loss.