English ability is a part of the first round of Accenture hiring process. It consists of questions from Reading Comprehension passages, grammar-based concepts, and vocabulary. The aim of this test is to assess the candidate's hold over English Language and its contextual understanding. It is important to be good at verbal skills, since the first round is basically an elimination round. Here, we have given a sample RC passage and other questions that are frequently asked in placement tests of reputed organizations like Accenture:
Accenture Verbal Questions
Read the following passage and answer the related questions:
Until a hundred years ago as humans we had a simple, uncomplicated biological connect. It was a straightforward equation: we drew roughly 3,000 calories each of energy out of the Earth for our food and life's sustenance. Today that number per capita has grown to 1,00,000 calories. We still need only 3,000 calories each to nourish life itself. All the rest of this energy is what we extract from the Earth for everything else besides keeping ourselves alive. In some countries, like the US; this per capita number runs at over 2,00,000 calories. Some of us are concerned about this. We fret over what we could - and should really be doing to soften this abuse of resources. Little things fox us in the welter of things that we get to read. What is sustainable development? How can it be started at our homes? Beyond the ceremonial planting of green and getting people to run marathons of various lengths in support of the environment, is there more that we can add to the abstract value of 'sustainability'? What are the little things we can do in our day-to-day lives, to reduce demand for things that people make and market? Of course, we know that it helps to avoid a plastic bag when you can use a newspaper bag, or a brown bag, or even a jute bag which you can use for many more years unlike a plastic bag which you throw away in less than a week or after a few uses. However, there's actually quite a bit more that you and I can do, without compromise on comfort, with very little as cost incurred, with financial savings that you can gain on energy and water use, and with solutions that are very feasible and within your reach. It is possible to understand our ecological footprint and its disastrous consequences, not merely in terms of our own behaviour as consumers, but really in terms of the impact on the environment we make.
What is the primary concern of the passage ?
There is a need to save energy, especially for our future.
All of us should not only plant trees but also run the marathon.
Use of plastic bags should be completely banned.
We need to respect the Earth and consume less of its calories.
Answer: Option A
An overall reading of the passage highlights the answer. Further, the last line substantiates the selection of the option.
Why does the author ask his audience to use a jute bag?
Jute bags look more trendy and stylish.
It is the need of the hour, to save energy, to save our ecosystem.
Using jute bags helps in consuming only 3,000 calories from the Earth.
They are more easily available.
Answer: Option B
The author focuses on saving energy.
Which one of the following statements cannot be inferred from the passage?
There are many little things we can do to save our Earth.
Only running marathons of various lengths does not help.
We do not depend on the Earth for our food and life sustenance.
A lot many years before, our association with the Nature was quite simple.
Answer: Option C
The author negates this in the passage.
A suitable title to the passage could be
Lets Shift to Jute!
How to Consume Few Calories?
Save Energy, Save the Earth!
The Earth Heading for a Disaster.
Answer: Option C
This is what the author focuses on.
DIRECTIONS for questions 5 to 7 : In each of these questions, choose the option which can be substituted for the given words.
To form a plot or scheme, especially one to do something wrong or wicked, or designed to cause harm.
A place or state of uncontrollable confusion or destructive forces, especially one to which someone or something is inevitably drawn.
Maelstrom
Megilp
Senate house
Magistral
Answer: Option A
Maelstrom - a violent or turbulent situation.
Megilp is an oil-painting medium of linseed oil mixed with mastic varnish or turpentine
Very high-spirited; full of cheerfulness or enthusiasm.
Eccentric
Eburnean
Sporting
Ebullient
Answer: Option D
Ebullient - overflowing with enthusiasm or excitement.
Eccentric means peculiar.
Eburnean means made of or relating to ivory.
DIRECTIONS for questions 8 to 10 : Choose the option to fill in the blanks.
We _______________ to inform you that we cannot include your thesis in our library, on the ________________ of not receiving permission from your supervisor.
saddened, reason
lament, pretext
repent, justification
regret, grounds
Answer: Option D
‘regret’ is a feeling of disappointment.
repent is feeling remorse for one’s own wrong doings.
lament is to mourn.
Hence the D option is the best fit.
When her illness took a turn for the worse, the doctors took _____________ to ____________ the situation.
steps, ameliorate
approaches, better
modes, improve
measures, enhance
Answer: Option A
‘Ameliorate’ – to make better, improve.
Modes does not fit the first blank so option C is incorrect.
The public relations agency ______________ out all the stops to ensure a ______________ attendance at the gala.
gave, phenomenal
took, marvelous
pulled, spectacular
forked, staggering
Answer: Option C
Pulled put all stops’ is an idiom which means ‘To make every possible effort.’