1. Literacy Test Preparation
News Report

2. Parts of a News Report Students Achieve 100%
Headline: the title of the article.
made up of 10 words or less
introduces the article's topic
captures the readers' interest
Subheading: an expansion of the Headline.
is not always included in an article
By-line: line that introduces the article's author
sometimes includes the author's occupation.
Summary Lead: the opening paragraph.
consists of 1-2 sentences
is usually less that 30 words in length
contains the Who, What, Where, When, Why and How (5Ws and H) of the article.
Fact-based Paragraphs: the rest of the article.
short paragraphs that expand on the 5Ws and H
is organized from most to least important information
include quotations from key people involved in or related to the information in the article
Students Achieve 100%
100% OSSLT Pass Rate for Louise Arbour's Students
X. M. Plar STAFF WRITER
Brampton, Ontario - The staff and students of Louise Arbour Secondary School celebrated yesterday after learning that 100% of their Grade 10 students, as well as all previously eligible students, who wrote the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) on March 31st, 2011 passed both sections.
The 400 students who wrote the test were informed of their successful results last week by mail, but the official whole-school results were released yesterday by EQAO, the Ministry organization that facilitates the administration of the provincial test.
"The students did an outstanding job," stated Ms. Galen, the principal of Louise Arbour S.S. today in a brief phone interview, "I couldn't be more proud!"
When asked about the unprecedented successful results of her school's students, Galen revealed that the students had been prepared throughout the year for the March 31st test. "The students were invited to workshops, were offered resources, and were taught literacy skills cross-curricularly throughout the year."
Upon hearing the news of their high pass rate, the principal declared the last hour of yesterday's school day to be a time for celebration. Music was broadcast throughout the school's classroom LCD projectors.
"The preparation and excellent results shows the goal of our students: Honour and Excellence," Ms. Galen said with a smile.

3. Literacy Test Task:
Write a news report based on a headline and picture
Make up the facts and information (Who? What? Where? When? Why? How?)
Relate your newspaper report to both the headline and the picture
Focus on the purpose and audience: to report on an event for the readers of a newspaper
Write only on the lined space provided

4. Example
Headline: “Car wash a great success”

5. What to do BEFORE you write:
Read all instructions carefully
Read all questions before reading the text
Read the title, headings and look at the picture for clues about the topic
Make notes or highlight important information as you read

6. Writing the news report
Analyse the picture and Headline to determine the topic of the article
Identify the 5Ws and H (who, what, where, when, why, and how) of your article
Create an interesting Summary Lead that includes the 5Ws and H of your article

7. Write short paragraphs (2-3 sentences in length) based on the 5Ws and H in your Summary Lead. Organize your paragraphs from the most to least important information
Add quotes to your paragraphs (by people involved in or related to your article’s topic). Use words like “said” or “says” before each quote
Stay objective. Bias in a quote is allowed, but do not add your own opinions as a journalist
Provide a caption for the photograph included with the new report

8. Tips for Success
F.A.M.E.

9. Fill in all lines
The lines provided for you outline the expected length of your answers
If you write more than the space provided, you will receive a mark of zero on that question
Use the rough work areas to help you plan your answer before writing it in the lines provided
Write clearly and to the point

10. Answer all questions Do NOT leave any of the questions blank
You do not lose marks for incorrect answers, but you will receive failing marks for unanswered questions
Answer in complete sentences

11. Make notes as you read
Underline, circle or highlight important instructions and key words in the questions to make sure that you understand what you are being asked to do
Make notes throughout the text to identify important information such as the 5Ws and H and the topics of each paragraph

12. Edit your work Review and edit all parts of your work
Check to see that you have answered all questions fully and correctly
Correct any grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors
Add to your answers if you have not filled in all of the lines for the long writing tasks

13. Credits Mary Nanavati – Principal Fletcher’s Meadow
Created by: Candice Lande, Fletcher’s Meadow
Susan Bell Louise Arbour SS