Preparing for the OSSLT

WHAT IS THE OSSLT? The OSSLT is a provincial test of reading and writing. It is published by the Ministry of Education and is a mandated test for all high school students in Ontario. The OSSLT is administered to all Grade 10 students in the province. The OSSLT is one of the most important tests students will write in their high school career. This is because a pass is required before a student can achieve their high school diploma.

WHEN DO WE WRITE THE OSSLT? Thursday March 30th, 2017 Bring Don’t Bring + Pencils - Smart Phones + Pens + Eraser + A highlighter

What does the test look like? The test consists of two 75 minute sessions. You will complete 1 booklet during the first session and a second booklet during the second session. At the end of each session, the booklet will be sealed and collected. You will have a break between sessions.

How do you earn a pass on the test? A passing grade on the OSSLT is 75% After you have finished writing the test, your test and all the other that were completed by Grade 10 students in the province will be sent away for evaluation Evaluators will use a variety of different rubrics to assess your performance and calculate your final grade You will be notified of your mark before the end of Semester 2.

What happens if I am unsuccessful? Students who are unsuccessful in their completion of the OSSLT are either given the opportunity to write it again next year or are given the option of taking the OSSLC (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course)

READING -- Three types Informational Text found in a variety of sources including - newspapers, magazines, non-fiction books the purpose is to inform, educate, instruct, and entertain Literary Text found in a variety of sources including – short stories, magazine articles, and poetry the purpose is to instruct, enlighten, entertain, and to stimulate thought for the reader Graphical Text found in a variety of sources including – maps, graphs, charts, schedules, drawings, and instructions

READING QUESTIONS Format: multiple choice Content, organization of ideas; sentence and paragraph structure; conventions open-response (short answer ) Types of Questions: directly stated (locate information, record) What is the name of the school the student’s in the story attend? inference (the act of reasoning, using factual knowledge or evidence) Will the project described in the article be successful? Use specific details from the selection to support your answer. What is the main idea of this selection? Provide one specific detail from the reading that supports this. connections (personal opinion, connections to experience) -Do you agree with the decision Joseph made? Use specific details from the selection to support your answer.

WRITING QUESTIONS Multiple choice questions grammar and other key conventions of writing Two short writing tasks six lines each based on your response to set prompts Two long writing tasks news report (1 page), series of opinion paragraphs(2 pages)

How can I prepare for the OSSLT? Completion of the activates presented to you by your classroom teachers that are intended to mirror OSSLT tasks . Make the most of these opportunities. Complete the OSSLT practice test second semester and review the practice test results carefully.

How can I prepare - Continued Visit the EQAO home page to access sample tests and actual student responses: EQAO's Website

Teacher Tips Here are some final reminders to keep in mind while writing the test: 1. Work carefully and steadily. If you have time at the end of each section, review your work. For the writing pieces check for spelling and grammar errors.   2. Each section/booklet of the test will include one of the two long writing tasks. Be sure to allow enough time for these tasks.

Teacher Tips Continued 3. For the multiple choice questions make sure your choice is clearly indicated. Choose only one answer.   4. If you do not know an answer, provide your best guess. Do not leave any question blank. 5. For the multi-paragraph opinion piece, write at least three paragraphs. It is best to use the five paragraph structure studied in class. Remember to use transitions . Also, remember that this is the ONLY writing piece which asks for your opinion.

Teacher Tips Continued 6. For the news story, use the lead paragraph and inverted triangle structure studied in class. The lead paragraph must answer who, what, where, when, and, if appropriate, why. Be sure to include comments from people involved or reliable witnesses. Remember that a good reporter stays completely out of the story. "The Star asked Mr. Smith..."   7. Spelling and grammar do count in the writing selections. Write carefully. 8. Read instructions carefully. Underline the key points to remember in the question. Use a highlighter or coloured pen. 9. Remember - in the past students have been unsuccessful on the test because they did not follow instructions.

OSSLT Advice (from students who survived the test) “Read the question carefully…especially read the picture.” “The practice questions DO help.” “Don’t spend too much time on one question. If you are stuck, move onto the next one.” “Go over ALL of the questions first, before starting to answer any of them.” “If you have any extra time, check your work for spelling and grammar.” “Start with the questions that look the easiest to you.” “Bring a PEN and an extra one.”

OSSLT Advice - Continued “READ.” “Write your answers in the provided space, but don’t write more.” “Brainstorm and plan before you start writing.”

OSSLT SUCCESS Manage your time Follow the instructions Listen to the teacher in charge Read each question carefully Answer every question Write to an adult audience Allow time to check your work at the end