1. The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
OSSLT
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
Goals of this presentation is to make sure you know what to expect on the test
To help you to be as successful as you can be.

2. What is the OSSLT? A provincial test of reading and writing skills
A diploma requirement for graduation from high school
Every student in the province will be writing this test on March 29
Students have been practicing the reading and writing skills for the test in all subject areas since the beginning of grade 9
At Hansen you also have had the opportunity to write two practice tests to get a feel for the format and types of questions that are on the OSSLT

3. When is the Literacy Test?
Thursday March 30, Be here!!
The test begins promptly at 8:25 a.m.

4. Where is the test? In classrooms throughout the school and the library
Check the lists posted in the Atrium for your name and test location
If you have a question or problem, see Mrs. Quinton ASAP
If you haven't checked your name and room number on the list posted in the Atrium please do so today. If you are unsure your test location is it would be a good ideas to take a stroll and check it out before the day of the test.

5. Schedule/Structure 8:25 All students must be in their testing room
8:30 - 9:45 Booklet 1-75 minutes
9:45 – 10:00 Break -15 minutes
10:00 – 11:25 Booklet minutes
& Questionnaire – 10 minutes
11:30 Dismissed
Note: English Language Learners and Special Education students will have extra time.

6. Break
Your break will take place on the same floor as you are writing the OSSLT
Snacks will be provided but bring your own drink – water or juice. No drinks will be provided.
You will begin writing Booklet 2 promptly after 15 minutes. Don't be late.
Do not leave the test floor as we don't want to interrupt other students who may still be writing. As the break is short there isn't time to go to lockers are vending machines. We want you back in class within 15 minutes so you start Booklet 2 on time.
Teachers will distribute granola bars in the classroom. Water will be available in the hallway on the floor where you are writing. If you would like something different to eat during the break you will need to bring it with you.

7. Punctuality
It is very important that you arrive on time as teachers will be reading a script with special instructions. They will only give the instructions once.

8. If you arrive late… You will be allowed to write
Instructions will not be repeated
No extra time will be given

9. If you arrive after 10:00...
You will be allowed to write only the second test booklet of the day
This will greatly reduce your chances of passing!

10. What to Bring Blue, black pens or HB pencils An eraser A highlighter
Bring snacks if you would like something other than a granola bar for break.

11. NO DEVICES ALLOWED IN THE TEST ROOM WHATSOEVER!
What NOT to Bring
No cellphones or SMART watches
No audio- or video-recording devices
No digital music player
No or text-messaging devices
NO DEVICES ALLOWED IN THE TEST ROOM WHATSOEVER!
Bring snacks if you would like something other than a granola bar for break.

12. Your teacher is not allowed to provide any assistance to you
Cannot re-word questions or define words
Cannot review your work or make suggestions
Cannot inform you whether you are on the right track or not
Other than reading the instructions your supervising teachers cannot help you

13. Reading Selections Informational paragraph (225-250 words)
News report ( words)
Real life narrative:
an account of a significant time in an individual's life (about 600 words)
Dialogue: conversation between two or more people ( words)
There are two types of informational reading: the informational paragraph and the news report
Real life narrative examples-publishing a book at 15, a train wreck

14. Reading Selections
Graphic (fewer than150 words):
includes diagrams, photographs, drawings, patterns, schedules, maps, charts or tables

15. Reading Selections Types of Questions
Multiple Choice-four options
Open Response (about 6 lines of writing each) related to the ideas and information presented in the information paragraph, news report or dialogue reading

16. Writing Tasks Long Writing Tasks News report (one page)
Series of paragraphs expressing an opinion (two pages)
Short Writing Tasks
(six lines each)

17. Writing Tasks Multiple Choice Questions Organization of ideas
Main idea
Sentence and paragraph structure
Language conventions

18. Test Booklets
All written answers must be recorded in the Answer Booklet in blue or black pen or pencil
Read all questions and do only what is asked
For example, if you are asked to write ONE paragraph, be sure that you write only ONE
If you are asked to use information in the text to support your answer make sure you go back to the reading selection

19. Test Booklets
Use the rough notes space to jot ideas or plan your response, but write your response in the lined space…otherwise it will not be marked
Use the space provided for the answers – do not write more than is required. Do not write less.
If you think a question is silly still answer it? What is your favourite season and why?

20. Using the Test Booklet for Writing Tasks
Write the answers neatly – if the marker cannot read your work, they cannot reward you for your efforts
If you write offensive material, your work may not be marked and the Principal will be notified

21. Using the Test Booklet for Writing Tasks
Write in full sentences and watch for spelling, grammar and punctuation
Instructions for reading and writing tasks are included in each booklet
Make sure you refer to the instructions and follow them.

22. Student Answer Sheet-Multiple Choice Questions
All multiple choice questions MUST be answered in the Answer Booklet, NOT IN THE QUESTION BOOKLET

23. Cheating EQAO investigates tests with similar results
If you are caught cheating your test will not count
No cell phones/electronic devices at all!!!
You will need to see an administrator
You will need to do the test again next year

24. Don’t worry… Last year 92% of students were successful
Based on the reading and writing skills across all subject areas up to the end of grade 9

25. You’ve been coached Practice Lessons -News Report
-Informational Text and Summary
-Opinion Writing
-Graphical Text and Language Conventions
Counting On You

26. Resources and More Practice
See Academics  OSSLT
See for The Getting Ready Guide and Sample Tests
Come to room 110 at lunch this week
Read!

27. More resources and practice!
This PowerPoint will be posted to our school website
The link to for The Getting Ready Guide and Sample Tests will be live
Please share this information with your parents

28. If you finish early…
Review your work – check for spelling, grammar and punctuation. Check that you have answered all questions correctly, fully and to the best of your ability
Sit quietly and wait for others to finish
You cannot leave the test early.

29. After the Test
In a few months, you will receive an Individual Report indicating whether or not you have passed the test
Not successful- you will have the opportunity to write the test again next year
Unsuccessful again - you may fulfill the OSSLT literacy requirement by successfully completing the OLC in grade 12
What happens after the test?

30. Do your very best… and good luck!