1. The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
What You Need to Know!

2. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
APRIL 10TH, 2018
Arrive to school: 8:25 AM
Test Begins: 8:45
WRITING ROOMS WILL BE POSTED OUTSIDE THE MAIN OFFICE AND THE LIBRARY

3. What is it again? A diploma requirement Standardized Test Reading
Need to successfully pass the test to graduate
Standardized Test
Administered by EQAO
Demonstrates literacy
Based on expectations in all subject areas of Grade 9
Reading
Writing
Test-taking skills

4. When is it? Tuesday, April 10th 2018
Every Grade 10 student in Ontario (and any Gr. 11 or 12 student who has not successfully completed the test) writes it that day.
If you miss it for any reason, you will be marked unsuccessful and must write it next year – do NOT miss it

5. What’s NEW this year
EQAO indicates all students who are writing the test can access extra time
At Langstaff, this means up to double time (150 minutes) per booklet
Once you have completed Booklet #1 please proceed to the cafeteria
Once you have completed Booklet #2 and survey you may leave

6. How does the testing work?
Go to your test room – BE THERE NO LATER THAN 8:45!
Find your name on the individual post-it note on each desk and sit there
DO NOT open any packages!!
Put all bags and belongings at front of class
Phones OFF and in your bags
Announcement to start instructions.
Follow instructions from teacher exactly – they will include:
Open package only when teacher tells you to.
Check EQAO numbers and pages.
Place Question Booklet 2 and Answer Booklet 2 on the top corner of desk facedown.

7. Question & Answer Booklets 1
Announcement to start test
75 minutes for Booklet 1
You cannot have any assistance
Answer all questions in the answer booklet. Any work done in the question booklet will not be marked.
Watch the time and pace yourself
Watch for instructions (paragraph, essay format, use the space provided, etc.) and key words.
If you require time beyond 75 minutes, you will get up to an extra 75 minutes max.
Teachers collect Question & Answer Booklets 1
Break

8. OSSLT LUNCH/BREAK ROOM
Once finished booklet one, you will proceed to the cafeteria for snacks and lunch
You may bring your belongings with you
The caf will be set up with activities and space to review for booklet #2
You should also plan to bring other work to do, if you so choose

9. Break Expectations Stay in the cafeteria
Juice/water & a light snack is provided.
Bring your OWN lunch as cafeteria food is not available

10. Question & Answer Booklets 2
Return to classroom at 11:40 after break
Instructions for Booklets 2
– remember to use the Answer Booklet; any work done in the Question Booklet will not be marked
75 minutes for Booklet 2
Again, you may stay for up to 75 minutes of extra time, if needed
Teachers to collect Booklet 2
Wait until teacher releases you to leave school
Once finished, you MUST leave the school

11. Schedule Time Schedule 8:30 8:45 Booklet 1 Begins (75 minutes)
Arrive to school and proceed to your designated classroom
8:45
Booklet 1 Begins (75 minutes)
10:00 – 11:15
Snack/Break OR Extra Time
11:15- 11:35
LUNCH – all students
11:40
Booklet 2 Begins (75 minutes)
**Complete survey once finished**
12:55- 2:10
Extra Time if needed

12. Accommodations
Some students get other accommodations and use of a computer.
These students have already been or will soon be notified regarding what accommodations they will receive.

13. What’s on it?
Materials just like the Prep sessions you will work on and/or in the After-school Literacy classes.
Sample tests from previous years are on the EQAO web site (

14. What’s on it? AND Work in all of your classes for the past 2 years
Information text
News report
Graphic text
Multiple choice
Short answer
Open response questions (your opinion supported by well-developed arguments)

15. Focus on writing skills:
What’s on it?
Focus on writing skills:
– Developing a main idea with sufficient supporting details
– Organizing information and ideas in a coherent manner
– Using conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) in a manner that does not distract from clear communication

16. What do I bring with me?
Blue or Black pen (preferred)
Pencil and eraser
Highlighter (optional)
Your lunch for the day

17. WHAT NOT TO BRING
You may NOT bring or wear any electronic devices to the writing of the test
NOTE: this includes devices such as Apple watches

18. When do I get the results?
Usually early in June
Letter from EQAO that tells you if you passed

19. Litz Blitz Sessions begin tomorrow…

20. Literacy Blitz Packages
Pick up a package on the way out the door. Keep it in your bag for the next two weeks so that it is readily available when there is a lesson scheduled in your class.

21. Remember! Read and follow the instructions
Get a good night’s sleep the night before the test
Do your very best work!
See Ms. McLoughlin (Rm 151) if you have any questions.

22. Good Luck on Tuesday, April 10th! 