1. Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test Info
Elmira District Secondary
2015
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2. What do I need to graduate from High School?
Successfully pass the Literacy Test (the OSSLT)
30 credits
40 hours Community Service
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3. What is the schedule for the Literacy Test Day – Thursday, March 26?
<8:10 am Be in your assigned room 8:10-11:20 Completion of the Literacy Test (Booklet 1 and Booklet 2 and Questionnaire) 12:20 – 2:30 Tutorial Sessions (Info already sent out to parents)
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4. What is the OSSLT (The Provincial Literacy Test?
A test to ensure that students have acquired essential reading and writing skills.
The test covers reading and writing skills that are covered in all subject areas up to the end of Grade nine.
A graduation requirement.
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5. How long does the test take?
Two 75 minute sessions with a 15 minute break between the sessions.
Booklet A – 75 minutes
Break – 15 minutes
Booklet B – 75 minutes
(Plus a questionnaire at the end)
Spec Ed students may have up to double this time to write.
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6. What does the test look like?
Each student receives a package of 2 booklets, an answer sheet and a questionnaire.
Each booklet has a mix of reading and writing tasks and different types of questions.
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7. Components of the OSSLT
Different parts of the test target your reading skills vs. your writing skills.
Multiple Choice.
Short Answer (e.g. 6 line response).
Two types of Long Answer: The News Report and The Essay: A Series of Paragraphs Expressing An Opinion.
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8. Reading Tips: Read each question carefully.
Answer in full and correctly written sentences.
Answer for an adult audience.
The space shows the length of the answer that is expected: No more; not less.
Make connections between the ideas and information in the reading selection and your experiences.
Answer the questions using specific and relevant details from the reading selections.
Reread your answers and correct any errors you notice.
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9. Writing Tips: Write in complete sentences in the lined space provided.
Read the instructions carefully and do what is asked: Write in the required form.
Stay on topic.
Make any revisions or edits legibly.
Organize your ideas and take advantage of the rough space provided.
Use correct spelling, grammar and punctuation. Proofread your work.
Write for an adult audience.
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10. How Have I Prepared for the OSSLT?
Practice Tests in English classes during Sem 1 and 2
Check out for additional practice
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11. Remember:
The OSSLT is written based upon the curriculum expectations one should have achieved by the end of ENG 1P.
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12. Important! On Literacy Test Day: Thursday, Mar. 26th:
bring 2 pens (black or blue or pencil ok)
NO cell phones, NO iPODS, etc in the test room…You are OFF THE GRID for the Literacy Test!
If you arrive late, go straight to the Main Office – no extra time is allowed.
You are a BARCODE number on Lit Test day – do NOT write your name on your test booklets!!!
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13. Note……….
Letters about the test and the structure of Thursday, March 26th have been sent to parents. More information is also on the school’s website (with links to EQAO).
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14. Don’t Go Rogue! Sit where you are assigned.
Make sure that you sit at the same desk in the same room after the break between booklets.
No exceptions to any rules. Teachers are NOT permitted to answer any question. EQAO allows no debate/allowances/exceptions!
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15. SNOW DAY???? Noooooooo………!
Listen to local radio; check out school board website
If the Literacy Test is postponed, the People In Toronto will tell us when it is rescheduled for and we won’t get this information for days or weeks….
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16. Final Thoughts…
Be mature: Profanity, scribbling, drawing pictures, etc will result in EQAO not marking your work….which means not passing.
Be observant: Follow the teacher’s instructions EXACTLY. Teachers are allowed to read the instructions to you once and THAT’S IT.
Be mindful: Don’t let your actions be a distraction for others.
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17. More Final Thoughts
Be confident! You have the skills to do well. The test is geared for those who have passed Grade 9 English.
Be Mindful - Be Thoughtful: Follow the instructions and tips (e.g. write for the number of lines provided for answers) and you’ll be fine.
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18. Good Luck!
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