1. OSSLT Overview and Format

2. What is it?
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is a test of the minimum required reading and writing skills for a high school diploma.
The OSSLT tests skills students should have acquired by the end of grade 9
Passing the test is a requirement for a high school diploma
If you do not pass:
You can take the test again the following year
You may also take the Ontario Literacy Course instead and may fill the requirement by passing the test

3. Room Lists will be posted outside the offices the week of the test
When and Where?
Tuesday, April 10th
8:30 am
Room Lists will be posted outside the offices the week of the test

4. Overview of Day
8:00 am Arrive to School 8:30- 9:45 Booklet 1 9:45-10:00 Break – snack provided :) 10:00-11:15 Booklet 2 11:15-11:25 Questionnaire 11:30 Go Home **You will not be allowed to leave early** **Students with an IEP will have extra time**

5. If you are late (within 30 minutes):
Punctuality
If you are late (within 30 minutes):
You are allowed to write both booklets
The instructions will not be repeated
You will not be given extra time

6. If you are more than 30 minutes late:
Absenteeism
If you are more than 30 minutes late:
You will be marked absent and your test will not be marked
It is still good experience for next time (if you miss 1 booklet)

7. Overview of Test The test is divided into 2 parts.
You will have 75 minutes to complete each part.
Each part contains both reading tasks and writing tasks
For each part of the test, there will be a question booklet and an answer booklet
Note that you cannot continue Part 1 after the break, nor can you begin Part 2 before the break

8. New Format Question Booklet Answer Booklet
All answers, including multiple choice and written responses will be answered in the “Answers” Booklet.

9. New Format Question Booklet Answer Booklet
Keep your question booklet and answer booklet open to the same page. You will be able to look at the reading as you are answering without flipping back and forth between pages.
NB. Only responses entered in the “Answer” booklet will be marked.

10. Reading selections: Information paragraph (225 to 250 words)
News report (225 to 250 words)
Dialogue (225 to 250 words)
Real-life narrative (550 to 600 words)
Graphic text (fewer than 150 words)
You will answer Multiple Choice questions AND Open Response questions based on what you read

11. Example: Reading Selection
Note that this is from the “Question” booklet. Students will respond in the answer booklet. Open response questions are 6 lines long.

12. ***Fill the space/lines provided***
Written Tasks
Two long-writing tasks:
News report (one page)
Series of paragraphs expressing an opinion (two pages)
Two short-writing tasks (six lines each)
***Fill the space/lines provided***
All of the written responses can be answered with personal knowledge and experiences.
Emphasize that students should fill the space provided. For example, two lined pages are provided for the series of paragraphs. Students should attempt to fill both pages.

13. Example: Written Task

14. Grammar and Writing Multiple-choice questions on:
Paragraph unity and coherence
Organization of details
Language conventions, eg.
Uses of the comma
Punctuating dialogue
Subject / verb agreement

16. What to Bring Dark blue or black pen (several)
Sharpened HB pencils (several)
An eraser
Student ID
Leave all other materials in your locker or at home

17. Test-room Protocol Sit in the assigned seat
Do not open your packages early
You will be asked to verify you have all the materials and have the correct test
Listen to and follow teacher’s instructions
Leave all personal belongings in your locker or at the front of the room

18. Test-room Protocol You may ONLY work on the assigned booklet
No technological devices are allowed (cellphone, Mp3 player, …)
Teachers are NOT allowed to explain, define, read, correct, influence, or provide examples for student work
If you need a washroom break, you will be escorted by a teacher

19. What To Do If You Finish Early
You are NOT allowed to leave until break or until the end
You MUST stay seated
Review your work

20. How to…

21. Instructions for OSSLT
Follow the instructions
Read questions carefully, and underline important words
Manage your time
Answer ALL questions and complete ALL tasks

22. Be Prepared
Practice
Get a good night’s rest
Have a healthy breakfast

23. Resources for Students
Complete the practice activities over the next few days
Sign out practice guides from the school library
Further Practice tests can be found on the EQAO website:

24. GOOD LUCK AND DO YOUR BEST