1. Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test at PCSS
Tuesday, April 10, 2018

2. The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)
The Literacy Test will take place Tuesday, April 10, 2018.
Writing and passing the OSSLT is a requirement for graduation.
All students who are in Grade 10 or those who are in their second year or higher must successfully complete this test.

3. Important Details
It is a PAPER test only, unless you are permitted to use a computer and or assistive technology, through an IEP.
Students must be here at the school by 8:15 a.m..
The test is about 3 hours long.
The test is written in two sections
(75 minutes each).

4. More Details
Students with I.E.P.s and those who are E.L.L. who write this test, will have up to double time (arrive at 8:15 a.m.).
Lists will be posted in the foyer to show the room and time of the test.
Please check the lists when they are posted.

5. On April 10th Come prepared with a positive attitude.
Bring 2 pencils and/or pens and a highlighter.
No cell phones.
No access to your lockers.
Try to leave backpacks at home; any bags will be placed at the front of the room.

6. What types of tasks must I do?
Reading and Writing tasks are combined in both sections of the test.
In each section, there will be one long writing task.
News Report
Opinion Essay
(Series of Paragraphs)

7. The News Report About one page in length
Demonstrate writing skills from the viewpoint of a reporter (4-5 paragraphs of 3-5 sentences each)
Base the report on the photo and headline provided- Insert your Byline (Name and Paper you work for)

8. The News Report - details
Paragraph 1: 5 W’s (When, Where, Who, What, Why)
Paragraph 2: Background or further information
Paragraphs 3 and 4: Quotations from witnesses or participants
Paragraph 5: Conclusion – closing comments
Worth 60 marks for content and 40 for conventions. 100 marks total

9. Series of Paragraphs Supporting an Opinion
Topics always relate to the lives of teenagers E.g. Do schools really prepare students for the world of work?
Reword the question as to point of view: Schools really do prepare students…
Like a Lawyer, defend your opinion with three supporting arguments and then restate your thesis.
This is your first paragraph or recipe for the essay!

10. More about Opinion Writing
Expand on this defence in 3 body paragraphs.
Link these paragraphs with connecting words such as: in addition, furthermore, moreover, lastly, finally, most importantly etc….
Conclude with a summing up of your opinion and arguments (5, five sentence paragraphs in total).
There are 60 marks allocated for content and 40 marks for conventions.

11. Short Writing Tasks How many? – Two
Each will be allotted 6 lines. Demonstrate writing skills based on knowledge and personal experience!
E.g. What is your favourite time of year? My favourite time of year is… Then, in the next sentence or two, explain why.
Worth 30 marks for content and 20 for conventions, 50 marks total

12. Tips for Written Responses
Use complete sentences, formal English, third person and no contractions, “you” or text language!
REREAD & CHECK!
Check grammar, spelling and punctuation very carefully!

13. More Tips for Writing… For long tasks:
Indent at the beginning of each paragraph for the news report.
Leave a space between each paragraph (5 paragraphs total) for the opinion essay.
Write enough information to demonstrate your knowledge and pay attention to the space provided (two lined pages).

14. Reading Tasks There are three types of reading tasks:
Graphic Text: maps, graphs, brochures, schedules, etc. (a blend of writing and pictures)

15. Reading Tasks
Informational Text: magazines, newspapers, text books, etc. (a lengthy paragraph and a news report)
Narrative Text: short stories, biographies, novels etc.(a dialogue and a real-life narrative)

16. Reading Tips
First scan a passage and the questions, THEN reread while looking for answers.
Some questions will be about information that is clearly stated in the passage. Find it!
Some questions require you to make inferences or draw conclusions. Think and search!
Some questions may ask you to make personal connections. Use your ideas!

17. Reading and Multiple Choice Tips
Always highlight the key words.
For multiple choice questions, try to think of the correct answer and then look for it.
Eliminate obviously wrong answers and then choose the best possible answer.
Circle the correct response. If you change your mind, erase and circle the new choice. Once you are done a section of multiple choice, record your answers in the Answer Booklet.

18. Reading for the MAIN IDEA and SUMMARIZING
As you read the text, highlight the important words and ideas.
Identify the main idea (usually in the first sentence or two) and at least one supporting detail (preferably 2-3).
Write the summary starting with the MAIN IDEA, then add DETAILS, in complete sentences. (Fill in all six lines – do not go over!)

19. Don’t (ooops!! ) Do Not Forget!!!!!!
Make sure your writing and language is clear and acceptable for an adult audience.
Do not use “You” or contractions unless quoting a teenage witness, bystander or participant in your news report.

20. Final Tips…
Read over your responses to make sure that you have worded your ideas correctly.
Make sure you fill in all six lines for written responses!
When you have checked and rechecked your work, complete the survey.

21. Reminders
Make sure you are at school on April 10th and arrive early! Aim for 8:00 a.m.!
Eat a healthy breakfast!
No sleeping in or arriving late!
If you arrive more than 15 minutes late, come directly to the office- we will try to accommodate you, but we cannot promise extra time.
Put in your very best effort!

22. Best Wishes
You are representing Port Credit on the Literacy Test, and we are proud of you!
If you have questions, ask them now and come out for help from the Catch- up Club and Tidbits of Lit.
We know you will want to do your very best!
Good Luck! We are rooting for you!