1. The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
March 31st 2016

2. What is the OSSLT?
The OSSLT is a test that measures whether or not students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9
Successful completion of the test is one of the requirements to earn an Ontario Secondary School Diploma

3. What score do I need to pass?
The test is scored out of 400. You need to get at least a score of 300 (75%) to pass.
Why? In all of your courses, the Ministry of Education sets a level 3 (70-79%) as the standard that students are expected to achieve. This test matches that expectation.

4. How long is the test?
The test is administered in two 75 minute sessions with a break in between
The test will begin at 9 am sharp!
Try to get to the school at least 30 minutes before the test starts. DO NOT BE LATE!

5. What should I bring?
You will need a blue or black pen or pencil and an eraser
Dictionaries are not allowed
No electronics are allowed
White out is not recommended

6. What does the test look like?
There are four test booklets: two question booklets and two corresponding answer booklets
In total, there are 5 reading passages, (appx.) 41 multiple choice questions, 8 written response activities, including 6 short answer questions and 2 long writing tasks

7. Reading Skills
The test has multiple choice and open-response questions that focus on the reading skills required in school and daily life
Types of Questions:
Explicit
Implicit
Making connections between reading selections and personal knowledge and experiences

8. Reading Selections An information paragraph A news report A dialogue
A real-life narrative
A graphic text (ex. A bus schedule)
Each of these vary in length from a single paragraph to two pages

11. Writing Skills
The test has short and long writing tasks along with multiple choice questions that focus on three writing skills:
1. Developing a main idea with supporting details
2. Organizing information
3.Using conventions (ex. Syntax, spelling, grammar and punctuation) in a manner that does not distract from clear communication

12. Writing Tasks News report A series of paragraphs expressing an opinion
Open response/opinion-based questions
Multiple choice questions

28. Extra FAQ's Who creates the test?
EQAO (Education Quality and Accountability Office). The test is created by teams of teachers from Ontario.
Who marks the test?
Teachers from all over Ontario mark the test using the rubrics provided by EQAO

29. Extra FAQ's
How was the test scored?

30. Extra FAQ's I have an IEP, will I get my accommodations?
Yes. Prior to the test, you will be given instructions as to where you will write the test and the length of extra time you will permitted to have.
Is the test part of my English course?
No. Literacy is common across all courses and the test does not count for any of your English courses. It does, however, count towards a compulsory credit to graduate.

31. Extra FAQ's Can you ask your teacher for help during the test?
No. Here are the official instructions:

32. Extra FAQ's Should I fill out all lines provided?
YES! (Additional space or paper is not provided. Only answers written on the lines provided will be scored)
What if I don't have enough time?
Try to fill in as much as you can in the time provided. DO NOT LEAVE ANYTHING BLANK. Try to time yourself when practising for the test.

33. Extra FAQ's When will I find out my results?
Usually by mid-June results are mailed out. You will be able to see your score but you will not be permitted to see your test.
If you are unsuccessful, your letter will indicate areas for improvement.

35. Extra FAQ's What happens if I am unsuccessful on the test?
If you are unsuccessful on the test, you will be contacted privately and a plan will be created for you to complete the literacy requirements. You may be prompted to write the OSSLT the next year, or, if eligible, you may enrol in the OSSLC (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course)

36. Extra FAQ's
Will my transcript indicate how many times I have attempted the test?
No. The transcript will only show that you have completed the OSSLT requirement. No score will be printed.
Where can I get extra practice/help before the test?