1. Preparing for the OSSLT – Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test
Test Date: March

2. Today’s Goals We Want To Make Sure You Know… What the OSSLT is
When the OSSLT is
Where the OSSLT is
Why the OSSLT is important
Items to bring
What happens after you write
Tips for success

3. 1. What is the OSSLT?
The OSSLT is a standardized, provincial test assessing reading and writing skills required to understand reading selections and to communicate through a variety of written forms as expected in the Ontario Curriculum across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Really, you’ve been preparing since Grade 7.

4. Test at a Glance Activity Allotted Time Booklet 1
(Reading and Writing)
75 minutes
Break
15 minutes
Booklet 2
Questionnaire
(Booklet 2)
10 minutes

5. 2. When is the OSSLT? This Thursday March 26th, 2015
Arrive by 8:10am 8:30)
Only students writing the test attend school this day

6. Test Day Schedule 8:25 am Students proceed to test rooms 8:30 am
Students admitted to test rooms + instructions are read
8:35 – 9:50 am
Booklet 1 of the OSSLT
9: :05 am
Break (light refreshments provided)
10:05 – 11:20 am
Booklet 2 of the OSSLT
11:20 – 11:30 am 
Time for questionnaire
11:30 am 
Dismissal (added time for accommodations)

7. 3. Where is the OSSLT? Here at Applewood Heights
Your Room Location has been posted outside the main office

8. 4. Why So Important?
Mandatory requirement for successful completion of your Ontario High School Diploma

9. 5. What Should You Bring? Blue or Black Pen Pencils Highlighter
Bottled Water
Do NOT Bring: Bags or PEDs to room

10. After You Write… Marked at a central location
Results will be released in June each student will receive EQAO’s individual student report
Does not count towards a grade in any course
If unsuccessful, there is an opportunity to write in 2016 OR take the OLC Course

11. Some Test Components Include:
Informational texts that would be found in a Business, History, Physical Education, Arts, or Social Sciences Class (used to gain knowledge or facts)
Narrative (dialogue) readings, such as would be found in an English Class (like fictional piece)
Graphical texts, such as would be found in a Science, Math, Geography, or Technology Class (like charts, cycles, graphs, maps, blueprints)
Series of Paragraphs asking you to develop an opinion
News Report asking you to develop details on an event
Short Answer responses (to either a reading or about an open topic)
READING
TASKS
WRITING
TASKS

12. Reading & Writing Target Skills
Target Reading Skills
Target Writing Skills
R1: Understanding explicit stated information and ideas
W1: Developing a main idea with sufficient supporting details
R2: Understanding implicitly stated information and ideas
W2: Organizing information and ideas in a coherent manner
R3: Making connections between information and ideas in a reading selection and personal experiences
W3: Using conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) in a manner that does not distract from clear communication

13. General Tips for Success:
Follow instructions exactly as given for all sections
Read each question carefully and be sure to answer precisely what it is asking of you (e.g. look for key test words)
Use “Rough Notes” space to plan answers (this is not marked)
Start with the long answer sections and work your way back to the multiple choice if short for time

14. Tips Cont’d Write your final answers ONLY in the space provided
Be sure to use most or all the lines provided but DO NOT go beyond
Do not leave any questions blank; if in doubt, guess
Proofread

15. Reading Tips Read the questions for the reading first
Skim the selection once over
Underline or highlight important information and ideas while you read
After reading, mentally summarize the main point(s); re-read 1st and last sentences

16. 3 Styles of Reading Questions
1. Immediate
Questions that can be answered quickly from a direct part of the reading
Questions that challenge reader to look in two or more places (including background knowledge) for the answer and then make an intelligent conclusion
2. Inference
Questions that require reader to use his or her own background knowledge + the reading to give a personal response
3. In Your Opinion

17. #1 - Multiple Choice They will ask you multiple choice based on:
Readings
Diagrams/Infographics
Grammar

18. Multiple Choice Read the question carefully
Look for clarifying words that help support the best answer (e.g. always, never, least, none, best, all, usually, most…)
Read through ALL the options before selecting one
Cross out any answers that are obviously wrong
If two answers seem correct, select the BEST option

19. # 2 - Short Answer
There will be 2 types of short answer questions on the test:
Short Answers Based on Readings
Short Answers Based on Opinions

20. Short Answer Fill up the lines provided
Do NOT write beyond the lines provided
1st sentence is the topic sentence that specifically answers the question (Hint: put part of the question in it)
Provide 1-2 details, supports, or examples (either from the reading or your own life if it is an opinion question)

21. # 3 – News Report
There will be 1 News Report piece. They will provide you with the:
Picture
Headline

22. News Report
Paragraph 1: provide a brief overview of what has happened – be sure to include WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHEN, WHY & HOW
Paragraphs 2-3: give the reader more details – quotes from bystanders, other times this event has happened, how community is responding etc.
Paragraph 4: provide summary and include what might happen in the future or how reader can get involved or get more info

23. Example
Who?
What?
Where?
When?
Why?
How?

24. Example
Who?
What?
Where?
When?
Why?
How?

25. # 4 – Series of Paragraphs
There will be a 3-5 paragraph essay (aka series of paragraphs) that will ask you to write about…
Your opinion on a relevant topic

26. Examples Are cell phones necessary in teenagers’ lives?
Is participation in extra curricular activities an important part of high school life?
Should Physical Education be compulsory every year in high school?
Are today’s famous people good role models for young people?

27. Series of Paragraphs
Choose ONE side to support (either you agree or disagree, or are yes or no) This will be the thesis in the intro paragraph. You cannot be “maybe” or argue for both sides of the debate.
Come up with 2-3 supports for your opinion (with specific examples). Write these in the “Rough Notes”. These will form the basis of your body paragraphs.

28. Series of Paragraphs
Your first sentence should clearly answer the question. E.g. Yes, I believe zoos should exist BECAUSE…
Indent new paragraphs so ideas are organized obviously for your reader.
Use transition words like First, Next, Also, Last…

29. Series of Paragraphs
Wrap up your ideas with a short conclusion paragraph that restates your main point and restates the supports you mentioned.
Use ALL (or nearly all) the space provided, but do NOT exceed it.

30. Final Reminders Be on time (set an alarm) Eat a good breakfast
Know your room location
If late, report to the office – no additional time provided
Snack available during break
You must go home at the conclusion of the test
No bringing PEDs or bags

31. Good Luck!
If you’d like more practice opportunities with past test booklets, check out: