The Heart Lake Literacy Team Presents...
Preparing to
Write the Ontario
Secondary School
Literacy Test
What is the Ontario Secondary
School Literacy Test (OSSLT)?
The OSSLT is a province-wide test that assesses whether students have the literacy
(reading and writing) skills needed to meet the literacy requirement for the Ontario
Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).
What is being tested?
The OSSLT tests your reading and writing skills.
It focuses on these key reading skills:
 Understanding explicitly stated information and ideas
 Understanding implicitly stated information and ideas (making inferences)
 Making connections between information and ideas in a reading selection and
personal knowledge and experienceIt focuses on these key writing skills:
 Developing a main idea with sufficient supporting details
 Organizing information and ideas in a coherent manner
 Using conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) in a manner that does not
distract from clear communication
What does the OSSLT look like?
The OSSLT consists of two booklets and an answer sheet. You write your answers
directly in the booklets except for your multiple choice answers which are answered on
the student answer sheet by filling in the circles.
The different components are:
 31 multiple choice reading items related to five reading selections
 4 open-response items related to the reading selections
 2 short answer opinion writing tasks
 2 long answer writing tasks
o A series of paragraphs expressing an opinion
o A news report
 8 Multiple choice writing items (grammar)
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How is the OSSLT marked?
The multiple choice answers are marked on the Student Answer Sheet by machine as
either correct or incorrect. Each written response is marked using a rubric.
How can you prepare for the OSSLT?
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Review the information and examples of tasks in this booklet.
Visit Heart Lake Literacy's YouTube Channel for how-to videos
o http://www.youtube.com/channel/UClNbiE9ZNDYU1fMz1sS8cbw
Visit www.eqao.com to see sample tests
o http://eqao.com/
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Reading Selections
The OSSLT assesses your ability to read a variety of texts and answer questions about
the information you read.
The different types of reading selections include:
 Informational text
 News report
 Dialogue
 Real-life narrative
 Graphic selection
The questions in the reading selection give you an opportunity to show your
understanding of the reading. The questions will be multiple choice and short answer.
The questions require different types of answers:
 some can be repeated directly from the text
 some require you to make your own conclusions
 some will ask you to give an explanation of your reason for your answer
 some will ask you to use your own experience
Tips for Answering Multiple Choice Questions:
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Choose the best or most correct answer for each question.
You must record your multiple-choice answers on the Student Answer Sheet.
Multiple choice answers recorded in the Test Booklet will not be scored.
To indicate your answer, fill in the circle completely, as shown below.
o Like this:
Not like this:
If you fill in more than once circle for a question, the question will be scored
incorrect.
If you wish to change a multiple choice answer, erase or cross out your answer
and fill in the circle for your new answer. Ensure that your final answer is clear.
Tips for Answering Written Responses:
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For all questions that ask for a written answer, write legibly on the lined space
provided in the Test Booklet. You should not exceed the space provided.
For the writing sections, pay attention to clarity, organization, spelling, grammar
and punctuation.
The lined space provided for your written work indicates the approximate length
of the writing expected.
There is space in the Test Booklet for rough notes. Nothing you write in these
spaces will be scored.
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Reading Example:
Read the selection below and answer the questions that follow it.
Hearing him chortle, Rita turned toward Byron.
“You rarely get a laugh from the newspaper these days.
What’s so funny?” she asked.
“A 23-year-old rapper named Roland Pemberton has been
made Poet Laureate of Edmonton.”
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“A poet what?”
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“A poet laureate celebrates official events by writing
about them.” Byron paused. “This is what Pemberton said
about the job: ‘Poet Laureate—whoa. Getting heavy. Do
I need a staff and a big grey beard?’” Byron chuckled
again. “Rita, you like hip hop music. Ever heard of him
by his stage name—Cadence Weapon?”
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“Yeah. Cadence released an album over the Internet, and he has at least two others. He
often raps about Edmonton. His first big hit, ‘Oliver Square,’ is about an Edmonton
mall.”
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Rita shook her head. “He’s definitely skilled with words, but he’s not someone you’d
expect for that job.”
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Byron glanced up from the page. “Pemberton is replacing someone you would expect
in the job—a 74-year-old professor who’s published 29 books and won the Governor
General’s Award for poetry.”
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The paper rustled as Byron brought it closer. “But Pemberton’s got a point when he
says ‘If people see me as representing Edmonton, maybe it will give them an overall
different perception. I think that’s a positive thing. And it’s getting people talking.’”
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“His appointment must have ruffled a few feathers,” said Rita.
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“Well, he’s not worried if people are upset. He says he’ll challenge anyone to a poem
battle, ‘a poem-off,’ as he calls it.”
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Multiple-Choice (Record the best or most correct answer)
***pay attention to what is asked of you. Answers are not always going to be
obvious. Sometimes, more than one answer might be correct. Remember to
choose the response that is MOST correct or is the BEST answer of the ones given
to you.
1. What does Byron’s “chortle” in paragraph 1 show about his reaction to the
newspaper article?
A. He thinks it is exciting.
B. He thinks it is shocking.
C. He thinks it is amusing.
D. He thinks it is fascinating.
***In the second paragraph of the reading selection, Rita says, “You rarely
get a laugh from the newspaper these days.” This references Byron’s
reaction to what he has read in the newspaper.
2. Which headline would be best for the news report Byron is reading?
A. Young Audience Rejects Poet
B. Hit Song Celebrates Edmonton
C. Hip Hop Artist Wins “Poem-Off”
D. Hip Hop Poet Hopes to Open Minds
***The first option is not true. The second option is too limited. The third
option is not entirely correct. The fourth option best explains why
Pemberton takes on the position.
3. What is indicated by the single quotation marks around “Oliver Square” in paragraph
6?
A. a song title
B. Byron’s words
C. Rita’s sarcasm
D. a proper place name
***Rita says, “His first big hit, ‘Oliver Square’, is about an Edmonton mall.”
That’s how we know it is not about a proper place name but instead is
about a song.
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4. What is the meaning of the phrase “must have ruffled a few feathers” as used in
paragraph 10?
A. Pemberton’s appointment must have encouraged people to become poets.
B. People must have been pleased that Edmonton was maintaining a tradition.
C. Some people must have considered Pemberton’s appointment
unconventional.
D. Pemberton’s appointment must have been celebrated by the hip hop
community.
***In the paragraph 11, it states that “he’s not worried if people are upset”.
5. Which event would be most appropriate for Pemberton to write about in his new
position?
A. the election of a new premier in Alberta
B. the naming of a national park in Nova Scotia
C. the signing of an international trade agreement in Ottawa
D. the donation of a painting to the Art Gallery of Ontario
***here, you are required to INFER. Take a look at all the information given to you
and make an educated decision. In this case, ‘If people see me as
representing Edmonton… I think that’s a positive thing.” So, since Edmonton is
the capital of Alberta, the best thing for Pemberton to talk about is the
election of the premier as it is the most closely related.
Written Answer
6. What suggests Pemberton will be a good choice for the position of Poet Laureate of
Edmonton? Use specific details from the selection to support your answer.
Weak Response - Pemberton likes to write words and wants to celebrate official
events.
***the response provides two reasons taken from the selection (likes to write words; wants to
celebrate official events) but there’s no explanation of why he would be a good choice for
the position of Poet Laureate of Edmonton.
Stronger Response –
Pemberton will be a good choice for the position of Poet Laureate of Edmonton
because he already has a background in writing, due to the fact he is a rapper. Also, in
the selection Rita did state that Pemberton is skilled with words which would make him
a great poet and excellent candidate for the position.
***The response provides a reason why Pemberton will be a good choice for the position (because he
already has a background in writing) and provides specific and relevant support from the reading
selection (Rita did state that Pemberton is skilled with words). The responses shows an
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understanding of the selection by connecting Pemberton to the role of the Poet Laureate of Edmonton
(make him a great poet and excellent candidate for the position).
7. Why is Pemberton’s appointment newsworthy? Use specific details from the
selection to support your answer.
Weak Response – Pemberton’s appointment is newsworthy because he is now a poet
of Edmonton and he want’s to be a poet for not just edmonton but for canada.
Pembertons appointment is about how he want’s to be a poet for canada not just
edmonton.
***The response provides a reason why Pemberton’s appointment is newsworthy (He is now
a Poet of Edmonton). Explanation does not use details from the selection (how he want’s
to be a Poet for Canada not just Edmonton). There are numerous spelling and grammar
errors.
Stronger Response –
Roland Pemberton’s appointment is newsworthy because he’s not the conventional
candidate. Pemberton is fairly young rapper, “replacing someone you would expect in
the job – a 74 year-old professor who’s published 29 books and won the Governor
General’s award for poetry” as stated in the selection.
***The response provides a reason why Pemberton’s appointment is newsworthy (not the
conventional candidate) and provides specific and relevant support from the selection
(…”replacing someone you would expect in the job – a 74 year-old professor”) to clearly
support the reason.
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Reading Sample One:
Read the selection below and answer the questions that follow it.
Farmer Sugar-Coats Crop
and Sweetens Family Business
In his barn-turned-assembly line, Paul Moyer
spots one caramel-and-chocolate-coated
Mutsu apple on a tray. Lines of dark chocolate
are artfully swirled around the fruit. To a
chocolate lover, it looks beautiful, but the
Vineland, Ontario, farmer sees it differently.
The way his employee applied the chocolate
is more time-consuming than the preferred
technique of drizzling it overtop of the apple.
That extra time cuts into profits. Paul may
need to curtail this employee’s artistry.
For the ninth-generation Niagara-region
farmer, every penny counts. “Farming’s been
tough the last 20 to 25 years,” Paul said. “We’re getting the same amount for apples we
did 20 years ago. We thought, ‘Is there any way we could do value-added things?’”
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“Value-added” has become a familiar term for those trying to make a living on the family
farm. It means something extra is added to a product so you can increase its price and,
therefore, its profitability.
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Paul wanted to turn apples from a crop he could barely break even on to something that
could sustain him and his family. In the mid-1990s, he began selling traditional sugarsyrup candy-coated apples at Ontario Place, a major tourist site in Toronto. Realizing
the potential of the tried-and-true treat, he began selling them wholesale to other
customers: Darien Lake Theme Park, the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre), Howell’s
Pumpkin Farm in Fonthill and Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm in Milton.
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But the apples’ shelf life, before they spoiled, was only three days. So, in 2005, Paul
revamped the operation by dipping apples in caramel and milk chocolate and finishing
them with enough white and dark chocolate drizzle to make chocoholics swoon. When
two western New York grocery-store giants and Canada’s Loblaw Companies became
interested in his product, this entrepreneur seemed to have overcome the risks of
farming.
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However, Paul faced a new set of challenges. The demand for the caramel-chocolate
apples had grown larger than his ability to produce them. “This is our facility,” Paul said,
gesturing to his tiny 100-year-old barn, filled with the rather un-barnlike smell of
caramel. Paul’s business needed to expand, but that would take more money.
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Paul’s 11-year-old daughter, Sabrina, suggested an answer—a reality television show
on which a panel of millionaires listens to entrepreneurs’ business plans and decides
whether to offer investment money for expansion. In the spring of 2008, the Moyers took
a chance. After three makeup touch-ups during eight-and-a-half hours waiting in a TV
studio, Paul, Sabrina and Paul’s mother, Liivi, were finally able to make their pitch to five
of Canada’s most successful names in business.
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“As you’re walking across the top [of the set] and going down the stairs, you think,
‘Wow, this is it.’ . . . You’re excited to present to them, but they know their numbers and
their business. At the same time, I know my numbers and my business. They grilled us
pretty hard, but because I not only grow the apples and melt the chocolate and caramel
and know the [sales] . . . I believe I answered all their questions exactly the way I
hoped,” said Paul.
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Paul’s professionalism and his product samples had a positive impact. “It was quite
inspiring to see that these people had come up with a spin-off business,” said Dianne
Buckner, the show’s host. “The candy-apple business was really an original thing to do,
and they were basically taking their expertise and fashioning a new type of venture. It
was great to see that people are being adventurous and creative in a way that makes
that agricultural lifestyle work for them.”
Thanks to the panel’s response, the 209-year-old Moyer family farm remains a
successful example of sustainable local agriculture.
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Reading
Multiple-Choice (Record the best or most correct answer on the Student Answer Sheet.)
1. What does paragraph 1 suggest is most important to Paul?
A. the creativity of the employee
B. the speed of the decorating process
C. the uniform appearance of the apples
D. the amount of chocolate on each apple
2. For how long has Paul Moyer’s family been farming?
A. 100 years
B. 20 to 25 years
C. nine generations
D. since the mid-1990s
3. Which product matches the definition of “value-added” in paragraph 3?
A. whole fish
B. leaf lettuce
C. tomato soup
D. green grapes
4. What happened first after Paul realized his apple crop made insufficient profit?
A. Sabrina suggested the TV show to Paul.
B. Paul hired employees to decorate apples.
C. Paul sold candy-coated apples at Ontario Place.
D. Paul expanded apple sales to large grocery stores.
5. What is linked by the colon in paragraph 4?
A. cause and effect
B. term and examples
C. opinion and support
D. problem and solution
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6. Which word is closest in meaning to “revamped” as used in paragraph 5?
A. sped up
B. modified
C. simplified
D. mechanized
7. Who is thinking “Wow, this is it” (paragraph 8)?
A. the host
B. the reader
C. the farmer
D. the daughter
8. What does Paul Moyer think was the most influential factor for the panel?
A. He brought his family to the show.
B. He knew all aspects of his business.
C. He distributed free samples of his product.
D. He had been an apple farmer for over 20 years.
9. How is paragraph 9 organized?
A. problems and solutions
B. opinion and supporting reasons
C. series of events according to time
D. from most to least important details
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Reading Sample Two:
Read the selection below and answer the questions that follow it.
An Animator from Scarborough
Over 1500 applications from around the world flood George Lucas’s animation
academy each year (Lucas created the Star Wars films), but only four applicants are
selected for internships. Randolph Lizarda, 21, from Scarborough, was one of them.
“I’m very excited. I’ll be working in the LucasArts division animating video games,
although I don’t know what we’re working on. They wouldn’t tell me—it’s confidential,”
Lizarda said on a break from his Sheridan College class.
As a child, Lizarda liked to draw cartoons. Now he is learning to transfer his drawing
ability to the computer.
“I was into [art] when I was little; then I got more into it in high school. In Grade 10, I
took one of those career surveys to find out where you fit in. I fit into the animation
industry,” he said.
Lizarda aspires to one day work for an animation company such as Pixar or
DreamWorks.
“He’s an excellent student,” said Dave Quesnelle, who teaches animation and is one
of Lizarda’s professors. Lizarda stood out after handing in his first assignment, a 10second action sequence of a muscular circus performer balancing on a ball before
jumping through a hoop of fire. This clip was the first segment on the demo reel he
submitted to Lucasfilm.
“I had a really good sense of his storytelling. He had the basic principles of animation
[but] it was also comical. And that’s our job. Anyone can make a picture move, but to
make it entertaining, that’s the craft of an animator.”
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4
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Multiple-Choice
(Record the best or most correct answer on the Student Answer Sheet.)
1. What will the focus of Lizarda’s internship be?
A. films
B. cartoons
C. video games
D. action sequences
2. Which word is closest in meaning to “confidential” as used in paragraph 2?
A. secret
B. personal
C. confusing
D. professional
3. According to Quesnelle, what ability is most important for an animator?
A. creating characters
B. pleasing an audience
C. developing a demo reel
D. programming computers
4. What do Quesnelle’s quotes indicate about him?
A. He knows a lot about internships.
B. He focuses on technical aspects of animation.
C. He recognizes skill and creativity in his students.
D. He suggests interesting storylines to his students.
5. Which paragraph presents information in chronological order?
A. paragraph 2
B. paragraph 4
C. paragraph 5
D. paragraph 7
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Written Answer
6. Why is Lizarda a good choice for this internship? Use specific details from the
selection to explain your answer.
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
________________________________________
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Writing
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test contains several writing tasks including the
news report and the series of paragraphs expressing an opinion tasks which will be
reviewed later in this package. It also contains two short writing tasks and a series of
multiple choice questions.
In this section we will review the short writing tasks. For the OSSLT you will be
assessed on your ability to develop a main idea with supporting evidence, and your
ability to organize your ideas clearly and concisely. You will also be assessed on
conventions (spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc.)
The short writing tasks give students the ability to use their knowledge and personal
experiences to respond to writing prompts. You will be provided with six lines to write
your response. You should use most or all of this space without exceeding the lines
provided.
Sample Responses:
Multiple-Choice
(Record the best or most correct answer on the Student Answer Sheet.)
1. Choose the best closing sentence for the following paragraph.
Although there are millions of Web sites, they are not created equal. A good Web
site can be compared to an iceberg: only the tip of all the effort can be seen online.
What cannot be seen are all the details and hours of planning that have led to its
success.
A. Any Web site needs an audience and fans to make it successful.
***Audience and fans were not mentioned in the question.
B. Graphics and detailed content are necessary parts of any Web site.
***Graphics and detailed content were not mentioned in the question.
C. A Web site is a good way to find information for a research project.
***Information and research project were not mentioned in the question.
D. A good Web site combines online appeal and a well-organized
structure.
2 . What revision is needed to improve the organization of this paragraph?
(1) Eons ago, a powerful meteor struck the Sudbury area. (2) Most meteors that
crash into Earth weigh only about 100 grams. (3) They have little impact on Earth’s
crust. (4) The one that landed near Sudbury was so large that it changed the
bedrock. (5) Its impact created Canada’s largest nickel deposit.
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A. Break sentence 4 into two sentences. ***There is no need as the sentence is
fine as it is.
B. Move sentence 1 to the end of the paragraph. ***It is an introductory
sentence and needs to stay.
C. Insert “However” at the beginning of sentence 4.
D. Replace “a powerful meteor” in sentence 1 with “it.” ***”A powerful meteor” is
necessary for the sentence to make sense.
3. Choose the sentence that is written correctly.
A. What time is it in Sao Paulo, Brazil! ***Sentence should end in a question
mark.
B. Put the wrapper in the recycling bin.
C. I am so tired that I could sleep in class? ***Sentence should not end in a
question mark.
D. Will the hockey game be over in an hour. ***Sentence should end in a
question mark.
4 . Which sentence is written correctly?
A. Paige read about Kirkland Lake in the northern news. ***Northern News
should be capitalized as it is a proper noun.
B. It described this community in the Northern part of the province. ***Sentence
is unclear.
C. It is surrounded by several kettle lakes that were formed eons
ago.
D. Several gold mines are in the area, including Kirkland Lake Gold and
queenston mining inc. ***Sentence is incorrect and should not end in a short
form.
Practice Questions:
Multiple-Choice
(Record the best or most correct answer on the Student Answer Sheet.)
1. Which sentence does not belong in the following paragraph?
(1) The Olympic games are represented by a flaming torch. (2) The torch is lit in
Olympia, Greece, to honour the ancient origins of the games. (3) It travels through
the participating countries, representing international harmony. (4) Twelve thousand
torches were made for the 2010 Vancouver games. (5) The Olympic torch is a
meaningful symbol.
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A. sentence 2
B. sentence 3
C. sentence 4
D. sentence 5
2. Choose the option that best combines all the information in the sentences below.
Mikko and Paige were friends.
Mikko and Paige had known each other since Grade 3.
Mikko and Paige attended the same college.
A. Mikko and Paige, who were friends, attended the same college since Grade 3.
B. Mikko and Paige were friends known since Grade 3 and attended the same
college.
C. Mikko and Paige, friends who had known each other since Grade 3, attended
the same college.
D. Mikko and Paige attended the same college and had known each other and
their friends since Grade 3.
3. Choose the sentence that is written correctly.
A. I was waiting Omar said. “In the cold!”
B. “Wasn’t it hot outside” Oliver responded?
C. “I was e-mailing,” Sara exclaimed, “for three hours!”
D. “I went to a scary movie,” Maria said “At two o’clock.”
4. Choose the sentence that is written correctly.
A. Our family likes to hike, swim and biking.
B. The children like jumping, singing and dancing.
C. The student likes drawing, painting and to sculpt.
D. The athletes like to train, to practise and competing.
Multiple-Choice
(Record the best or most correct answer on the Student Answer Sheet.)
1. Choose the option that best combines all the information in the following sentences.
I love basketball.
The Bears are my favourite team.
I hope they win the championship this year.
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A. I love basketball, and I hope the Bears win the championship this year.
B. I love basketball and the Bears because I hope they win the championship this
year.
C. I love basketball and hope the Bears, my favourite team, win the championship
this year.
D. I love basketball, I love the Bears, my favourite team, I hope they win the
championship this year.
2. Which option tells how to make the following sentence correct?
John Reid, the mayor of Kapuskasing wondered how his city would survive
the economic downturn.
A. Capitalize the word “mayor.”
B. Add a comma after “Kapuskasing.”
C. Replace the period with a question mark.
D. Use quotation marks around “how his city would survive the economic downturn.”
3. Choose the sentence that is written correctly.
A. The students is going on the bus.
B. Each of the students is going on the bus.
C. Two students and their teacher is going on the bus.
D. All of the students except for Jim is going on the bus.
4. Choose the sentence that does not belong in the following paragraph.
(1) Eating a variety of nutritious foods is important for good health. (2) Fruits and
vegetables provide daily vitamins. (3) Exercise is an important part of healthy living.
(4) Protein from meat, dairy foods or legumes is needed for muscle growth. (5) Fat
intake should be limited. (6) A proper diet is important.
A. sentence 2
B. sentence 3
C. sentence 4
D. sentence 5
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Short Writing Tasks:
Before responding to the short writing task, do the following:
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Read the question carefully before beginning to write
Be sure to write on the assigned topic (off-topic responses will result in a lower
score)
Write in the format requested
Answers must be written in full and correctly written sentences
Use your own knowledge and experience when responding
Write clearly (responses that aren't written clearly will result in a lower score)
Use the following structure when writing your response:
o Topic sentence (states your opinion)
o Support your topic sentence with reasons and explanations
o Concluding sentence (restate your opinion)
Short Writing Task Example
Sample Question
What was your favourite game as a child? Why did you like it?
Rough Notes
Topic Sentence
Reason 1
Reason 2
Reason 3
Concluding Sentence
My favourite game as a child was hide and seek.
Lots of people can play at once
Good game to play outside
Had good hiding spots
In conclusion, for these reasons hide and seek was
my favourite game as a child.
Sample Paragraph
My favourite game as a child was hide and seek. To begin, I liked this game because
lots of people could play at once and no one was left out. Next, hide and seek is a
good game to play outside. Last, I liked hide and seek because I could always find
good hiding spots. Therefore, for these reasons, hide and seek was my favourite game
as a child.
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Short Writing Task Practice
Question 1:
What would be your ideal destination for a high school field trip? Explain your choice
with specific details.
Rough Notes
Topic Sentence
Reason 1
Reason 2
Reason 3
Concluding Sentence
Answer
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
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Short Writing Task Practice
Question 2:
What type of music do you like listening to? Explain why you like it.
Rough Notes
Topic Sentence
Reason 1
Reason 2
Reason 3
Concluding Sentence
Answer
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
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Short Writing Task Practice
Question 3:
What is your favourite subject in school? Explain why you like it.
Rough Notes
Topic Sentence
Reason 1
Reason 2
Reason 3
Concluding Sentence
Answer
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
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Graphic Text
Reading non-fiction works often requires students to read graphic elements which
include pictures, bullets, headings, bolded font and arrows.
There is one graphic text task on the OSSLT followed by multiple choice questions to
check your understanding of the text.
Tips:
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Read the information very carefully
Look at the images for meaning
Once you have read and understood the information, you will be ready to answer
the following multiple choice questions.
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Read the selection below and answer the questions that follow it.
Canada’s Forests
Canada is the world’s leading exporter of softwood lumber, panels, pulp and newsprint,
and the third largest exporter of printing and writing paper. Canada’s forest management
includes sustainable harvesting of forests, replanting of harvested areas and tracking
threats to forests, including damage due to fires.
Ontario’s Forest Industry
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Sample Responses:
Multiple-Choice
1. What word is closest in meaning to “exporter” as used in the paragraph below
the title?
a
b
c
d
investor
purchaser
distributor
manufacturer
2. Why is a bar graph appropriate for the forest management data?
a
b
c
d
It shows decreasing size.
It shows changes over time.
It shows increasing importance.
It shows a comparison of categories.
3. How is the “Canada’s Forest Management” graph organized?
a
b
c
d
by degree of success
by size of production
by changes over time
by geographic location
4. What was true about British Columbia’s forest management in 2008–2009?
a
b
c
d
Less area was burned than planted.
More area was burned than planted.
Less area was planted than harvested.
More area was harvested than burned.
5. What is an accurate conclusion that can be drawn from the information in the pie
charts?
a Wood product manufacturing generated the largest percentage of revenue
but the smallest percentage of wages in 2008.
b The percentages of revenue and those of wages and salaries
from the major sectors of Ontario’s forest industry were
similar in 2008.
c The largest percentage of wages came from pulp and paper product
manufacturing in 2008, even though that sector generated the smallest
amount of revenue in 2008.
d The smallest amount of money was invested in forestry and logging in 2009,
even though that sector generated the largest amount of revenue in 2008.
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6. What conclusion can be supported by information in this selection?
a The forest management of each region or province is unique.
b It is likely that Alberta’s forest industry is similar to that of Ontario.
c The pie charts suggest that forestry and logging in Ontario is the most
profitable sector.
d Manitoba’s forest industry determines Canada’s international position as an
exporter of forest products.
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Practice Responses:
Read the selection below and answer the questions that follow it.
New roof at Wimbledon
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Wimbledon is the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament. It takes place
in a suburb of London, England, and is still played on the games’ original surface—
natural grass. A retractable roof, completed in time for the 2009 championships, ended
a 132-year-old tradition of open-air play.
Concertina (accordion-fold) design
Divided into two sections. Takes 10 minutes to close or open.
Steel trusses
77 m-wide arches run on two parallel tracks, folding or stretching roof fabric as they
move.
Roof material
5200 square metres of flexible, translucent, waterproof fabric allows natural light to
reach grass.
Interior
Fully air-conditioned. Roof lighting will allow play to carry on late into evening.
ROOF FACTS
Height 16 m above court
Can be deployed in winds of up to 69 km/h
Weight 3000 tonnes
Estimated cost $35 million
Takes 30 minutes for internal climate to stabilize after roof has closed before play can
resume
Club Facility
No. 1 Court
Capacity 11 429.
Wimbledon Museum
Centre Court: Capacity increased from 13 800 to 15 000. New, wider seats installed.
Broadcast Centre
Millennium Building
Old Court 2: Capacity 3000. Becomes Court 3. Other southern courts renumbered in
sequence. No Court 13.
New Court 2: 4000 permanent seats. Court surface sunk 3.5 m below ground to reduce
profile.
Built on the site of old Court 13.
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Multiple-Choice
1. Why is the new roof considered “retractable”?
A. It can be used in high winds.
B. It can be opened and folded back.
C. It is made of translucent, flexible fabric.
D. It allows the use of natural and artificial light.
2. What idea links the information under “Concertina (accordion-fold) design” and
“Steel trusses”?
A. time
B. weight
C. climate
D. movement
3. Which part of the selection shows a spectator’s view of Centre Court?
A. the photograph labelled “Interior”
B. the drawing in the top right corner
C. the overall diagram of the club facility
D. the diagram of Centre Court at the bottom centre
4. What is the purpose of the illustration at the top of the selection?
A. to show why a new roof was needed
B. to explain how the roof system works
C. to compare the old roof with the new roof
D. to emphasize the weight and cost of the new roof
5. What is the purpose of the “Roof Facts” section?
A. to summarize key information
B. to advertise the new construction
C. to describe how the roof was built
D. to explain how the roof opens and closes
6. Which part of the facility is south of Court 5?
A. Court 14
B. No. 1 Court
C. new Court 2
D. Millennium Building
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Writing a News Report
On the OSSLT you will be asked to write a News Report as one of the writing tasks.
What to Expect
On the test you will be provided with a photograph and a headline. You will then write a
news report by making up the facts that link the photograph and the headline.
Writing the Report
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Your report must answer the following questions. Who? What? Where? When?
Why? and How?
The news report will be about an event that has occurred in the past. So you will
need to write in the past tense and in the third person.
Your news report must contain sufficient and relevant facts and information (you
can make up this information for the OSSLT).
It should be organized in a logical manner from most important to least important
details.
Key Elements
Element
Headline
Byline
Placeline
Lead
Body
Facts
Quotations
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Definition
Catches reader’s attention
Sums up the story
Writer’s name
Writer’s speciality (example: sports reporter)
Where the events take place
The opening section
Gives most important information and answers most of the 5
W’s
Supplies additional information
Again, most important information comes first
Divided into very short paragraphs
Simple true statements
What someone actually said (relevant details that you make up)
Adds accuracy and “at the scene feeling.”
Structure of the News Report
The news report is always organized like an
inverted pyramid. The most important
information comes first, followed by less
important details, and the least important details
come at the end.
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Most Important
Less Important
Less Important
Least Important
News Report Sample
Headline
Car thief caught trapped in target vehicle
Jim Day, Staff Reporter
Byline (name of author, your name)
Placeline
CANBERRA – A bungling Australian car thief
was nabbed after accidentally locking himself
in the vehicle he was trying to steal, police
said Wednesday.
Police were called to a house in Adelaide
after two thieves were heard trying to steal a
car. On arrival they were surprised to find a
53-year old man hiding inside the vehicle.
“The man, while breaking into the car, had
locked himself in the car and couldn’t get
out,” South Australian police said, adding a
second thief was found hiding in nearby
bushes.
Quotation
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Lead
-Catches reader interest
-Most important information
-Introduces topic
-Answers most of the 5W’s
Body
Writing a News Report
Practice Exercise
Task:
Write a news report based on the headline and picture below.
 Make up the facts and information by answering some or all of
the following questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why?
How?
 You must relate your newspaper report to both the headline and
the picture
Purpose and
Audience:
to report on an event for the readers of a newspaper
Formatting
and Length:
The lined space provided for your written work indicates
the approximate length of the writing expected.
Storm Shuts Down Region
Rough Notes
Use the space below for
rough notes. Nothing
you write in this space
will be scored.
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Creating Your Rough Notes
Practice Exercise
Use the space to...
Brainstorm – write down what you think of
when you read the headline and see the
picture.
Name the event – what is this news report about?
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
Provide answers to the following questions:

Who? ___________________________________________________________

What?___________________________________________________________

Where?__________________________________________________________

When?__________________________________________________________

Why?___________________________________________________________

How?___________________________________________________________
List possible quotes you can use:
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
Jot note possible concluding details- how it ended; what might happen as a
result.
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
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Write your news report on the lines provided.
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
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News Report Exemplar
Storm Shuts Down Region
Jim Day, Staff Reporter
BRAMPTON ON – Yesterday
residents of Brampton and
surrounding areas experienced a
record breaking snow storm that
caused major road closures and
prevented residents from
completing daily activities.
The storm began yesterday
evening as residents made their
commute home. By late evening
more than 100 cm of snow had
accumulated. Windy conditions
caused blowing snow making
visibility near impossible.
Roadways were covered with
snow and fallen trees and many
people were left stranded as they
tried to get home.
“I’ve never seen so much snow in
Brampton” exclaimed resident
Mr. Bruce-Brown. Constable
Mitchell said “We have advised
residents to stay home as most
major roads are closed.”
City workers have been clearing
snow all night and residents
should be able to access major
roads soon.
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Writing a News Report
Practice Exercise
Task:
Write a news report based on the headline and picture below.
 Make up the facts and information by answering some or all of
the following questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why?
How?
 You must relate your newspaper report to both the headline and
the picture
Purpose and
Audience:
Formatting and
Length:
To report on an event for the readers of a newspaper
The lined space provided for your written work indicates the
of the writing expected.
Students Raise Money for a Good Cause
Rough Notes
Use the space below for
rough notes. Nothing
you write in this space
will be scored.
Write your news report on the lines provided on the following page.
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____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
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Writing a News Report
Practice Exercise
Task:
Write a news report based on the headline and picture below.
 Make up the facts and information by answering some or all of
the following questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why?
How?
 You must relate your newspaper report to both the headline and
the picture
Purpose and
Audience:
Formatting and
length:
To report on an event for the readers of a newspaper
The lined space provided for your written work indicates
of the writing expected.
Restaurant Closed Due to Health Violations
Rough Notes
Use the space below for
rough notes. Nothing
you write in this space
will be scored.
Write your news report on the lines provided on the following page.
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____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
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News Report Checklist
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Have I clearly identified a single event?
Have I added details that answer the questions Who? What? Where? When?
Why? and How?
Have I told enough for the reader to understand what happened?
Is my news report divided logically into paragraphs?
Have I used transitional words and phrases to link the sequence of events?
Have I included direct and indirect quotes from participants in the story?
Is the sequence of events logical?
Have I used complete sentences?
Have I used correct spelling, grammar and punctuation?
Is the tone unbiased?
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Series of Paragraphs
Expressing an Opinion
An opinion is a thought or belief about something or someone. There is no wrong
opinion. You can think whatever you like. You earn marks by being able to support your
opinion. In other words, you need to explain why you think that way.
For the OSSLT, you will be given a topic that is current and will be familiar to teenagers.
The series of paragraphs expressing an opinion is a longer piece of writing in which you
state your opinion about a specific topic. In a minimum of three paragraphs, you will
state your opinion and support your opinion by giving reasons, examples, facts
and details that will persuade a reader that your opinion is reasonable.
The instructions are always the same for the Writing A Series of Paragraphs question.
The only change is the topic you are given to write about.
Here is a copy of a sample question taken directly from a previous Literacy Test.
What are the instructions asking you to do?
“Task: Write a minimum of three paragraphs expressing an opinion…”
 EQAO requires a "minimum" of three paragraphs for this task, however, in order
to receive full marks you should be prepared to write a five paragraph essay, as
you regularly practice in your classes. EQAO provides enough space to allow for
a five paragraph essay.
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“Purpose and Audience: an adult who is interested in your opinion.”
 You should write your opinion piece in language that assumes an adult will be
reading it.
 As you are writing about YOUR opinion, you may use first person.
“Length:…”
 EQAO provides you with 48 lines over two pages to respond to this question.
 This space should be filled but not exceeded.
“Topic:…”
 You are given a single sentence with which you can Agree or Disagree.
 Remember, It doesn’t matter which point of view you take. Pick one side and
stick with it.
"Rough Notes"
 Create a framework to organize and structure your paragraphs.
Getting Ready to Write:
Plan!
1. Choose a position (opinion) on the topic: yes/agree or no/disagree
2. Draft a topic sentence.
3. Organize your ideas: list reasons and supporting details (evidence).
Write!
4. Write an introduction: topic sentence with a clear opinion stated.
5. Write your body paragraphs: reasons and supporting evidence
6. Write a conclusion: restate your position with reasons and leave the
reader with something to think about.
Review!
7. Proof-read and correct your work.
Always use the Rough Notes area of the booklet to plan your opinion paragraphs
before you begin your good copy.
The Writing Process:
The structure of the series of paragraphs should look like this:
Introductory Paragraph:
 Clearly state your opinion in your topic sentence. Pick one side of the argument
only and stick with it. AVOID the approach “I agree in some cases but disagree
in other cases”.
 Include three reasons why you think this way
 Provide a concluding statement which summarizes the main reasons or
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restates the topic sentence in different words
Body Paragraphs:
 This is where you talk about each of the three reasons why you feel the way
you do about this topic. You should have stated these in your introductory
paragraph.
 Use the SEES method to organize what you want to say.
o S - Sentence 1 – Supporting Argument (This is your paragraph
introduction and directly supports your point of view. This is your
reason why you think the way you do)
o E - Sentence 2 – Example which supports your opinion. (facts,
evidence, quotes, data, etc. You can make this up on the OSSLT!)
o E - Sentence 3 –Explanation which support the example (how do the
facts, evidence, quotes, data, etc. support your reason?)
o S - Sentence 4 – Summary statement (concluding sentence)
 Include one body paragraph for each of the three reasons you stated in your
introductory paragraph.
Conclusion Paragraph:
 In a final paragraph, RESTATE your opinion
 Sum up your main POINTS to reaffirm that the position you have clearly stated
is a valid one
 Include a connection to your community-or the country, even the WORLD to
persuade your adult audience
Use Transition Words:
Transition words connect your ideas across all of your paragraphs. Transition word
examples are:
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The first (second, third) reason is…
Another reason is…
First (Firstly), / Second (Secondly), / Third (Thirdly), …
Moreover, / Furthermore, / In addition, / Also, …
Finally, / Lastly, …
The final / last reason is…
You should also choose effective transition words for your conclusion:
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In conclusion, …
In Summary, …
To sum up, …
To conclude, …
In short, …
In brief, …
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Proof-Read!
Use this checklist to review your work:
 Have I written five paragraphs, including an introduction, three body paragraphs
and a conclusion?
 Is my opinion stated clearly in the introductory paragraph?
 Have I included at least three reasons that support my opinion?
 Are my reasons supported with at least one supporting detail for each?
 Have I clearly marked each new paragraph by indenting them?
 Does each paragraph include its own introductory sentence?
 Does the concluding paragraph summarize my opinion and supporting reasons?
 Have I used transitional words and phrases to link my ideas?
 Have I used correct spelling, grammar and punctuation?
 Have I used complete sentences?
 Is the tone and language appropriate for an adult reader?
Scoring:
Your work will be assessed in two different ways:
1. Topic Development: your ability to clearly state your opinion (the main idea),
and provide support for your stated opinion (reasons, evidence, and
organization) - 60 marks total
2. Use of Conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) - 40 marks total
Let's try writing a series of opinion paragraphs!
Are cell phones necessary in teenagers' lives?
For an example of how to answer this prompt, review the Heart Lake Literacy video,
found online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5NrNcaWfiA.
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Now try it on your own…
Task One:
Are television, movies and video games responsible for teen violence?
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Task Two:
Should the provincial government ban soft drink vending machines in
Secondary Schools?
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Use these rubrics to check how you might score on this question.
Skills: topic development and organization
Code
0
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10
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20



30


40


50

60

Reason for Code
You left it blank (you didn’t write anything)
Your response is illegible, or your response doesn’t relate to the writing prompt -Your
response is off-topic
Your response is related to the prompt but does not express an opinion,
OR
Your response expresses an opinion, but it has no supporting details, or it gives details
that don’t re-late to your opinion.
There is no evidence of organization.
The response is related to the prompt, but:
o only part of your response expresses and supports your opinion,
OR
o you express and support your opinion, but the opinion is unclear or inconsistent. You have provided too few details, or repeat them
There is not much evidence of organization.
The response is related to the prompt and expresses a clear opinion, but:
o the supporting details you provided are vague, or too few, or
o you haven’t always connected the details to your opinion clearly.
Some organization is evident, but not enough to keep the reader from being distracted
and puzzled.
The response is related to the prompt. Your opinion is clear and consistent, and you
developed it with sufficient supporting details, but:
o only some details are specific.
The organization of ideas is mechanical.
The response is related to the prompt. Your opinion is clear and developed
consistently. You have included sufficient specific supporting details. The organization
is logical.
The response is related to the prompt. Your opinion is clear and developed
consistently with thoughtfully chosen and sufficient details. The organization is
coherent, demonstrating a thoughtful progression of ideas.
Longer Writing: Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation)
Code
10
20
30
40
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
Reason for Code
You haven’t written enough for your writing to be scored, OR
Errors you’ve made make it very hard for a reader to understand what you have written.
Errors distract the reader
Errors do not distract the reader
Control of spelling, grammar and punctuation is evident in written work.
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