Preparing for the OSSLT
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WHAT IS THE OSSLT?
The OSSLT is a provincial test of reading and
writing. It is published by the Ministry of Education
and is a mandated test for all high school students
in Ontario.
The OSSLT is administered to all Grade 10
students in the province.
The OSSLT is one of the most important tests
students will write in their high school career. This is
because a pass is required before a
student can achieve their high
school diploma.
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WHEN DO WE WRITE THE OSSLT?
Thursday, March 29th 2012
Bring
+ Pencils
+ Pens
+ A straight edge
+ A highlighter
Don’t Bring
- iPods
- cell phones
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Schedule
Arrive well-rested, well-fed, and ready with
writing materials. Proceed to the designated
room. Your home room teacher will meet you
there.
8:45 a.m – 8:50 a.m.
8:50 a.m. – 10:05 a.m.
10:05 a.m.– 10:10 a.m.
10:10 a.m. – 11:25 a.m.
Instructions.
Booklet #1
Break
Booklet #2
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What does the test look like?

The test consists of two 75 minute
sessions.

You will complete 1 booklet during the
first session and a second booklet
during the second session.

At the end of each session, the booklet
will be sealed and collected.

You will have a 5 minute break
between sessions.
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READING -- Three types
Informational Text
 found in a variety of sources including newspapers, magazines, non-fiction
books
 the purpose is to inform, educate, instruct,
and entertain
Literary Text
 found in a variety of sources including –
short stories, magazine articles, and poetry
 the purpose is to instruct, enlighten,
entertain, and to stimulate thought
for the reader
Graphical Text
 found in a variety of sources including –
maps, graphs, charts, schedules,
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drawings, and instructions
READING QUESTIONS
Format:
 multiple choice
 open-response
(short answer )
Types of Questions:
directly stated
 inference (the act of reasoning, using factual knowledge or evidence)


connections
(personal opinion, connections to experience)
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WRITING QUESTIONS
Multiple choice questions
organization of ideas; sentence and
paragraph structure; conventions
Two short writing tasks
six lines each based on your
response to set prompts
Two long writing tasks
news report (1 page), supported
opinion (2 pages)
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How can I prepare for the OSSLT?

Completion of the Practice test

Review the practice test results carefully.


Grade 10 homeroom teachers will be
completing 4 review sessions during the
months of February and March.
Workshops will be provided during
March for students who would like
additional assistance.
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How can I prepare - Continued

Visit the EQAO home page to access sample
questions and actual student responses:
EQAO's Website
Visit this site to obtain practice writing the OSSLT.
Site provides questions and answers.
Literacy Sample Test


Practice your ability to interpret news reports
using CBS and CNN articles. Each module
includes the full text of each story and interactive
activities to test comprehension
News Reports
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Teacher Tips
Here are some final reminders to keep in mind:
1. Work carefully and steadily. If you have time
at the end of each section, review your work.
For the writing pieces check for spelling and
grammar errors.
2. Each section/booklet of the test will include one
of the four writing tasks. Be sure to allow
enough time for these tasks.
3. In the reading selections remember that
spelling and grammar do not count. You may
write point form answers but be sure you
answer fully enough. Remember - aim to fill the
space provided.
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Teacher Tips Continued
4. For the multiple choice questions make sure
your choice is clearly indicated. Choose only
one answer.
5. If you do not know an answer, provide your
best guess. Do not leave any question blank.
6. For the multi-paragraph opinion piece, write
at least three paragraphs. It is best to use
the five paragraph structure studied in class.
Remember to use transitions . Also,
remember that this is the ONLY
writing piece which asks
for your opinion.
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Teacher Tips Continued
7. For the news story, use the lead paragraph and
inverted triangle structure studied in class. The
lead paragraph must answer who, what, where,
when, and, if appropriate, why. Be sure to include
comments from people involved or reliable
witnesses. Remember that a good reporter stays
completely out of the story. "The Star asked Mr.
Smith..."
8. Spelling and grammar do count in the writing
selections. Write carefully.
9. Read instructions carefully. Underline the key
points to remember in the question. Use a
highlighter or coloured pen.
10. Remember - in the past students have been
unsuccessful on the test because they did not
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follow instructions.
OSSLT Advice (from students who survived the test)







“Read the question carefully…especially read the
picture.”
“The practice questions DO help.”
“Don’t spend too much time on one question. If you
are stuck, move onto the next one.”
“Go over ALL of the questions first, before starting
to answer any of them.”
“If you have any extra time, check your work for
spelling and grammar.”
“Start with the questions that look the easiest to
you.”
“Bring a PEN and an extra one.”
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OSSLT Advice - Continued



“READ.”
“Write your answers in the provided space, but
don’t write more.”
“Brainstorm and plan before you start writing.”
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OSSLT SUCCESS

Manage your time

Follow the instructions

Listen to the teacher in charge

Read each question carefully

Answer every question

Write to an adult audience
Allow time to check your work at the
end

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