Ontario Secondary
School Literacy Test
Info
Elmira District Secondary
2015
1
3/14/2016
What do I need to graduate
from High School?
Successfully pass the Literacy
Test (the OSSLT)
30 credits
40 hours Community Service
2
3/14/2016
What is the schedule for the
Literacy Test Day – Thursday,
March 26?
<8:10 am Be in your assigned room
8:10-11:20 Completion of the Literacy Test
(Booklet 1 and Booklet 2 and
Questionnaire)
12:20 – 2:30 Tutorial Sessions (Info already
sent out to parents)
3
3/14/2016
What is the OSSLT (The Provincial
Literacy Test?
 A test to ensure that students have
acquired essential reading and
writing skills.
The test covers reading and writing
skills that are covered in all subject
areas up to the end of Grade nine.
 A graduation requirement.
4
3/14/2016
How long does the test take?
Two 75 minute sessions with a 15
minute break between the
sessions.
Booklet A – 75 minutes
Break
– 15 minutes
Booklet B – 75 minutes
(Plus a questionnaire at the end)
Spec Ed students may have up to
double this time to write.
5
3/14/2016
What does the test look like?
Each student receives a package of 2
booklets, an answer sheet and a
questionnaire.
Each booklet has a mix of reading and
writing tasks and different types of questions.
6
3/14/2016
Components of the OSSLT
Different parts of the test target your
reading skills vs. your writing skills.
Multiple Choice.
Short Answer (e.g. 6 line response).
Two types of Long Answer: The News
Report and The Essay: A Series of
Paragraphs Expressing An Opinion.
7
3/14/2016
Reading Tips:
 Read each question carefully.
 Answer in full and correctly written sentences.
 Answer for an adult audience.
 The space shows the length of the answer that
is expected: No more; not less.
 Make connections between the ideas and
information in the reading selection and your
experiences.
 Answer the questions using specific and
relevant details from the reading selections.
8
 Reread your answers and correct any errors
you notice.
3/14/2016
Writing Tips:
 Write in complete sentences in the lined space
provided.
 Read the instructions carefully and do what is
asked: Write in the required form.
 Stay on topic.
 Make any revisions or edits legibly.
 Organize your ideas and take advantage of the
rough space provided.
 Use correct spelling, grammar and
punctuation. Proofread your work.
9
 Write for an adult audience.
3/14/2016
How Have I Prepared for the OSSLT?
10
•
Practice Tests in English classes
during Sem 1 and 2
•
Check out www.eqao.com for
additional practice
3/14/2016
Remember:
The OSSLT is written based upon
the curriculum expectations one
should have achieved by the end of
ENG 1P.
11
3/14/2016
Important!
On Literacy Test Day: Thursday, Mar. 26th:
bring 2 pens (black or blue or pencil ok)
 NO cell phones, NO iPODS, etc in the test
room…You are OFF THE GRID for the
Literacy Test!
If you arrive late, go straight to the Main
Office – no extra time is allowed.
- You are a BARCODE number on Lit Test day
– do NOT write your name on your test
booklets!!!
12
3/14/2016
Note……….
 Letters about the test and the structure of
Thursday, March 26th have been sent to
parents. More information is also on the
school’s website (with links to EQAO).
13
3/14/2016
Don’t Go Rogue!
Sit where you are assigned.
Make sure that you sit at the same desk
in the same room after the break
between booklets.
No exceptions to any rules. Teachers
are NOT permitted to answer any
question. EQAO allows no
debate/allowances/exceptions!
14
3/14/2016
SNOW DAY???? Noooooooo………!
Listen to local radio; check out school
board website
If the Literacy Test is postponed, the
People In Toronto will tell us when it is
rescheduled for and we won’t get this
information for days or weeks….
15
3/14/2016
Final Thoughts…
 Be mature: Profanity, scribbling, drawing
pictures, etc will result in EQAO not
marking your work….which means not
passing.
 Be observant: Follow the teacher’s
instructions EXACTLY. Teachers are
allowed to read the instructions to you once
and THAT’S IT.
 Be mindful: Don’t let your actions be a
distraction for others.
16
3/14/2016
More Final Thoughts

Be confident! You have the skills to do well.
The test is geared for those who have passed
Grade 9 English.
 Be Mindful - Be Thoughtful: Follow the
instructions and tips (e.g. write for the
number of lines provided for answers) and
you’ll be fine.
17
3/14/2016
Good Luck!
18
3/14/2016