OSSLT Overview and Format What is it The

OSSLT Overview and Format

What is it? The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is a test of the minimum required reading and writing skills for a high school diploma. • • The OSSLT tests skills students should have acquired by the end of grade 9 Passing the test is a requirement for a high school diploma

When and Where? Thursday, March 31 st, 2016 8: 30 am • Room Lists will be posted outside the offices the week of the test

Overview of Day 8: 00 am 8: 30 - 9: 45 -10: 00 Arrive to School Booklet 1 Break - snack will be provided : ) 10: 00 -11: 15 Booklet 2 11: 15 -11: 25 Questionnaire 11: 30 Go Home **You will not be allowed to leave early** **Students with an IEP will have extra time**

Punctuality If you are late (by 30 minutes): • You are allowed to write both booklets • The instructions will not be repeated • You will not be given extra time

Absenteeism If you are more than 30 minutes late: • You will be marked absent and your test will not be marked

Overview of Test • • The test is divided into 2 parts. You will have 75 minutes to complete each part. Each part contains both reading tasks and writing tasks *** New this year*** For each part of the test, there will be a question booklet and an answer booklet

New Format Question Booklet Answer Booklet

New Format Question Booklet Answer Booklet

Reading selections: � Information � News paragraph (225 to 250 words) report (225 to 250 words) � Dialogue (225 to 250 words) � Real-life narrative (550 to 600 words) � Graphic text (fewer than 150 words)

Example: Reading Selection

Written Tasks • • Two long-writing tasks: 1. News report (one page) 2. Series of paragraphs expressing an opinion (two pages) Two short-writing tasks (six lines each) ***Fill the space/lines provided***

Example: Written Task

Grammar and Writing Multiple-choice questions on: • Paragraph unity and coherence • Organization of details • Language conventions, eg. • Uses of the comma • Punctuating dialogue • Subject / verb agreement

What to Bring �Dark blue or black pen (several) �Sharpened HB pencils (several) �An eraser �Student ID �Leave all other materials in your locker or at home

Test-room Protocol � Sit in the assigned seat � Do not open your packages early � You will be asked to verify you have all the materials and have the correct test � Listen to and follow teacher’s instructions � Leave all personal belongings in your locker or at the front of the room

Test-room Protocol �You may ONLY work on the assigned booklet �No technological devices are allowed (cellphone, Mp 3 player, …) �Teachers are NOT allowed to explain, define, read, correct, influence, or provide examples for student work �If you need a washroom break, you will be escorted by a teacher

What To Do If You Finish Early �You are NOT allowed to leave until break or until the end �You MUST stay seated �Review your work

How to…

Instructions for OSSLT �Follow the instructions �Read questions carefully, and underline important words �Manage �Answer your time ALL questions and complete ALL tasks

Be Prepared �Practice �Get a good night’s rest �Have a healthy breakfast

Resources for Students • Review the practice test you completed and check your answer against the answers posted in the EQAO website: www. eqao. com • Complete days • Sign the practice activities over the next few out practice guides from the school library

GOOD LUCK AND DO YOUR BEST