STUDENT INFORMATION SESSION OSSLT MARCH 25, 2008 9:50 10:20 A.M.
Introduction Students in grade 10 must attempt the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) Mandatory if you are working towards a diploma Tests your literacy skills you are expected to have learned by the end of grade 9
Date and Time Thursday March 27th, 2008 Be at school by 8:10 a.m. In your assigned classroom by 8:20 a.m. Test starts at 8:30 a.m.
Do I have to write the OSSLT this year? Started grade 9 in 2006-20072007 (last year) Came to Ontario from another province or country and entered grade 10, 11 or 12 this year Tried the test but were unsuccessful Test was postponed for you and you are working on completing your high school diploma
Format Complete 2 booklets 75 minutes per book 15 minute break between books snacks provided po In each book: reading selections, writing tasks and questions In each book: reading and writing tasks
What to Bring Blue or black pens Pencils with erasers Highlighters Do not bring: bags, jackets, lunches and electronic devices
READING TASKS
Reading skills that you will show: Understand directly stated ideas and info Understand indirectly stated ideas and info Make connections between what you read and your own knowledge and experience
Types of reading passages that may be on the test: Information Paragraph: info & ideas on a topic News Report: information in a news story Dialogue: a conversation Narrative: an account of a time in a person s life Graphic Selection: presents ideas using graphics such as diagrams, photos, drawings, sketches, patterns, timetables, maps, charts or tables
Types of questions in the reading section: Multiple Choice: read then select the best or most correct answer from a list of four options Open-response: espo se read info paragraph, ag ap news report or dialogue then answer 1-2 questions s based on the reading selection. ec Six blank lines are provided
WRITING TASKS
Writing skills that you will show: Develop a main idea with supporting details Organize info and ideas in a coherent way Use writing conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) to clearly communicate
Types of writing questions: Long writing tasks (2 types): Write a News Report: use a picture & headline link the headline & photograph to an event one lined page to write your answer write about an event that has happened in the past to inform readers of a newspaper
Types of writing questions: Long writing tasks (2 types): Series of Paragraphs Expressing an Opinion topic will be current and familiar 3 paragraphs: intro, body and conclusion two lined pages to write your answer support opinion: reasons, examples and facts
Types of writing questions: Short writing tasks (write in complete sentences 6 lines per answer) Multiple-choice questions (questions will check your understanding d of the three writing skills)
GENERAL TEST INSTRUCTIONS
Punctuality and Absenteeism You received a letter with a room number in it this is where you will be writing your test Room numbers will also be posted in the atrium on Thursday morning Be in your seat by 8:20 a.m. If late you will not have any extra time If absent you will need to write the test next year
Once you are in the Test Room Teacher will direct you to your seat Key Terms will be given to you before the test begins Wait for instructions: do not open book until told Instructions are on the inside of each booklet please follow these carefully Review answers if you finish Check that you haven t missed any sections Work on your own questions are not allowed Do not leave anything blank Write clearly clear handwriting will not be scored Offensive language - will not be marked
TEST TAKING TIPS
To answer MULTIPLE CHOICE questions: Answer on Student Answer Sheet in pencil Do not leave anything blank guess if you do not know the answer To change your answer, erase incorrect answer and fill in the circle of your new answer make correct answer darker
To answer WRITTEN questions: Use blue or black ink or pencil and write in the booklet on the lines provided Number of lines = expected length of answer Use rough space to plan answers, but write your response in the lined space To change your answer, cross out the incorrect part and write the new answer neatly DO NOT USE LIQUID PAPER / WHITE OUT
FOR FINAL REVIEW www.markvilless.com Go to: Liter8 Program Go to: Student Area Literacy Practice Booklets www.eqao.com Go to: English Go to: Student Resources Go to: Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test Go to: Getting Ready Guide
ANY QUESTIONS?