PREPARING FOR THE OSSLT 2016 ESS www.eqao.com Copyright, 2008

can afford to take a zero on any question. No one question or section is the key to guarantee success on the OSSLT. Every question matters and contributes to your success. Follow the directions for each section and answer what is required for every section. Attempt to answer every question. If you do not know the answer, guess. If you do not answer a question, then you take a mark of zero for it. No one can afford to take a zero on any question.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO FOR THE OSSLT On March 31, 2016 at 8:30 am all Grade 10 students in Ontario will write the OSSLT -- BE HERE AND BE READY TO WRITE (rested and fed) in the room you have been assigned. Bring the following: Pens (blue and black only) pencils a straight edge a highlighter

The Basics The test consists of two question and two answer booklets You have 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete each booklet. (Unless your IEP allows you extra time) Once the time is up, that booklet is sealed and collected. Each booklet will test you on your reading and writing abilities

Samples are available on eqao.com READING -- Three types Informational (225-250 words) paragraph and/or news report Narrative (225-250 words) dialogue and/or real-life narrative (about 600 words) Graphical (fewer than 150 words) could be a map, pamphlet, schedule etc. Lately it has been an infographic with a science or geography focus Samples are available on eqao.com

READING QUESTIONS Questions will be either multiple choice or open- response (the open-response are worth 30 marks each and will require a short answer of 6 lines each -- a summary of an information paragraph and questions on the content of the news report and the narrative) APE – ANSWER THE QUESTION, PROVE IT, EXPLAIN AND CONCLUDE Only three types of questions that can be asked: Right there (directly stated) You and the author (using info provided plus your own ideas -- inference) On your own/making connections (personal opinion based on knowledge and experience, always the open-response questions)

READING SUCCESS Read the questions first so you know what to look for as you are reading the article Highlight points that you will use If you become confused stop and reread the part you don’t understand For the Multiple Choice Questions: - read the question carefully If you are not sure of the answer - rule out any incorrect answers - choose the best or most correct answer - Record your answer as instructed For the Open-Response Reading Questions: - read the question carefully - keep your answer within the six lines provided. Remember the formula APE - Answer the question, Prove it with evidence, and Explain your reasoning and conclude. - use specific and relevant details and info from the reading - proof read

Writing questions and tasks Multiple choice questions - developing a main idea with supporting details - organization of ideas - language conventions (grammar and punctuation) Two short writing tasks - six lines each based on your response to set prompts “What was your favourite childhood toy and explain why?” Long writing tasks - NEWS REPORT (one page) - SERIES OF PARAGRAPHS - EXPRESSING AN OPINION (two pages)

WRITING SUCCESS NEWS REPORT (one page) - based on the picture and headline given (make sure headline, picture and article are connected – 3 people in picture, name them) - students are to write about an event that has already happened using 3rd person -- NO OPINIONS - should answer WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY and HOW and include a quotation SERIES OF PARAGRAPHS EXPRESSING AN OPINION (two pages) - write a minimum of three paragraphs (intro, development and conclusion) - plan before you begin writing - clearly state your opinion at the beginning - support your opinion with examples and facts - make sure the divisions between paragraphs are clear

OSSLT SUCCESS Manage your time Follow the instructions Listen to the teacher in charge Read each question carefully Answer every question Your audience is an adult Allow time to proof read at the end