Message: this 15-20minute presentation is aimed to refresh your memory about what the OSSLT is all about and to give you some general test taking strategies that you can use to succeed in all of your classes. Success on the OSSLT

What three things do you need to graduate? OSSLT Credits Service Hours What three things do you need to graduate? Message: the OSSLT is a three hour component that counts as 1/3 of your diploma Finish the OSSLT and 1/3 of your diploma is earned!!

15 Message: Many more people can pass with just a little effort. Often students miss the mark by a hair. The majority of people that do not succeed miss a passing grade by 15 points… Short writing task questions are worth 30 points Think about how cheap that is It is like people who miss a passing a class with a 49% mark. A little effort (especially trying and caring about this test) can result in a passing grade!

Test Outline: No Alarms and No Surprises Long writing tasks News report Series of paragraphs expressing an opinion Short writing tasks Summary Short Writing opinion Multiple Choice Answering questions after a reading Some grammar Message: Don’t freak when you see these long writing pieces. You know that the test contains an opinion piece and a news report Here is what they look like. Don’t be intimidated by the blank lines… be prepared to write these sections

Success Strategies Message: don’t lose marks on the little things Fill out your answer sheet so it is solid black. It should not look like cookie monsters eyes. Make sure you refer to the last story, article etc that you last read. The passage / the selection refers to the last article in the book Also: They know who you are this is all referenced to your personal number and barcode. Therefore any of the markers in Toronto can find out who you are and contact your school if there are inappropriate responses in your paper. So be smart!

Writing Tips: Clearly indent your paragraphs. Use direct evidence (examples from the story or from your life, depending on the question) to support your written answer. Re-read your writing to check for spelling, grammar, punctuation, proper sentences, capitals, etc. Keep your sentences short and simple. Look over the “practice questions” for language conventions- every year, they use the same pattern. Use the “Rough Notes” section to brainstorm ideas. Fill the space provided!!

Reading Tips: Read the whole selection BEFORE you start answering the questions. They have “trick answers” in the multiple choice to catch people who are just skimming the reading. Underline key terms and ideas as you are reading. Time permitting, re-read the selection to make sure you understand it. Use examples from the reading to answer your questions. Look at the pictures and read the captions – they should help you understand the main idea of the reading.

How to do well on any test… Avoid ‘Debbie Downers’ Build Confidence Eat some food Get some sleep Arrive on time Message: You can use any of these tips for any test or examination in your life. Eat– if you are hungry the chances of failing are much greater. Get some sleep – your score will certainly go up Arrive early for tests – the one day in your entire grade 10 year you must be on time is April 2nd. Bring the things you need (pencils, pens etc.) Build confidence – through study and by taking preparatory work seriously. Do a little review the night before the test but don’t wait until the end to cram. Avoid negative people—use positive self-talk. Say to yourself: “I can do this, I am prepared, it will be a piece of cake. Don’t talk to people before any test if you believe that they are negative. OTHER things to remember: Be comfortable but alert Choose a good spot in the room and make sure you have enough space to work, maintain comfortable posture in your seat, but don't "slouch" Stay relaxed and confident Keep a good attitude. Remind yourself that you are well-prepared and are going to do well.  If you find yourself anxious, take several slow, deep breaths to relax Don't talk about the test to other students just before entering the room: their anxiety can be contagious Time management Worry about breaks On this one day…above all others in grade 10 your concern should be not about the test and not other aspects of your life.

Focus on the Advantages! Message: get it and forget it Let’s be honest AND realistic! When successful, this test is only once—you can get it and forget it If so, no more practice next year. It’s only 3 hours! …movie… a hockey game… an America Idol finale. A good fortenite session The motivation to do well on this test is the fact that you never have to worry about it again. It’s only once! No more practice! What is 3 hours?

YOU GOT THIS! The exam mindset … Message: be confident and believe you can do this No one thought Muhammad Ali could beat Sonny Liston. Liston was supposed to be an unstoppable monster and no one believed that he could do it.

… putting the OSSLT in your rearview mirror! Success means… … putting the OSSLT in your rearview mirror! Message: If you take advantage you will of the preparatory work that has occurred this week you’ll be the amongst the best prepared grade 10s in the province. Message: get it done and you can forget about it next year