OSSLT PREP SESSION This presentation will provide you with tips and help you to prepare for the following tasks on the OSSLT: Writing a summary paragraph based on a reading Writing a paragraph response based on a reading Writing an opinion paragraph

Short Writing Tasks These tasks will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your writing skills using your knowledge and personal experience. The short written answers come in two types: 1) Written answers related to a READING In some cases you will be asked to provide a written answer related to a READING (You may be asked a comprehension question about the selection or be asked to summarize the selection.) 2) Written answers related to WRITING In some cases you will be asked to provide a written answer related to a stand alone question.

OSSLT: TIPS FOR SHORT WRITING TASKS Read and reread the question carefully. Underline or highlight key words Use the “Rough Notes” section Always begin your response with a clear topic sentence For questions related to a reading, use specific details from the reading selection to support your answers For personal opinion questions, use personal experiences/examples to support your opinions End your response with a concluding sentence

OSSLT: TIPS FOR SHORT WRITING TASKS Fill the space provided & keep your answer within the six lines provided – anything you write beyond the lines will not be scored Use complete sentences Use formal language Make sure your handwriting is clear. Illegible handwriting cannot be marked Reread your responses and correct any errors you notice ALWAYS attempt an answer. A score of 10 vs. a score of 0 can be the difference between a pass and a fail!

Written Response Related to a Reading SUMMARY PARAGRAPH

Writing a Summary What is a summary? Think of it this way. A friend spent 30 minutes telling you a story. You want to retell this story to a friend but you only have 10 minutes. What do you do? To make sure you are not missing significant details write key points from the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the story.

Sample OSSLT Question This question asks you to summarize the reading selection. Read the original passage very carefully. Highlight or underline the main point & the key ideas that the writer uses to support his/her point. HINT: The author’s main idea can be usually found in the opening lines of the passage.

TIPS: On the actual test there is a lot of space for Rough Notes. Use it wisely. Use the rough notes section to record the main idea and specific points that the author uses to support the main idea.

OSSLT Short Writing Task Rubric All short writing tasks are marked for: (1)Topic Development /30 AND (2) Use of Conventions /20 Total= /50 marks

Let’s see what a score of 10/30 looks like This response provides a correct main idea only (“It is one of the most visited museums in the world.”).

Let’s see what a score of 20/30 looks like

Let’s see what a score of 30/30 looks like

Written Response Related to a Reading You will be asked to respond to a short answer question based on a reading

TIPS 1. Read the question carefully to understand what is being asked. 2. Answer the question by including part of the question as part of your answer. Be sure to answer all parts of the question! 3. Go back to the selection to find specific details to support your answer/opinion. 4. Think about your own experiences. In what way does the selection you have read connect to your own experience of the world? Does it make you think about a personal experience you have had? (Text-to-Self) Does it remind you of another book you have read or movie you have watched? (Text-to- Text) Does it remind you of something that has happened in the news? (Text-to-World) 6. Edit! Check your punctuation (capital letters and periods) and spelling!

While Reading: Look at the question first, so you know what you are looking for when reading Skim the section, then read it carefully If you are having trouble reading something, stop and re-read it Underline or highlight important information Write notes in the margin Make connections between what you are reading and your own experiences (Ask yourself – how can I relate this to my life?)

Written answers related to READING Brainstorming Activity Pay attention to key words! This question asks you to EXPLAIN. Be sure to explain how your examples connect to your suggested title. POSSIBLE TITLE TASK: As a class, brainstorm possible titles. Be sure to defend your choice with examples from the reading selection! Example #1 from the story to support why this would be a good title Example #2 from the story to support why this would be a good title

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Student Activity: Practice Response to a Reading This is a sample question taken from a previous year’s OSSLT test. Complete this question to help prepare for the OSSLT. If you would like feedback, bring it to room 208 or to one of the after school literacy sessions. Prep sessions take place after school Monday & Wednesday after school in room 224 (2:15 – 3:45).

Paragraph Expressing an Opinion This is a making connections questions – the answers are not based on a reading but come from your own experiences, the experiences of others etc…

Paragraph Expressing an Opinion Sample questions: If you could visit anywhere in the world, which place would you visit and why? Describe two positive features of living in Canada. Give reasons to support your answer. Do students benefit from having a two month summer break? Give reasons to support your answer. To start your responses always begin with a clear topic sentence. Then provide specific details to support your answer. End your response with a concluding sentence.

TIPS for writing a paragraph expressing an opinion Step #1: Underline or highlight key words in the questions that you would REPEAT in your opening topic sentence. Sample question: Describe two positive features of living in Canada? Use specific details to explain your answer. Be sure to include these key words into your first sentence/topic sentence. This will ensure that your response is on topic. Example: Two positive features of living in Canada are the weather and the sports Canadians play. Step #2: Explain and support your answer using specific examples. Step #3: Write a concluding sentence that connects these examples back to your main idea.

Paragraph expressing an opinion Brainstorming Activity Note: There are 2 parts to the question. Be sure to answer both parts! Complete these questions as a class.

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