Welcome to Eder Academy of Canada, a high school that prepares you for success in your academic and personal goals. In this blog post, we will introduce you to the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), a mandatory test that all students in Ontario must pass in order to graduate with an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. We will also give you some tips on how to prepare for the OSSLT and what to expect on the test day.
What is the OSSLT?
The OSSLT is a computer-based test that measures whether you have met the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. The test consists of two sessions (Session A and Session B) that contain a total of 33 questions: 31 multiple-select questions (e.g., multiple-choice, drag and drop, drop-down menu, checklist, text selection) and two constructed open-response questions. The test covers reading and writing skills such as understanding different types of texts, identifying main ideas and supporting details, making inferences and connections, summarizing information, expressing opinions and arguments, using correct grammar, spelling and punctuation, and organizing ideas in a clear and coherent way.
Why is the OSSLT important?
The OSSLT is important because it is one of the requirements to earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma, which is necessary for pursuing further education or employment opportunities. The OSSLT also helps you develop and demonstrate your literacy skills, which are essential for success in all areas of life. By taking the OSSLT, you can show that you have the ability to communicate effectively, think critically and creatively, and access and use information from various sources.
How can you prepare for the OSSLT?
There are many ways you can prepare for the OSSLT and improve your literacy skills throughout the school year. Here are some suggestions:
- Read a variety of texts every day, such as newspapers, magazines, novels, poems, websites, blogs, etc. Pay attention to how the texts are structured, what their purpose and audience are, what their main ideas and supporting details are, and what strategies they use to persuade or inform you.
- Write regularly for different purposes and audiences, such as letters, emails, essays, reports, stories, etc. Practice using different forms of writing, such as narrative, descriptive, persuasive and explanatory. Use feedback from your teachers and peers to revise and edit your writing. Check your grammar, spelling and punctuation carefully.
- Practice answering sample questions from previous OSSLTs or from EQAO's website. Try to complete the questions within the time limit (75 minutes for each session) and follow the instructions carefully. Review your answers and identify your strengths and areas for improvement.
- Familiarize yourself with the format and features of the computer-based test platform by taking EQAO's practice test. Learn how to use the tools and functions available on the platform, such as highlighting text, zooming in or out, changing font size or colour, using a calculator or a dictionary, etc.
- Ask for help from your teachers or peers if you have any questions or difficulties with the test content or platform. You can also enroll in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC) if you need extra support or if you have not attempted or passed the OSSLT before.
What can you expect on the test day?
On the test day, you will need to:
- Bring your student ID card or another form of identification with your name and photo.
- Arrive at school on time and follow the directions from your teacher or administrator.
- Log in to your account on the test platform using your username and password provided by your school.
- Complete Session A (75 minutes) followed by a break (15 minutes) and then Session B (75 minutes).
- Answer all questions as best as you can. You can skip questions and come back to them later if you have time. You can also review and change your answers before submitting them.
- Stay focused and calm throughout the test. If you encounter any technical issues or need any assistance, notify your teacher or administrator immediately.
We hope this blog post has given you some useful information about the OSSLT and how to prepare for it. Remember that the OSSLT is an opportunity for you to showcase your literacy skills and achieve your graduation goal. We wish you all the best on your test day!
