1 of 22

Everything You

Need to Know About the OSSLT

2024/25

2 of 22

What is the OSSLT?

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is an assessment of a student’s reading and writing skills based on the Grade 9 curriculum expectations.
EQAO has shifted to an online test that is now offered twice a year.
Successful completion on the OSSLT is a graduation requirement.

3 of 22

Who is writing the OSSLT?

Semester 1

Any student in grade 11 or 12 who was absent, in Remote learning program last year or has not yet been successful on the OSSLT

Semester 2

All Grade 10 Students and any grade 11 or 12 student who was absent from the Fall or needs to rewrite will be writing

4 of 22

When and Where is the OSSLT?

Spring 2025: Semester 2

All Grade 10 students will write the OSSLT in their First Period Classes unless they have made arrangements with Ms. Knarr to write in the Library.

8:10 AM on Tuesday April 8th for Session A
8:10 AM on Wednesday April 9th for Session B

- Students must attend BOTH sessions.

- Students can have up to 130 minutes to complete Session A and

150 minutes to complete Session B

5 of 22

HELP Sessions for the OSSLT?

Spring 2025: Semester 2

Tuesday, March 25: : Period B teachers will go through OSSLT information slideshow
Wednesday, March 26: Period A teachers will run students through practice test
Tuesday April 1: Help session Period 2 in the library for booklet 1 (m/c and short answer)
Thursday April 3: Help session period 2 in the library for booklet 2 (essay)

6 of 22

What does the OSSLT look like?

The OSSLT is an ONLINE assessment that students access using the Kiosk App on their Chromebooks.

The OSSLT consists of two Sessions: Session A and B.

7 of 22

What does the OSSLT look like?

Session A is designed to be completed in 65 minutes.

Session B is designed to be completed in 75 minutes.

Students will complete each Session one at a time and can take up to double time to complete each one.

At the end of the Session B, students will be able to complete an optional student questionnaire.

8 of 22

What does the OSSLT look like?

There are a total of 37 questions:

- 35 selected-response questions

(e.g., single-selection, multiple-selection, checklist, drag & drop, )

- 2 written open-response questions

In Session A there is a 100 word open-response and in Session B there is a 500 word opinion essay.

9 of 22

About the Opinion Essay on the OSSLT:

You will be asked to write a series of paragraphs stating a clear opinion in response to a question.

In your opinion essay you must:

- Choose one side of the topic

- Use 3 reasons to support your opinion

- Use specific and relevant details, reasons and explanations in your answer

Your essay should be approx. 500 words (5 paragraphs) and should demonstrate your ability to use essay structure

10 of 22

Types of Reading Selections & # of Questions on the OSSLT

The number of questions for each task are in the graphic.

11 of 22

What Should I bring to the OSSLT?

A charged WRDSB Chromebook
No other devices are allowed

Consider bringing:

Water / a snack
A mouse
Headphones
Blank Paper
A positive attitude ; )

12 of 22

How will I log into the OSSLT?

On the day of the assessment,

Sign out of your account.

Access the Kiosk App on your Chromebook

Your teacher will give you a class specific code & your OEN to access the assessment.

13 of 22

What is Best way to Prepare for the OSSLT?

Access the online Practice Test by visiting the EQAO website HERE.

Additional practice and support materials can be found

on your D2L Brightspace page HERE

14 of 22

What tools will I be able to access?

The following short videos (1-3 minutes long each) show you how to use the technology in the test. Watch each one to familiarize yourself with the tools available and the structure of the new test.

General Instructions Tools Page Help Page

Tools: Listen, Zoom, Line Reader, High Contrast

Tools: Draw, Highlight Erase Rough Notes

Flagging Questions/Review and Submit

Starting the Test/Back to the Map

15 of 22

Tips to Consider

Get a good night’s sleep and eat breakfast
Don’t over think your answers
Answer all of the questions
Make your thinking visible - use the highlight or underline tool
Read EVERYTHING slowly - and read ALL options before answering

16 of 22

Tips to Consider

Brainstorm or plan your long answers - use specific examples
Write in full sentences
Use part of the question in your answer
Proofread your answers when done!

- You have 120 minutes or 150 minutes… so use it

Don’t stress - Use calming strategies, if needed

17 of 22

Strategies for Success

The following slideshows (and one video) are lessons for how to approach and answer the different kinds of questions you might be asked on the OSSLT. They are also good test-taking and grammar tips for any student. Check out each one.

Multiple Choice Questions

Finding Main Idea

Making Inferences

Open Response Questions

Opinion Essay

Transition Words and Phrases