Every student in Ontario need to pass the Grade 10 literacy test in order to graduate secondary school. The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) has been developed by the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) and is based on the expectations for reading and writing as set out by the Ontario curriculum policies and documents. The test is there to ensure students are on track on their literacy level. Most students pass the test, but if you fail, you can still take the test next year.
This article will prepare you for the test and help you to get familiar with the format of the test.
First, let's learn the format of the test:
Duration: 2.5 hour in total.
Format: Two booklets, one answer sheet, you should finish each portion in 75 minutes
What's in the test?
Reading component requires you to read articles and answer multiple choice questions
The reading component is relatively easy compared to the writing. As long as you read the questions carefully, do not miss anything, you will be able to get most answers right.
Writing component requires you to write short paragraphs or long essays
For example: on usages of comma,
Choose which one is correct:
a) Ice fishing, a popular activity in northern regions, requires skill.
b) First, you need to drill a hole, in the ice on a lake using an auger.
c) Some avid anglers, use an ice shack, while waiting for the fish to bite.
d) Ice fishing in the north requires patience a stool to sit on and warm winter clothing.
a) is correct, comma is used to separate explanation.
Sample topic: Why is it important to learn different cultures around the world?
Sample topic: Is cellphone necessary in teenager's life?
Sample headline: Students participate in important election
For a sample test, go to this site: EQAO Parent Resource
First, let's learn the format of the test:
Duration: 2.5 hour in total.
Format: Two booklets, one answer sheet, you should finish each portion in 75 minutes
What's in the test?
Reading component requires you to read articles and answer multiple choice questions
- Informational Paragraph
- News Article
- Dialogue
- Real-life Narrative
- Graphic Paragraph
The reading component is relatively easy compared to the writing. As long as you read the questions carefully, do not miss anything, you will be able to get most answers right.
Writing component requires you to write short paragraphs or long essays
- Grammar structure (1 page, multiple choice questions)
For example: on usages of comma,
Choose which one is correct:
a) Ice fishing, a popular activity in northern regions, requires skill.
b) First, you need to drill a hole, in the ice on a lake using an auger.
c) Some avid anglers, use an ice shack, while waiting for the fish to bite.
d) Ice fishing in the north requires patience a stool to sit on and warm winter clothing.
a) is correct, comma is used to separate explanation.
- Short Opinion Paragraph (1 paragraph opinion writing, half page)
Sample topic: Why is it important to learn different cultures around the world?
- Long Opinion Paragraph ( minimum 3 paragraphs opinion essay, 2 pages)
Sample topic: Is cellphone necessary in teenager's life?
- News Article ( create a news article based on headline and picture, 1 page)
Sample headline: Students participate in important election
For a sample test, go to this site: EQAO Parent Resource
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