WHAT IS THE OSSLT?
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is a standardized test given to all Grade 10 students in all public and private schools who are working toward an Ontario Secondary School Diploma. The purpose of the OSSLT is to ensure that students have acquired the essential reading and writing skills that apply to all subject areas in the provincial curriculum up to the end of Grade 9.
The OSSLT is given each year to every Grade 10 student, and to Grade 11 students who have been previously unsuccessful on the test.
Students who are unsuccessful on the OSSLT are eligible to fulfill the requirement through the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OSSLC).
It is strongly suggested, for graduation purposes, that students who have failed the test register for OLC 401. Students who received extensive support in grade 9 and 10, but were unable to meet the challenges of the OSSLT, may be more likely to pass OLC than pass the test a second time.
WHAT IS ON THE OSSLT?
The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is comprised of a variety of types of reading passages, multiple choice and short response questions based on the reading selections, and a number of long and short writing tasks. To see acutal samples of previous tests, use the links provided below.
ROLE OF THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT FOR the OSSLT?
Since reading and writing activities are at the centre of the English curriculum and classroom, the department has one of the most integral roles in preparing students for the OSSLT. Students and parents can be assured that preparation for the OSSLT begins in grade 9 and continues through grade 10. Students become well versed with the language and tasks that appear on the OSSLT because they are integrated into all units, the CPT and final exam.
However, the OSSLT assesses the essential reading and writing skills that apply to all subject areas in the provincial curriculum up to the end of Grade 9. Therefore, it is the responsibility and role of all subject teachers to prepare students for the provincial test.
Click on the links below for more information and sample test questions and answers.
Tips for Success on the Test.pdf
Sample Booklet 1 and Sample Booklet 2
Multiple Choice Answer Key for Booklets Above
Link to Released Test Questions - 2013-2011
Do not use tests earlier than 2011. The prompts have changed. Thus, the expectations of the answers have also changed.