Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
What is What is Literacy?Literacy?
It is the ability to It is the ability to read and writeread and write
What is What is the the
OSSLT?OSSLT?
Ontario Secondary Ontario Secondary School Literacy TestSchool Literacy Test
• The OSSLT measures The OSSLT measures student skills concerning student skills concerning reading and writing reading and writing in all in all areas of the curriculumareas of the curriculum up up to and including grade nine.to and including grade nine.
You MUST attend!You MUST attend!
You MUST write this You MUST write this test!test!
You must pass You must pass in order to in order to graduate!graduate!
WritingWriting
There are three kinds of writing There are three kinds of writing tasks:tasks:
• News report News report
• Series of paragraphs expressing and opinion Series of paragraphs expressing and opinion
Short writing tasks: Short writing tasks: Six-line response to a question or statement, Six-line response to a question or statement,
which may or may not be related to a reading which may or may not be related to a reading selectionselectionSix-line summary of a reading selectionSix-line summary of a reading selection
There are also multiple choice questions testing There are also multiple choice questions testing writing skillswriting skills
Written AnswersWritten AnswersNEWS REPORTNEWS REPORT
• 11 page long page long• Headline and picture Headline and picture
providedprovided• Must indent paragraphs Must indent paragraphs
clearlyclearly• Include quotation(s)Include quotation(s)• You make up the details – You make up the details –
• USE THE 5 W’s and H – START WITH “WHEN”USE THE 5 W’s and H – START WITH “WHEN”
Writing A News Writing A News ReportReport
On the literacy test you will be On the literacy test you will be asked to write a newspaper asked to write a newspaper article based on a headline article based on a headline and a picture provided to you. and a picture provided to you. You will have to use the facts You will have to use the facts and information you gather and information you gather from these two items to from these two items to answer all of the 5 W’s. answer all of the 5 W’s.
What are the 5 W’s?What are the 5 W’s?
The 5 W’sThe 5 W’s
Who?Who? What? What? Where? Where? When? When? Why?Why?
and sometimesand sometimes How?How?
Use the HeadlineUse the Headline
Carefully examine the headline provided Carefully examine the headline provided to you. Read the headline carefully, and to you. Read the headline carefully, and examine the picture closely. Then examine the picture closely. Then brainstorm what you think the story will brainstorm what you think the story will be about in the space provided (the be about in the space provided (the rough notes section of the page). rough notes section of the page).
Example:Example:
POLICE SHUT DOWN SWEAT SHOPPOLICE SHUT DOWN SWEAT SHOP
Use the PictureUse the Picture
Examine the Examine the picture picture provided to provided to you. you.
Example:Example:
Use the Picture Cont’dUse the Picture Cont’d
Divide the Divide the picture into picture into quadrants and quadrants and label label everything you everything you see in each see in each quadrant. quadrant.
Examine the PictureExamine the Picture
By dividing the picture into quadrants, you By dividing the picture into quadrants, you force your eye to focus on every detail. In force your eye to focus on every detail. In the picture, you will focus on the people in the picture, you will focus on the people in the photo, the setting of the photo, and the photo, the setting of the photo, and the event taking place.the event taking place.
Use the Picture Cont’dUse the Picture Cont’d Use the labels to answer the five questions: Use the labels to answer the five questions:
Who? What? Where? When? Why?Who? What? Where? When? Why?
Who is the story about?Who is the story about?
What situation took place?What situation took place?
Where is the sweat shop?Where is the sweat shop?
When did the police shut it down?When did the police shut it down?
Why did the police shut the sweat shop Why did the police shut the sweat shop down?down?
Provide Provide InformationInformation
Provide a first and last name for Provide a first and last name for every person in your picture and every person in your picture and name the location of the event. name the location of the event. Be sure to pick names that you Be sure to pick names that you know how to spell and that are know how to spell and that are generic. generic.
Example:Example:
Lily Han had been working at Lily Han had been working at the clothing factory in China the clothing factory in China since she was ten years old. since she was ten years old.
OrganizationOrganization
Organize your ideas into short Organize your ideas into short paragraphs – the opening paragraph is paragraphs – the opening paragraph is usually just one sentence long. usually just one sentence long.
Example:Example:
Yesterday, in China, local police Yesterday, in China, local police were able to close a sweat shop that was were able to close a sweat shop that was employing underage workers.employing underage workers.
Use TransitionsUse Transitions What are transition words?What are transition words?
Transitions contribute to style, Transitions contribute to style, organization, and clarity. When you use organization, and clarity. When you use transitions effectively, your writing flows transitions effectively, your writing flows smoothly and naturally. smoothly and naturally.
Here are some suggestions:Here are some suggestions: Afterward, finally, for example, then, Afterward, finally, for example, then,
also, furthermore, as well, additionally, also, furthermore, as well, additionally, in closing…in closing…
The Use of PronounsThe Use of Pronouns
Do not use “I, me, we, us, our, you Do not use “I, me, we, us, our, you or yours,” or yours,” exceptexcept in a quotations in a quotations from participants or bystanders. from participants or bystanders.
Remember, you Remember, you do not include do not include your opinion in a news report. This your opinion in a news report. This can be a very simple mistake, for can be a very simple mistake, for example:example:
The sentence “Lily Han looked The sentence “Lily Han looked nervous” is an opinion not a fact nervous” is an opinion not a fact because of the word ‘looked’.because of the word ‘looked’.
Use the Past TenseUse the Past Tense
Write the news report in the past Write the news report in the past tense. tense.
Using ‘Yesterday’ for the start of your Using ‘Yesterday’ for the start of your news report will help you keep news report will help you keep everything in the past tense. everything in the past tense.
For Example:For Example:
Yesterday, police stormed a Yesterday, police stormed a sweatshop in China. sweatshop in China.
QuotationsQuotations Be sure to include quotations from witnesses Be sure to include quotations from witnesses
or bystanders in your third or fourth or bystanders in your third or fourth paragraph.paragraph.
Punctuate carefully. Punctuate carefully.
For Example:For Example:
Officer Patrick Li stated, “There will be Officer Patrick Li stated, “There will be much relief now to the young workers who much relief now to the young workers who have slaved in this sweat shop for too long.”have slaved in this sweat shop for too long.”
Final ThoughtsFinal Thoughts
Remember, this is your Remember, this is your chance to really shine! chance to really shine! You have the opportunity You have the opportunity to write about an event or to write about an event or something newsworthy something newsworthy using only a picture, a using only a picture, a headline and your headline and your imagination! imagination!
Here are some Here are some examples to guide examples to guide
you… you… These examples appear from weakest These examples appear from weakest to strongest. to strongest.
The final two examples are what you The final two examples are what you need to produce in order to be need to produce in order to be successful.successful.
Look over them carefully, noting the Look over them carefully, noting the differences in content and format.differences in content and format.
THE SHORT WRITING THE SHORT WRITING TASK: Open ResponseTASK: Open ResponseThese tasks give you the opportunity to These tasks give you the opportunity to use your knowledge and use your knowledge and personal personal experienceexperiencewhile demonstrating your while demonstrating your writing skills.writing skills.
Read and reread the question carefully. Read and reread the question carefully. These questions are These questions are NOTNOT attached to a attached to a reading selection. reading selection.
Think of links between the topic and your Think of links between the topic and your knowledge and knowledge and personal experiencespersonal experiences. .
Answer the question using specific details Answer the question using specific details and relevant information. and relevant information.
Reread your response and correct any Reread your response and correct any errors you notice. errors you notice.
P.E.E.E.P.E.E.E.PPOINT . . . . OINT . . . . Topic sentence, using part of Topic sentence, using part of
the the question in your answer. question in your answer.
EEXPLAIN . . . .XPLAIN . . . .OOr r EExpand on your point, xpand on your point, using using relevant and specific relevant and specific information. information.
EEXAMPLE . . .XAMPLE . . .ALWAYSprovide an example.ALWAYSprovide an example.
(Do not go over the six (6) lines)(Do not go over the six (6) lines)
POINTPOINT: If I could go anywhere in the : If I could go anywhere in the world for a holiday, I would go to an world for a holiday, I would go to an island in the Caribbean.island in the Caribbean.
EXPLAINEXPLAIN: I would go there because the : I would go there because the islands are hot and have nice beaches.islands are hot and have nice beaches.
EXAMPLEEXAMPLE: For example, Barbados : For example, Barbados hassandy white beaches and warm hassandy white beaches and warm temperatures all year round. This island temperatures all year round. This island would be a wonderful place for a holiday.would be a wonderful place for a holiday.
If you could go on a holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
If I could go anywhere in the world If I could go anywhere in the world for a holiday, I would go to an island in for a holiday, I would go to an island in the Caribbean.I would go there because the Caribbean.I would go there because the islands are hot and have nice the islands are hot and have nice beaches. For example, Barbados beaches. For example, Barbados hassandy white beaches and warm hassandy white beaches and warm temperatures all year round. This island temperatures all year round. This island would be a wonderful place for a would be a wonderful place for a holiday.holiday.
If you could go on a holiday anywhere in the world, where would you go and why?
Written AnswersWritten Answers Series of paragraphs expressing Series of paragraphs expressing
an an OPINIONOPINION• length – approx. 2 pageslength – approx. 2 pages• pick a side – stick with itpick a side – stick with it• choose the easiest side to choose the easiest side to
answer and supportanswer and support
Series of Paragraphs Series of Paragraphs Expressing an OpinionExpressing an Opinion
This writing piece must be between 3 This writing piece must be between 3 and 5 paragraphs in length.and 5 paragraphs in length.
It must have an introductory and a It must have an introductory and a concluding paragraph.concluding paragraph.
You may use personal pronouns – You may use personal pronouns – it is it is your opinion your opinion
Body paragraphs must have a POINT, Body paragraphs must have a POINT, an EXPLANATION, and an EXPLANATION, and EXAMPLES/REASONS. EXAMPLES/REASONS.
Series of Series of Paragraphs: How Paragraphs: How
do I begin?do I begin?Read the prompt carefully.Read the prompt carefully.
Example: Example: Should high schools allow cell phones in the Should high schools allow cell phones in the classroom?classroom?
In the ROUGH NOTES space provided, draw a T-Chart.In the ROUGH NOTES space provided, draw a T-Chart.
In this chart decide the pros and cons, or yes and no answers to In this chart decide the pros and cons, or yes and no answers to this question.this question.
PICK A SIDE!PICK A SIDE!
You may NOT argue for both sides – PICK ONE AND STICK TO IT!You may NOT argue for both sides – PICK ONE AND STICK TO IT!
exemplarsexemplars
Series of Paragraphs Series of Paragraphs (Continued)(Continued)
Begin with…Begin with…
Cell phone use in the classroom is a very interesting Cell phone use in the classroom is a very interesting topic. In my opinion, we should allow cell phones for a topic. In my opinion, we should allow cell phones for a number of reasons. Firstly, number of reasons. Firstly, ________________________________________________ ________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________
In addition, ____________________________________________ In addition, ____________________________________________
Finally, ________________________________________________ Finally, ________________________________________________
For all these reasons, cell phones are beneficial to For all these reasons, cell phones are beneficial to the students and the teachers and should be allowed.the students and the teachers and should be allowed.
Series of Paragraphs Series of Paragraphs (Continued)(Continued)
Now, each of your three arguments will Now, each of your three arguments will become your body paragraphs:become your body paragraphs:
Firstly . . . Firstly . . . P.E.E.P.E.E.
In addition . . . In addition . . . P.E.E.P.E.E.
Finally . . . Finally . . . P.E.E.P.E.E.
A concluding paragraph will complete this A concluding paragraph will complete this writing task.writing task.
The conclusion must restate your opinion The conclusion must restate your opinion and your three arguments. Be sure to use and your three arguments. Be sure to use different words, so as not to be repetitive.different words, so as not to be repetitive.
Series of Paragraphs: Series of Paragraphs: ReviewReview
Read promptRead prompt
Create a T-Chart of pros and consCreate a T-Chart of pros and cons
Pick a side and stick to it!Pick a side and stick to it!
Introductory paragraph, stating opinion and Introductory paragraph, stating opinion and argumentsarguments
Body paragraphs Body paragraphs (P.E.E.)(P.E.E.)
Concluding paragraph, restating opinion and main Concluding paragraph, restating opinion and main pointspoints
Proofread for clarity, spelling, punctuation, and Proofread for clarity, spelling, punctuation, and grammar grammar
Written AnswersWritten Answers Short AnswersShort Answers(5 or more)(5 or more)
6 lines long (approximately 40-75 words)6 lines long (approximately 40-75 words)
Do not go over the six linesDo not go over the six lines
Read prompt carefully and answer in full Read prompt carefully and answer in full sentences sentences
Add an example whenever possible Add an example whenever possible (P.E.E.)(P.E.E.)
These questions are all related to the These questions are all related to the reading selectionsreading selections
Written Answers: Short AnswersWritten Answers: Short Answers
ALWAYS, whenever possible, repeat part of ALWAYS, whenever possible, repeat part of the question in your opening sentence. Turn the question in your opening sentence. Turn the question into a statement.the question into a statement.
Question:Question:
What evidence can you find in this What evidence can you find in this selection selection that shows that Vickie and her that shows that Vickie and her husband husband tried to minimize their risks?tried to minimize their risks?
Becomes:Becomes:
There is evidence in the selection There is evidence in the selection which which shows that Vickie and her shows that Vickie and her husband tried to husband tried to minimize their risks.minimize their risks.
Question:Question:
Use information in this selection and your Use information in this selection and your own ideas to explain why Vickie and her own ideas to explain why Vickie and her husband would be considered husband would be considered entrepreneurs.entrepreneurs.
Becomes:Becomes:
Vickie and her husband could be considered Vickie and her husband could be considered entrepreneurs for several reasons.entrepreneurs for several reasons.
YOU SHOULD NOT START TO GIVE YOUR YOU SHOULD NOT START TO GIVE YOUR REASONS, REASONS, EXAMPLES, OR PROOFS IN EXAMPLES, OR PROOFS IN
YOUR OPENING SENTENCE.YOUR OPENING SENTENCE.
Here are some Here are some examples to guide examples to guide
you… you… These examples appear from weakest These examples appear from weakest to strongest to strongest
The final example is what you need to The final example is what you need to produce in order to be successfulproduce in order to be successful
Look over them carefully, noting the Look over them carefully, noting the differences in content and formatdifferences in content and format
Code10
Code20
Code30
Here are some Here are some more examples to more examples to
guide you… guide you… These examples also appear from These examples also appear from weakest to strongest weakest to strongest
The final example is what you need to The final example is what you need to produce in order to be successfulproduce in order to be successful
Look over them carefully, noting the Look over them carefully, noting the differences in content and formatdifferences in content and format
10
2200
3030
WRITTEN ANSWERS:WRITTEN ANSWERS:SUMMARYSUMMARY
Main IdeaMain Idea of an information of an information paragraphparagraphSix lines long (approximately 40-75 words)Six lines long (approximately 40-75 words)Do not go over the six linesDo not go over the six linesstate the state the main idea main idea and and two supporting two supporting points/details points/details from the selectionfrom the selectionYou may begin with . . . You may begin with . . .
This paragraph is This paragraph is
about… about…
When you are asked to SUMMARIZE your reading, then you must decide what the entirereading selection is about.
Ask Yourself:What is this selection about? This is your TOPIC.What is the author saying about this topic? This is your MAIN IDEA.
For example, if you read a story about Wayne Gretzky, you would have to decide what the overall point was about the story and turn this into your opening statement. The TOPIC would be Wayne Gretsky, but the MAIN IDEA would be what the author was saying about Wayne Gretsky.
Example: The main idea of this story is that Wayne Gretzky has not always had an easy life.
THEN you would complete your paragraph with reasons/details from the reading selection to support your opening sentence.
You may also use this organizer to You may also use this organizer to summarize information… summarize information…
Somebody / Wanted / But / So / Somebody / Wanted / But / So / ThenThen
Little Red Riding Hood wanted to Little Red Riding Hood wanted to go and visit her Grandmother, but go and visit her Grandmother, but she was attacked by a bad wolf. she was attacked by a bad wolf. When this happened, she When this happened, she screamed as loud as she could and screamed as loud as she could and then a woodsman came and saved then a woodsman came and saved her life.her life.
Somebody / Somebody / Wanted / But / Wanted / But /
So / ThenSo / ThenThis is most useful for summarizing This is most useful for summarizing fictional or narrative pieces of writing. fictional or narrative pieces of writing. However, it can be applied to non-fiction However, it can be applied to non-fiction as well. Sometimes changing the as well. Sometimes changing the “BUT” “BUT” to to an an “AND” “AND” makes all the difference.makes all the difference.
Try both of these methods and see what Try both of these methods and see what works for you. The works for you. The SUMMARYSUMMARY has been a has been a difficult piece for students historically. difficult piece for students historically.
Practice both methods to ensure success.Practice both methods to ensure success.
All Written All Written AnswersAnswers
Write legibly on the lines providedWrite legibly on the lines provided
Pay attention to clarity, organization, Pay attention to clarity, organization, spelling, grammar and punctuationspelling, grammar and punctuation
Lined space provided indicates the Lined space provided indicates the approximate length expectedapproximate length expected
You may jot notes in any white space in the You may jot notes in any white space in the test booklettest booklet
Spend your time wisely in each booklet, Spend your time wisely in each booklet, starting with the News Report and the Series starting with the News Report and the Series of Paragraphsof Paragraphs
Multiple ChoiceMultiple Choice• You may answer in test booklet first, You may answer in test booklet first,
then transfer your answers to the then transfer your answers to the Answer Sheet Answer Sheet
• Only the Answer Sheet will be scoredOnly the Answer Sheet will be scored
Multiple ChoiceMultiple ChoiceChoose best or most correct answerChoose best or most correct answer
The answer is rarely “obvious”The answer is rarely “obvious”
If you are absolutely unsure, GUESSIf you are absolutely unsure, GUESS
Do Do not not leave any question blankleave any question blank
Carefully record answers on the Student Answer Carefully record answers on the Student Answer SheetSheet
Be certain you are answering in the proper sectionsBe certain you are answering in the proper sections
To change answer – erase or cross outTo change answer – erase or cross out
Multiple ChoiceMultiple ChoiceTo change answer – erase or cross outTo change answer – erase or cross out
Multiple ChoiceMultiple Choice
Like this
Not like this
LETLET’’S REVIEW SOME TIPS S REVIEW SOME TIPS BEFORE YOU BEGIN…BEFORE YOU BEGIN…
Prepare in advance by reading ALL the Multiple Choice questions before reading the text
Have a highlighter ready to mark important information as you read the text
It is important to know that for this It is important to know that for this Section of the test, you will also be Section of the test, you will also be looking at visual material such as looking at visual material such as
graphs, charts, diagrams or graphicsgraphs, charts, diagrams or graphics
EXAMINE CAREFULLYEXAMINE CAREFULLY
CHECKING YOUR CHECKING YOUR WORKWORK
After you have read the text and highlighted it, re-read the multiple choice questions and answer them carefully on the Student Answer Sheet
When is the When is the OSSLT?OSSLT?
Thursday, April 11Thursday, April 11thth, , 20132013
8:45 to 11:55 (includes a 15 min. break)8:45 to 11:55 (includes a 15 min. break)
75 minutes to complete each booklet75 minutes to complete each booklet
Booklet 1Booklet 1: 8:45 – 10:15 (Test begins at 9): 8:45 – 10:15 (Test begins at 9)
Nutrition Break (Healthy snacks provided)Nutrition Break (Healthy snacks provided)
Booklet 2Booklet 2: 10:30 – 11:55 (Test begins at : 10:30 – 11:55 (Test begins at 10:30)10:30)
Please use the following Please use the following websites to practice at websites to practice at home, in MSIP, in the home, in MSIP, in the
Library, and in STUDENT Library, and in STUDENT SUCCESS . . .SUCCESS . . .
Practice! Practice! Practice! Practice! Practice!Practice!
http://www.eqao.com/Students/Secondary/10/10.aspx?Lang=E&gr=10
Print out and practice , using tests from Print out and practice , using tests from previous years. See exemplars of student previous years. See exemplars of student work and rubrics to inform your practice.work and rubrics to inform your practice.
http://www.dpcdsb.org/CEC/Programs/EQAO/EQAOTests/OSSLTTests.htm
This site provides interactive practice This site provides interactive practice activities. Do quizzes and get instant feedback. activities. Do quizzes and get instant feedback. It is a GREAT one to visit – my #1 It is a GREAT one to visit – my #1 recommendation recommendation
• http://www.readwriterock.com/main.html
This is a rock and roll game that incorporates This is a rock and roll game that incorporates the skills being measured on the literacy test. It the skills being measured on the literacy test. It moves a bit slowly, but is great for practicing moves a bit slowly, but is great for practicing the various tasks.the various tasks.
Remember…Remember…
• This is a Diploma This is a Diploma RequirementRequirement
• You may need some additional practice You may need some additional practice and support, but you are all capableand support, but you are all capable
• The Resource teacher has met each and The Resource teacher has met each and every student who will receive every student who will receive accommodations accommodations on this day on this day
• Taking this test seriously and working Taking this test seriously and working on your skills will lead to … on your skills will lead to … SUCCESS! SUCCESS!
