osslt essay topics 2021

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Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) – Fall 2021

November 2nd, 2021

For the 2021-22 school year, grade 10, 11 and non-graduating grade 12 students will be provided with the opportunity to fulfill their literacy graduation requirement. The common way students earn this literacy requirement is by writing the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT).  

The past two years our students have not been able to write this test due to the pandemic and as a result the graduation requirement was waived.  For this year, all grade 12 students that are graduating remain exempt from the requirement, however the Ministry of Education has reinstated the requirement for all other students.

What is the OSSLT?

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test is a single event that allows a student to pass their literacy requirement.  

The test consists of two parts ;

Part 1 focuses on reading, and has three reading passages. Students complete a series of multiple choice questions and open-response questions about the content they have read. 

Part  2 focuses on reading comprehension, and writing skills.  Students read 2 passages and complete a series of multiple choice questions. Students will also write a series of paragraphs supporting their opinion on a topic that the test has them read about. 

How will the test be administered?

The test is online this year. Students MUST use their board provided chromebooks to write the OSSLT. The test has many features to support students including: 

• A help menu  
• A text-speech function that reads the text on the screen out loud  
• Zoom in and zoom out  
• A line reader that helps students focus on one line of text at a time 
• A high-contrast view
• Annotation tools 
• A tool for rough notes

All students will also have access to virtual breathing exercises, reminders of test taking strategies and other minds-on activities to help them as they take the modernized OSSLT.

When & where will my student write the OSSLT?

Grade 11 and non-graduating Grade 12 students will complete the OSSLT during their C block (morning) class over two days:

• Tuesday November 23 – Part 1
• Wednesday November 24 – Part 2

There will be another test opportunity in the spring for grade 10, 11 and 12’s. 

My student is not writing the OSSLT?

In the past the whole school day would have been dedicated to those writing the test. Since the test is now online and our 150 minute classes provided plenty of time for the test, ALL of our students will attend regular classes on test days.

Students who are not required or who are not writing the OSSLT for other reasons will have regular classes. Their day and timetable will not be impacted. This is a regular school day for this group of students. 

How can I help my student prepare for the OSSLT?

Before the Test

• All students writing the test in November will complete a practice test on November 8, 9 or 10 in their C block (morning) class
• The practice test can also be found online at: https://d1c1qqn86e6v14.cloudfront.net/#/en/student/osslt-assessment

The Day of the Test

• Remind the student to be on time
• Remind the student to eat before the test
• Encourage your student to do their best, knowing other ways of earning the requirement will be provided if the test doesn’t go well

What other ways can the literacy requirement be met besides the test?

Students can enroll in the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course (OLC4OI), or they may seek an adjudication process. Please connect with your assigned Guidance Counsellor if you have any questions or if you are in Grade 11 and 12 and wish to seek an alternative to the test. 

If I am graduating what do I do?

Graduating Grade 12’s have been exempted from the literacy requirement this year, and do not have to do the test, course or adjudication. 

If I am a remote learning student what do I do?

Students enrolled in SRLP will not be writing the OSSLT this year.  Grade 11 and non-graduating 12’s will either take the course or go through the adjudication process. Remote learning grade 10’s will be given these options next year. The remote learning students will receive direct information from their teachers, guidance counselors or remote learning administrators in the next few weeks.  Please connect with these staff if you have questions or a unique concern about your student. 

If you have any further questions about the OSSLT please email VP Stephen Gray at [email protected].

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Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) measures whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of Grade 9. Successful completion of the literacy test is one of the requirements to earn your Ontario Secondary School Diploma. All students across the province must write this test.

Learn more about the OSSLT with the OSSLT Framework , including:

• What is assessed
• How literacy is aligned and emphasized within the Ontario curriculum
• What is in the OSSLT and question types
• Student outcomes
• How the test is scored
• Student report sample

Frequently asked questions about the OSSLT

View frequently asked questions about the OSSLT , including:

• Who can write the OSSLT?
• How will administrators get access to the online OSSLT e-assessment system?
• How will the online OSSLT be administered?
• What is the format of the online OSSLT?
• How can schools provide supports for success for students who require accommodations and/or have an Individual Education Plan (IEP)?
• When will results be released?
• Where can I get more information on the online OSSLT?

Practice test

Students can become familiar with the OSSLT and its platform by taking an online practice test . The test is made up of two sessions, which include content from previous tests, as well as an introductory session that allows students to get to know the new online platform's tools and functions.

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The OSSLT: How to Prepare for the Ontario Literacy Test

Project-Based Learning , Remedial Learning , Secondary Literacy , Writing

The 2023-2024 school year is a challenging year for students preparing for the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test , also known as the OSSLT . Over the past few years, Ontario secondary students have faced many disruptions in learning. The Ontario government launched its Plan to Catch Up in July of 2022 to address the learning gaps caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. For secondary language teachers, these gaps serve as an obstacle as we continue with the return of standardized testing. This blog post shares practical and engaging strategies to help students prepare for the OSSLT .

Is your department or school board interested in licensing OSSLT Prep curriculum? Explore how you can provide these valuable resources to your students by clicking here .

What is the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)?

The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is a compulsory standardized test that all secondary students in Ontario must write. The test evaluates English language skills in the areas of reading and writing. These are skills that reflect the Ontario English curriculum for up to and including Grade 9.

Ontario students are required to pass the OSSLT in order to graduate from high school in Ontario; however, there are several supports in place for students who don’t pass. These supports can help them succeed in meeting the province’s literacy requirements.

Is the OSSLT only for Grade 10?

The OSSLT is typically administered to students in Grade 10 . This is because the OSSLT evaluates skills that are taught in the Ontario English curriculum from K-9. In 2022, several students in Grade 11 were also eligible to write the OSSLT exam. This was because of cancellations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The OSSLT can also be written by any student who has already completed the exam but was not successful in achieving a passing grade. Students have unlimited attempts at the OSSLT; however, if students are unsuccessful, there are other options available.

What can students do to prepare for the Ontario Literacy Test?

In theory, all students begin preparing for the OSSLT from the time they start school. This is because the OSSLT is designed to assess the skills taught in the Ontario English curriculum from kindergarten to Grade 9 .

In reality, not all students are equipped with the necessary skills to be successful. This is especially true for English Language Learners who have not been enrolled in Ontario schools for a portion of their lives. ELL students may require more experience with the Ontario curriculum in order to be successful on the OSSLT. Fortunately, your ELL students can access special accommodations. Click here to learn more about ELL participation in the OSSLT.

Oftentimes, native English-speaking students also benefit from extra preparation for the OSSLT . Teachers may begin to prepare for the OSSLT well before the exam date in Grade 10 – this preparation is especially vigorous in the 9th and 10th grades.  Through various reading and writing activities, teachers can “ teach to the test ” in order to help students prepare for the OSSLT.

Additionally, students can practice for the OSSLT independently or with a tutor. These practice tests include articles, multiple-choice questions, and written response prompts that resemble the mandated tasks for the OSSLT. Students are also encouraged to work on the practice exercises in the OSSLT section on the Education Quality and Accountability Office (EQAO) website .

How to prepare for the OSSLT

1. review the skills assessed on the ontario secondary school literacy test.

The OSSLT requires a set of prescribed skills for successful completion. Focussing on the following areas will help students prepare for the OSSLT: 

• Expressing and developing an opinion
• Writing a series of paragraphs
• Identifying main ideas and supporti ng points within a text
• Using main ideas and supporting point s to support an opinion
• Writing introductions and conclusions
• Interpreting different types of narrative texts (ie. news reports, magazine stories, short fiction)
• Interpreting informational texts (ie. opinion pieces, textbooks)
• Summarizing ideas and information that are explicitly stated
• Understanding ideas and information that are implicitly stated
• Identifying bias, purpose, reliability, and audience

If you are an administrator or department head in an Ontario secondary school, you can consider arranging prep sessions during lunch hour or after school. Students can drop in and work on a streamlined curriculum that is designed to prepare them for the Ontario Literacy Test.

2. Prepare using OSSLT Practice Tests

Another great way to help students prepare for the OSSLT is to utilize OSSLT Practice Tests . These practice tests are designed to resemble the articles and reading questions that students will encounter on the   EQAO Ontario Literacy Test. Students will explore a Real-Life Narrative (RNL), two Information Paragraphs (IP), a News Report (NR), and a Dialogue (DI). Additionally, students will complete two Written Multiple-Select activities (WMM) and respond to an opinion essay prompt.

3. Teaching to the Test: Multiple-Choice Questions

The multiple-choice section of the OSSLT is geared towards assessing a number of literacy skills. The questions include everything from identifying the purpose of a text to evaluating the context of a word in order to select an appropriate synonym. There is no way of predicting multiple-choice questions. This means you can’t guarantee your students will be successful with this portion of the test.

Fortunately, there are a number of strategies that you can use to practice for the multiple-choice section of the OSSLT. The most straightforward strategy involves practicing with reading passages and multiple-choice questions that resemble the EQAO test. Students can practice multiple-choice questions using these news reports , information texts , and real-life narratives . These articles and multiple-select questions resemble those that students will encounter on the OSSLT.

Another strategy is to incorporate practice for the multiple-choice section into your everyday lessons. When you read a text together as a class, you can pause to ask questions similar to those on the OSSLT:

• Request that students explain how they interpret new vocabulary so that they can model this process to their peers.
• Ask students questions that prompt them to summarize the text .
• Challenge students to make predictions or inferences about the text.
• Move through the text paragraph-by-paragraph to identify the purpose of certain sentences or sections.
• Encourage students to evaluate the text as a whole by suggesting a title for the selection.

3. Lesson Plans to Practice for the Ontario Literacy Test

There are a number of engaging lessons and project-based assessments that you can use to practice for the OSSLT. You can start with a mandated task and utilize backward design to work on the skills necessary for students to be successful on the OSSLT.

One major assessment in the OSSLT involves reading real-life narratives . This narrative unit includes everything you need to build foundational literacy skills for real-life narratives. Students can demonstrate these skills by completing the Community Interview Project , a project-based assessment inspired by the iconic Humans of New York . They can also apply these skills to post-secondary pathways by practicing writing cover letters .

Another major assessment on the Ontario Literacy Test involves writing an opinion essay . This essay must express an opinion and use different forms of evidence to support the main idea of each body paragraph. This main idea and supporting details mini-unit teaches students how to develop main ideas. Students can also apply this knowledge to peer-based learning activities like a Lincoln-Douglas Debate .  

This nonfiction writing bundle also builds the skills necessary to interpret an informational text. Students will learn to identify informational texts and differentiate them from other forms of writing. This will prepare them to write their own informational paragraphs.  

Finally, focussing on reading comprehension will also sharpen essential literacy skills for Ontario students. The more practice students have with different types of texts, the more prepared they will be to interpret these texts on the Ontario Literacy Test. This reading comprehension unit focuses on making inferences, making predictions, and summarizing several different forms of texts.

What if you fail the OSSLT?

If a student fails the OSSLT, there are a few options. For one, students can attempt to write the Ontario Literacy Test again.  If the student has an IEP, they are also entitled to the accommodations listed on their file. Be sure to review this to ensure that accommodations are met for their second attempt.

Another option is to complete the Ontari o Secondary School Literacy Course , also known as the OSSLC or OLC.  This course assesses the same skills evaluated on the EQAO exam, meaning that if students pass the course, they meet the requirements to graduate high school .

The Ontario Literacy Course includes mandated tasks that are outlined in the Ontario Curriculum .  Students can complete assignments and activities that align with these mandated tasks in order to develop a literacy portfolio.  

Becoming successful on the OSSLT

In conclusion, preparing for the OSSLT is a journey that begins early in a student’s educational career and requires ongoing effort and support. By focusing on the key skills assessed, utilizing practice tests, and engaging in targeted learning activities, students can build the confidence and competence needed to succeed on the OSSLT. Remember – success on this test is not just about passing; it’s about demonstrating the literacy skills that are essential for future academic and career success. Encourage students to embrace the challenge, seek support when needed, and approach the OSSLT with a positive attitude.

If you are looking for more information to pass on to an administrator for school purchase orders, click here to learn more.

Reader Interactions

[…] paraphrasing and summarizing is essential for students writing standardized tests, including the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), the AP Language and Composition Exam, and both the SAT and the […]

[…] the College Board SAT exam. This is because students can expect to see environmental topics on standardized tests. Given the importance of climate change in several career fields, students can also expect to study […]

[…] Your students may require an approach to interviewing that is more trauma-informed. This is especially true for students’ families who have endured collective hardships or systemic oppression. I find “Humans of my Community” to be a perfect alternative. This project-based learning idea uses the same interviewing skills listed above and incorporates news article writing – this is especially helpful if you are preparing for the OSSLT. […]

Ontario Literacy Practice Test 1

Writing a series of paragraphs, technology in the classroom: is it enhancing or distracting from learning.

(1) Minimize exposure to ticks when venturing outdoors. (2) Avoid woody or grassy areas where ticks are common. (3) Using DEET on exposed skin can make it harder for ticks to bite. (4) Tucking pants into socks can create an effective barrier. (5) Mosquitoes can be an even bigger nuisance. (6) Making these choices can help you avoid encountering ticks in the summer.

When the little girl grabbed the toy plane, _______ wing broke off in ________ hand.

• Choose the sentence is written correctly. Their must be more to this story. All the students have they're winter clothes on already. They're never going to be able to finish all that pizza. Michael and Josephine did not know when their going to get the test back.
• Ellen is in Grade 12.
• Ellen is on the rugby team.
• Ellen is taking a spare this term.

Exploring the World of Biology: Meet Dr. Sarah Martinez

Dr. Sarah Martinez is a biologist who spends her days unraveling the mysteries of the natural world. With her passion for science and dedication to discovery, she's making significant contributions to our understanding of life on Earth.

Growing up in a small town surrounded by nature, Dr. Martinez developed a deep love for the outdoors from a young age. "I was always curious about the plants and animals around me," she recalls. "I spent hours exploring the forests and streams, fascinated by the diversity of life."

This childhood curiosity led Dr. Martinez to pursue a career in biology. After earning her bachelor's degree in biology from a local university, she went on to complete her Ph.D. in ecology and evolutionary biology. Her research focuses on understanding how different species interact with their environments and how these interactions shape ecosystems.

One of Dr. Martinez's main interests is studying the relationship between plants and pollinators like Anastrangalia laetifica. "Pollinators play a crucial role in the reproduction of many plant species," she explains. "By studying their behaviour and preferences, we can learn more about how ecosystems function and how we can protect them."

In her fieldwork, Dr. Martinez travels to various habitats —from lush rainforests to arid deserts— to observe and collect data on plant-pollinator interactions. She often spends hours patiently waiting for the perfect moment to capture a pollinator in action. "It's incredibly rewarding to witness these interactions firsthand," she says. "Every observation brings us closer to unraveling the complex web of life."

In addition to her research, Dr. Martinez is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others. She frequently visits schools to talk to students about the wonders of biology and the importance of conservation. "I believe it's crucial to inspire the next generation of scientists," she notes. "By fostering a love for nature and curiosity about the world around us, we can create a brighter future for our planet."

When she's not in the field or the lab, Dr. Martinez enjoys hiking, birdwatching, and spending time with her family. She finds inspiration in the beauty of the natural world and is grateful for the opportunity to explore its wonders every day. As Dr. Martinez continues her journey in the field of biology, she remains committed to uncovering the secrets of life and sharing her passion for science with others. Through her research and outreach efforts, she is making a lasting impact on our understanding of the world we live in.

• When did Martinez develop her love for the outdoors? at a young age in Grade 10 in her first year of university in her last year of high school
• How is the information in paragraph 3 organized? general to specific chronological order compare and contrast problem and solution
• Why is the role of pollinators crucial? They help eliminate other pests. They are an essential source of food for birds. Scientists think they can produce compounds to treat cancer. They help plants reproduce.
• Which statement is one of Martinez's beliefs? Pollinators are a low-carbon source of protein that should be considered by more people. By studying pollinators, we can help protect them. Pollinators are the most important part of the food web. The genes of Anastrangalia laetifica can be used in medical research.
• Which paragraph best describes how Dr. Martinez gives back to her community? paragraph 5 paragraph 6 paragraph 7 paragraph 8
• What does it mean to "unravel to complex web of life" (paragraph 5)? It is when biological systems fail. To free ourselves from misunderstandings that trap us. To understand how biological systems work. To find religious meaning in scientific work.
• Which statement is accurate? Anastrangalia laetifica is an insect gene. Anastrangalia laetifica is a natural pesticide. Anastrangalia laetifica is a drug used to treat cancer. Anastrangalia laetifica is a pollinator.
• What is the function of the dashes in paragraph 5? to set off a prediction to highlight an example to emphasize the broad range of environments Martinez experiences in her work to separate Martinez's opinion from that of the narrator
• Which statement best summarizes the selection? Jason Douglas, a well-known scientist, is helping to inspire the next generation of scientists by speaking at schools. Sarah Martinez is a dedicated biologist who helps to protect ecosystems by studying pollinators and their interactions with plants. After decades of research on their behaviour, scientists like Derek Ryan are making bold new discoveries about the impact of pollinators. Speaking with students at schools is one of the ways that scientists use to generate new ideas to research.

"Hey, have you heard about the upcoming horse tournament?" asked Sarah.

"Yeah, I heard about it!" Aisha replied. "My uncle's taking his horse there."

"Wow, that sounds cool." said Ahmed. "I wish I could join, but I don't have a horse."

"You can still come and watch!" Sarah said. "It'll be fun to cheer for the riders."

"Definitely! And there'll be food stalls too. I can't wait to try the snacks," added Aisha.

"Yeah, I guess there are lots of opportunities. I've been practicing riding at my cousin's farm." Ahmed said, with his spirits rising." Maybe next year I'll enter with my own horse."

"That'd be awesome! You should totally go for it," said Sarah

"I'm nervous about the competition. What if my uncle doesn't win?"

"Don't worry, Aisha — It's all about having fun and doing your best," replied Ahmed, his moment of crisis having passed.

Ever the optimist, Sarah chimed in,"Yeah, and even if you don't win, it's a great experience to learn from."

"You're right. I just need to enjoy the moment and support my uncle." Aisha realized she shouldn't make her uncle's tournament about her.

"Exactly. Plus, there'll be other tournaments in the future." Ahmed reminded everyone.

"And we can all go together again!" exclaimed Sarah.

Aisha was relieved: "That sounds like a plan. Thanks, guys. I feel better now."

"No problem, Aisha. We're here to support each other."

Sarah was eager to get moving. "Definitely. Now let's get ready for some horsing around at the tournament!"

"Haha, let's do it!" Aisha had an appreciation for corny humour.

Ahmed's sprits had risen, too: "I can't wait! It's going to be a blast."

• How does Ahmed most likely feel in paragraph 3? bored content disappointed impatient
• How is the information in paragraph 6 organized? present to past general to specific problem to solution least to most important
• What does Sarah provide in paragraph 4? criticism evidence negotiation encouragement
• What is the function of the dash used in paragraph 9? to introduce a definition to separate contrasting ideas to signal a change of attitude to emphasize an important idea
• What is the best meaning of the word “optimist” as used in paragraph 10? paranoid positive passive parsimonious

Short Writing Task

Walnut Facts

Use this document to answer the questions in this section.

• According to the selection, what is another name for the Persian walnut? English walnut black walnut Japanese walnut J. nigra
• Which statement is true about Italy's walnut consumption Italy produces more walnuts than it consumes Italy consumes more walnuts than it produces Italy is responsible for European walnut production Italy produces more walnuts than China
• In which section can you find information about how many walnuts were produced in different years? Walnut Imports Walnut Production (Millions of Tons) Growing Walnuts Introduction to Ontario
• What is the purpose of the arrow? to direct the reader to the inset map to emphasize the cardinal directions to indicate the trend in global walnut production to connect the heading to additional details
• Which section offers a detailed breakdown of the walnut's value as a food? inset map Growing Walnuts Walnut Production, Millions of Tons Nutrition
• What topic do the first paragraph in "Introduction to Ontario" and the box in the top right both address? the nutritional value of walnuts worldwide production the history of walnuts worldwide distribution

Result Summary

Multiple choice.

Want to Graduate Early ? It's easier than you think!

Results of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT)

2021–2022 results.

• Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT), 2021–2022  [PDF]

The Ontario curricula for French- and English-speaking students are specific to the two student populations. The specific expectations are similar but organized differently in each curriculum. Since EQAO’s large-scale assessments are based on the respective curricula, the results of the two student populations should not be compared.

Find EQAO Results for Schools and School Boards

2018–2019 results.

• Highlights of Provincial Literacy Results, 2018–2019  [PDF]
• How Educators Can Use EQAO Data | Text version
• Literacy Trends in Ontario at a Glance, 2018–2019  [PDF]

Return to Top

2017–2018 Results

• Highlights of the Provincial Literacy Results, 2017–2018 [PDF]
• Assessments
• Digitalization and Modernization
• Math Proficiency Test
• Administration Dates
• Land Acknowledgement