CONTACTS and FAQ

Q: What grade is needed to pass?

A: It is required to achieve at least 75% (300/400), or at least level 3.

Q: What is the format of the test? And how long is the actual test?

A: You are given 75 minutes to complete booklet 1 of the OSSLT, followed by a 15 minute break, and then you are given another 75 minutes to complete booklet 2. In total, you are given 3 hours.

Q: What is featured on the OSSLT?

A: Reading and writing tasks, in addition to a grammar component that appears in both booklets. Further specifications are highlighted here on the website.

Q: Will the OSSLT be online?

A: Further information will be provided when available.

Q: When is the OSSLT this year?

A: EQAO plans to administer the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) online in spring 2021. Additional details will follow at a later date. .

Q: Where will the OSSLT be written this year?

A: Further information will be provided when available. The ministry is exploring a field test of the online OSSLT, but no information has been confirmed as of this moment.

Q: In what Grade do students write the OSSLT?

A: Students who are in Grade 10 officially write the OSSLT.

Q: What will happen to the Grade 11s who missed the OSSLT because of lockdown?

A: Grade 11s will be writing the OSSLT simultaneously with the Grade 10s.

Q: What will happen to the Grade 12s who missed the retest because of lockdown?

A: The literacy graduation requirement will be waived for all graduating students of the 2020-21 school year.

Q: I am an English Language Learner, when do I write the OSSLT?

A: Conventionally, all ELL students write the test when they have completed and achieved success on the ELSE course. If the students have not completed their ELSE course they are deferred to write the following year.

Q: I am a ELL student, do I receive accommodations?

A: Yes, I believe you receive an extra hour and a half. The OSSLT website simply says "you receive time and a half" which is probably a typo.

Q: I am a student with an IEP, do I receive accommodations?

A: Yes, I believe you receive an extra hour and a half and computer use for your written components. The OSSLT website simply says "you receive time and a half" which is probably a typo.

Q: What happens if I miss the OSSLT due to an unforeseeable circumstance?

A: If you miss the test, you will deferred until the following year.

Q: What do I do if I fail the OSSLT?

A: If you fail, you have the option of writing the OSSLT the following year, or (it is recommended that you) register in a literacy equivalent course, the OLC.

Q: If I am yet to take Grade 10 English, would I be at a disadvantage?

A: No, the OSSLT tests your knowledge of the reading and writing skills from Grades 6-9.

Q: Does the Grade 9 and 10 curriculum refresh and review some of the requirements for the literacy test?

A: Yes, the skill sets are reviewed in the English curriculum here at Mackenzie.

Q: Do you offer remediation or literacy extra help?

A: Yes, in an average year we offer remediation lunch sessions at lunch. Due to the pandemic, more information regarding this will be provided soon.

Q: Do you offer mock literacy tests and workshops for test preparation?

A: Yes, in addition to this website, I usually offer workshops for Booklets 1 and 2, and a series of mock literacy tests in the year that serve as diagnostics for the actual test. Due to the pandemic, this may or may not happen. More information will be provided soon.

Q: Any advice to ensure success on the OSSLT?

A: Yes, practice makes perfect! Take advantage of all the resources and material uploaded to the website for overall success!