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OSSLT Sample Questions By Type

OSSLT: Reading and Writing

Reading Tasks

The following types of reading selections are included. The reading selections are followed by multiple choice and/or open-response questions.

■ information paragraph; 6 multiple choice and one open-response (11% of total literacy score

■ news report; 5 multiple choice and one open response (10% of total literacy score)

■ dialogue; 5 multiple choice and 2 open response (14% of total literacy score)

■ real-life narrative; 9 multiple choice (11% of literacy score)

■ graphic text

Writing Tasks

■ Write short responses to two prompts; 2 short-writing prompts (12% of total literacy score

■ Write a series of paragraphs expressing an opinion; one long-writing prompt (12% of total literacy score)

■ Write a news report; one long-writing prompt (12% of total literacy score)

■ Respond to questions related to structuring content, organization of ideas and using conventions; 8 multiple choice questions (10% of total literacy score)

Reading: Sample Written Answer Questions (open response)

1.     Summarize this selection. Include a (the) main idea and one (relevant) point that supports it. (common question in each year’s assessment) 

2.     Explain why the final sentence is an effective conclusion to the selection. Use relevant and specific information from the selection to support your answer.

3.     How might the information in this news report encourage people to visit Alberta? Use specific details and examples from the selection to support your answer.

4.     Explain whether or not Ben is a good waiter. Use specific details and examples from the selection to support your explanation.

5.     Using information in this selection, explain the kind of person Nino is.

6.     Using information from this selection, explain what Nadi’s actions show about her character. 

From 2006 assessment

7.     Explain why a re-enactment of the War of 1812 cannot truly be called “authentic.”

8.     Explain why historical re-enactments of this kind attract such a large gathering of interested spectators.

9.     Besides the canoe, what is a symbol of Canada? Explain your choice.

10. Do Canadians benefit from people becoming honorary citizens? Explain your answer using information in the selection and your own ideas.

11. Is it a good idea to study wolves and other wild animals? Use information in this selection and your own ideas to explain your answer.

12. Using information from this selection and your own knowledge, explain the qualities of a successful customer service agent who helps people on the phone.

13. Do you think Tom had an “unfair advantage”? (paragraph 14) Explain your answer using information from this selection and your own ideas. 

Writing: Sample Short Writing Tasks (Answer in full and correctly written sentences.)

1.     If you could visit anywhere in the world, which place would you visit? Explain why.

2.     Describe two positive features of living in Canada. Give reasons to support your answer.

3.     Choose a time of year and explain how it affects the way you feel.

4.     State one of your goals in life. Explain why it is important to you.

5.     What is the best invention in the world today? Explain why you think it’s the best.

6.     If you could change one thing in the world, what would you change? Explain why.

Writing: Samples for Writing a News Report

Task: Write a news report based on the headline and picture below. You will have to make up the facts and information, answering some or all of the following questions: Who? What? Where? When? Why? How? You must relate your newspaper report to both the headline and the picture.

1.     Guest speaker’s message inspires students

2.     Students raise money for a good cause

3.     Students clean up waterfront

Writing: Samples for Writing a Series of Paragraphs

Task: Write a minimum of three paragraphs expressing an opinion on the topic below. Develop your main idea with supporting details (proof, facts, examples, etc.).

Purpose and Audience: an adult who is interested in your opinion

1.     Are today’s famous people good role models for young people?

2.     Should every student be required to take a Physical Education class every year of high school??

3.     Should the sale of “junk foods” be banned from Ontario secondary schools?