Name: How to Prepare for OSSLT: Key Success Techniques
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As most students know, secondary school is when many take big assessments and exams, such as the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT). Its purpose is to measure whether students are meeting the minimum standard for literacy across all subjects up to the end of grade 9, and all Ontario secondary students must take it to earn their high school diploma. But how do you Prepare for the OSSLT test? This blog will provide key techniques to prepare for OSSLT and boost your score.

Ensure you know all about the OSSLT so you're ready when it's your turn to take the test!

Student practice literacy test at school. — "The difficulty of the OSSLT test can vary depending on your strengths, weaknesses, and, of course, your preparation." Source: Unsplash

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What to expect on OSSLT?

The OSSLT is a computer-based assessment consisting of two 60-minute sessions (A and B) and 33 questions, of which 31 are multiple-choice (multiple-choice, drag-and-drop, drop-down menu, checklist, or text selection questions) and two open-ended. The test is offered online, and students must complete it in person at their school using a digital device.

Indeed, you may already find yourself more familiar with the OSSLT format than you realize. If you took grade 3 EQAO and grade 6 EQAO, you would likely remember when you answered many math problems and reading questions. Well, the OSSLT could be the literacy-focused test version of the EQAO. However, the OSSLT test solely focuses on evaluating literacy skills to ensure you succeed academically.

Since both the EQAO and the OSSLT are administered by the Ontario Office of Educational Quality and Accountability, you may recognize similar experiences when taking the test, even if the focus of the content is different.

5 Ways to Prepare for the OSSLT Test

1. Creating a Study Schedule for OSSLT

Designing an effective study program is key to maintaining peace of mind before and during the test. To do this, we recommend that you follow these points:

Set achievable study goals: Make sure your goals are realistic and attainable based on your abilities and circumstances.

Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Take an OSSLT self-assessment to determine whether you should focus more on reading or writing.

Determine how much time you have available: Ideally, start preparing in advance. Spend 1-2 hours a day or set aside weekly study periods.

Be sure to do timed simulations: Set a timer for 10 to 15 minutes and try to read and answer questions in that time.

Monitor your progress: Track your scores on practice questions, note areas for improvement, and check for weaknesses.

Example of a Weekly Study Schedule

DAY	FOCUS	TASK	TIME
Monday	Reading Comprehension	Read a short article, passage, or news story and answer practice questions.	1 hour
Tuesday	Writing	Write a brief answer to a question or try a mini-report.	1 hour
Wednesday	Mixed (Reading + Writing)	Read a passage and write a summary or opinion about it.	1.5 hour
Thursday	Reading	Tackle complex reading materials, highlight key points, main ideas, and supporting details.	1 hour
Friday	Writing	Tackle complex reading materials and highlight key points, main ideas, and supporting details.	1 hour
Saturday	Review	Tackle complex reading materials and highlight key points, main ideas, and supporting details.	1 hour

Photograph of bookshelves in a library and the silhouette of a student crossing the aisle. — "Track your scores on practice questions, note areas for improvement, and check for weaknesses." Source: Unsplash

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Previewing the OSSLT content can help you get a better score since you will become familiar with it and help you feel more confident. The OSSLT questions will fall under the following categories:

Real-life Narrative: In this type of question, students must interpret everyday situations.

Information Paragraph: Information paragraphs require analyzing structured information.

News Report: News reports assess the ability to understand news events.

Dialogue: Dialogues test understanding of verbal interactions.

Written Multiple Questions: Students must choose the correct response among several options.

Opinion Essay: Students must express their ideas about a specific topic.

But don't just take our word for it. Find out the best strategies for passing the OSSLT with flying colors.

3. Using OSSLT-Specific Online Tools

The Toronto District School Board website offers great OSSLT preparation resources, such as multiple-choice answers, scoring guides, sample tests in new formats, and practice booklets. Also, you can find excellent resources to pass the OSSLT and be ready for the literacy test.

5. Taking Care of Your Mental Health

It is very typical to feel a little nervous before an exam. However, anxious and worrying thoughts can interfere with our results when preparing for essential evaluations such as the OSSLT. For this, it is important to know that you can always find alternatives to help reduce your test anxiety, for example:

Learn to study efficiently and in advance: It is better to study a little at a time than a week before the test. Following a study plan to prepare for the OSSLT, such as the one in this blog, could help you break up all your studying into smaller, more frequent sessions. You will feel more relaxed if you study routinely and practice the content tested on the exam.

Establish a consistent pre-test routine: Find out what daily or weekly study methods work for you, and stay disciplined each time you prepare for an exam. We assure you that this will lower your stress and help you prepare much better.

Learn relaxation techniques: Apply relaxation techniques to help you keep your mind calm and focused. These may include taking deep breaths, tensing and relaxing your muscles, or visualizing a positive outcome.

Get some exercise: Regular aerobic exercise provides cardiovascular benefits and contributes to an overall sense of well-being and better stress management.

Get enough sleep before the test: Sleep is directly related to lower stress and anxiety levels. We all need a regular and restful sleep regimen, especially when looking to perform better in a test like the OSSLT.

If necessary, consult a professional counselor. Consulting a psychologist or other mental health professional can help you better manage test anxiety. In addition, you may learn good study and test-taking techniques, as well as better ways to organize yourself. See if your school has counseling services for more information.

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Is OSSLT hard to pass?

The difficulty of the OSSLT test can vary depending on your strengths, weaknesses, and, of course, your preparation. Some students find it somewhat complex because the assessment tests various literacy skills, such as reading comprehension, writing, and understanding different texts. However, according to EQAO statistics, 85% of first-time eligible students were successful, an increase compared to 2021-2022 (82%).

On the other hand, you should know that this test is extremely important. But, if you don't pass it, you must retake it until you succeed. In addition, your high school will probably also offer OSSLT preparation courses if you need extra resources to pass it successfully. Understanding what to expect from the OSSLT is the most important step you can take to prepare successfully. Read our guide for the latest OSSLT study tips to get kickstarted!

What if I fail the OSSLT?

Students who do not pass the exam must retake and pass it successfully to obtain the secondary school diploma. However, the number of times the exam can be repeated is unlimited.

Get the Extra Help you Need

Getting an OSSLT private tutor can help you to achieve the best test score. And where can you find the best private tutoring? Go to Superprof! Superprof is a fantastic platform for finding a private tutor specializing in OSSLT preparation. An OSSLT tutor from Superprof can go through the entire test and revise each section with you, helping to manage any nerves or test anxiety you may have.

OSSLT tutors help you understand the test better and will set effective and personalized study strategies to ensure you have enough time to focus on the areas that challenge you most. Plus, your OSSLT tutors can give you valuable feedback on improving your literacy skills so that you can write the test.

Through Superprof, you will find the best private tutor nationwide and personalize your search results regarding location, OSSLT skills, and class rates.

Through Superprof, you will find the best private tutor nationwide and personalize your search results regarding location, OSSLT skills, and class rates. Plus, the Superprof website also provides extra resources to get the best preparation for the OSSLT, such as blogs and articles to improve your learning in different subjects.

A Superprof tutor can help you plan and excel in the OSSLT on the first attempt. Check out the best English courses in Toronto or anywhere in Canada.