schools.peelschools.orgschools.peelschools.org/sec/heartlake/literacy/documen… · web...

The Heart Lake Literacy Team Presents...

Preparing to Write the Ontario Secondary School

Literacy Test

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

The OSSLT is a province-wide test that assesses whether students have the literacy (reading and writing) skills needed to meet the literacy requirement for the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

What is being tested?

The OSSLT tests your reading and writing skills.

It focuses on these key reading skills: Understanding explicitly stated information and ideas Understanding implicitly stated information and ideas (making inferences) Making connections between information and ideas in a reading selection and

personal knowledge and experienceIt focuses on these key writing skills: Developing a main idea with sufficient supporting details Organizing information and ideas in a coherent manner Using conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) in a manner that does not

distract from clear communication

What does the OSSLT look like?

The OSSLT consists of two booklets and an answer sheet. You write your answers directly in the booklets except for your multiple choice answers which are answered on the student answer sheet by filling in the circles.

The different components are: 31 multiple choice reading items related to five reading selections 4 open-response items related to the reading selections 2 short answer opinion writing tasks 2 long answer writing tasks

o A series of paragraphs expressing an opiniono A news report

8 Multiple choice writing items (grammar)

How is the OSSLT marked?2

The multiple choice answers are marked on the Student Answer Sheet by machine as either correct or incorrect. Each written response is marked using a rubric.

How can you prepare for the OSSLT?

Review the information and examples of tasks in this booklet. Visit Heart Lake Literacy's YouTube Channel for how-to videos

o http://www.youtube.com/channel/UClNbiE9ZNDYU1fMz1sS8cbw Visit www.eqao.com to see sample tests

o http://eqao.com/

3

http://eqao.com/

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UClNbiE9ZNDYU1fMz1sS8cbw

Reading SelectionsThe OSSLT assesses your ability to read a variety of texts and answer questions about the information you read.

The different types of reading selections include: Informational text News report Dialogue Real-life narrative Graphic selection

The questions in the reading selection give you an opportunity to show your understanding of the reading. The questions will be multiple choice and short answer.

The questions require different types of answers: some can be repeated directly from the text some require you to make your own conclusions some will ask you to give an explanation of your reason for your answer some will ask you to use your own experience

Tips for Answering Multiple Choice Questions: Choose the best or most correct answer for each question. You must record your multiple-choice answers on the Student Answer Sheet.

Multiple choice answers recorded in the Test Booklet will not be scored. To indicate your answer, fill in the circle completely, as shown below.

o Like this: Not like this:

If you fill in more than once circle for a question, the question will be scored incorrect.

If you wish to change a multiple choice answer, erase or cross out your answer and fill in the circle for your new answer. Ensure that your final answer is clear.

Tips for Answering Written Responses:

For all questions that ask for a written answer, write legibly on the lined space provided in the Test Booklet. You should not exceed the space provided.

For the writing sections, pay attention to clarity, organization, spelling, grammar and punctuation.

The lined space provided for your written work indicates the approximate length of the writing expected.

There is space in the Test Booklet for rough notes. Nothing you write in these spaces will be scored.

4

Reading Example:

Read the selection below and answer the questions that follow it.

Hearing him chortle, Rita turned toward Byron.

“You rarely get a laugh from the newspaper these days. What’s so funny?” she asked.

“A 23-year-old rapper named Roland Pemberton has been made Poet Laureate of Edmonton.”

“A poet what?”

“A poet laureate celebrates official events by writing about them.” Byron paused. “This is what Pemberton said about the job: ‘Poet Laureate—whoa. Getting heavy. Do I need a staff and a big grey beard?’” Byron chuckled again. “Rita, you like hip hop music. Ever heard of him by his stage name—Cadence Weapon?”

“Yeah. Cadence released an album over the Internet, and he has at least two others. He

often raps about Edmonton. His first big hit, ‘Oliver Square,’ is about an Edmonton mall.”

Rita shook her head. “He’s definitely skilled with words, but he’s not someone you’d expect for that job.”

Byron glanced up from the page. “Pemberton is replacing someone you would expect in the job—a 74-year-old professor who’s published 29 books and won the Governor General’s Award for poetry.”

The paper rustled as Byron brought it closer. “But Pemberton’s got a point when he says ‘If people see me as representing Edmonton, maybe it will give them an overall different perception. I think that’s a positive thing. And it’s getting people talking.’”

“His appointment must have ruffled a few feathers,” said Rita.

“Well, he’s not worried if people are upset. He says he’ll challenge anyone to a poem battle, ‘a poem-off,’ as he calls it.”

5

1

7

8

9

10

11

6

2

3

4

5

Multiple-Choice (Record the best or most correct answer)

***pay attention to what is asked of you. Answers are not always going to be obvious. Sometimes, more than one answer might be correct. Remember to choose the response that is MOST correct or is the BEST answer of the ones given to you.

1. What does Byron’s “chortle” in paragraph 1 show about his reaction to the newspaper article?

A. He thinks it is exciting.

B. He thinks it is shocking.

C. He thinks it is amusing. D. He thinks it is fascinating.

***In the second paragraph of the reading selection, Rita says, “You rarely get a laugh from the newspaper these days.” This references Byron’s reaction to what he has read in the newspaper.

2. Which headline would be best for the news report Byron is reading?

A. Young Audience Rejects Poet

B. Hit Song Celebrates Edmonton

C. Hip Hop Artist Wins “Poem-Off”

D. Hip Hop Poet Hopes to Open Minds ***The first option is not true. The second option is too limited. The

third option is not entirely correct. The fourth option best explains why Pemberton takes on the position.

3. What is indicated by the single quotation marks around “Oliver Square” in paragraph 6?

A. a song title B. Byron’s words

C. Rita’s sarcasm

D. a proper place name

***Rita says, “His first big hit, ‘Oliver Square’, is about an Edmonton mall.” That’s how we know it is not about a proper place name but instead is about a song.

6

4. What is the meaning of the phrase “must have ruffled a few feathers” as used in paragraph 10?

A. Pemberton’s appointment must have encouraged people to become poets.

B. People must have been pleased that Edmonton was maintaining a tradition.

C. Some people must have considered Pemberton’s appointment unconventional.

D. Pemberton’s appointment must have been celebrated by the hip hop community.

***In the paragraph 11, it states that “he’s not worried if people are upset”.

5. Which event would be most appropriate for Pemberton to write about in his new position?

A. the election of a new premier in AlbertaB. the naming of a national park in Nova Scotia

C. the signing of an international trade agreement in Ottawa

D. the donation of a painting to the Art Gallery of Ontario

***here, you are required to INFER. Take a look at all the information given to you and make an educated decision. In this case, ‘If people see me as representing Edmonton… I think that’s a positive thing.” So, since Edmonton is the capital of Alberta, the best thing for Pemberton to talk about is the election of the premier as it is the most closely related.

Written Answer6. What suggests Pemberton will be a good choice for the position of Poet Laureate of

Edmonton? Use specific details from the selection to support your answer.

Weak Response - Pemberton likes to write words and wants to celebrate official events.

***the response provides two reasons taken from the selection (likes to write words; wants to celebrate official events) but there’s no explanation of why he would be a good choice for the position of Poet Laureate of Edmonton.

Stronger Response –

Pemberton will be a good choice for the position of Poet Laureate of Edmonton because he already has a background in writing, due to the fact he is a rapper. Also, in the selection Rita did state that Pemberton is skilled with words which would make him a great poet and excellent candidate for the position.

***The response provides a reason why Pemberton will be a good choice for the position (because he already has a background in writing) and provides specific and relevant support from the reading selection (Rita did state that Pemberton is skilled with words). The responses shows an

7

understanding of the selection by connecting Pemberton to the role of the Poet Laureate of Edmonton (make him a great poet and excellent candidate for the position).

7. Why is Pemberton’s appointment newsworthy? Use specific details from the selection to support your answer.

Weak Response – Pemberton’s appointment is newsworthy because he is now a poet of Edmonton and he want’s to be a poet for not just edmonton but for canada. Pembertons appointment is about how he want’s to be a poet for canada not just edmonton.

***The response provides a reason why Pemberton’s appointment is newsworthy (He is now a Poet of Edmonton). Explanation does not use details from the selection (how he want’s to be a Poet for Canada not just Edmonton). There are numerous spelling and grammar errors.

Stronger Response –

Roland Pemberton’s appointment is newsworthy because he’s not the conventional candidate. Pemberton is fairly young rapper, “replacing someone you would expect in the job – a 74 year-old professor who’s published 29 books and won the Governor General’s award for poetry” as stated in the selection.

***The response provides a reason why Pemberton’s appointment is newsworthy (not the conventional candidate) and provides specific and relevant support from the selection (…”replacing someone you would expect in the job – a 74 year-old professor”) to clearly support the reason.

8

Reading Sample One:


Farmer Sugar-Coats Crop

and Sweetens Family BusinessIn his barn-turned-assembly line, Paul Moyer spots one caramel-and-chocolate-coated Mutsu apple on a tray. Lines of dark chocolate are artfully swirled around the fruit. To a chocolate lover, it looks beautiful, but the Vineland, Ontario, farmer sees it differently. The way his employee applied the chocolate is more time-consuming than the preferred technique of drizzling it overtop of the apple. That extra time cuts into profits. Paul may need to curtail this employee’s artistry.

For the ninth-generation Niagara-region farmer, every penny counts. “Farming’s been

tough the last 20 to 25 years,” Paul said. “We’re getting the same amount for apples we did 20 years ago. We thought, ‘Is there any way we could do value-added things?’”

“Value-added” has become a familiar term for those trying to make a living on the family

farm. It means something extra is added to a product so you can increase its price and, therefore, its profitability.

Paul wanted to turn apples from a crop he could barely break even on to something that

could sustain him and his family. In the mid-1990s, he began selling traditional sugar-syrup candy-coated apples at Ontario Place, a major tourist site in Toronto. Realizing the potential of the tried-and-true treat, he began selling them wholesale to other customers: Darien Lake Theme Park, the SkyDome (now Rogers Centre), Howell’s Pumpkin Farm in Fonthill and Chudleigh’s Entertainment Farm in Milton.

But the apples’ shelf life, before they spoiled, was only three days. So, in 2005, Paul revamped the operation by dipping apples in caramel and milk chocolate and finishing them with enough white and dark chocolate drizzle to make chocoholics swoon. When two western New York grocery-store giants and Canada’s Loblaw Companies became interested in his product, this entrepreneur seemed to have overcome the risks of farming.

However, Paul faced a new set of challenges. The demand for the caramel-chocolate apples had grown larger than his ability to produce them. “This is our facility,” Paul said,

9

1

2

3

4

5

6

gesturing to his tiny 100-year-old barn, filled with the rather un-barnlike smell of caramel. Paul’s business needed to expand, but that would take more money.

Paul’s 11-year-old daughter, Sabrina, suggested an answer—a reality television show on which a panel of millionaires listens to entrepreneurs’ business plans and decides whether to offer investment money for expansion. In the spring of 2008, the Moyers took a chance. After three makeup touch-ups during eight-and-a-half hours waiting in a TV studio, Paul, Sabrina and Paul’s mother, Liivi, were finally able to make their pitch to five of Canada’s most successful names in business.

“As you’re walking across the top [of the set] and going down the stairs, you think, ‘Wow, this is it.’ . . . You’re excited to present to them, but they know their numbers and their business. At the same time, I know my numbers and my business. They grilled us pretty hard, but because I not only grow the apples and melt the chocolate and caramel and know the [sales] . . . I believe I answered all their questions exactly the way I hoped,” said Paul.

Paul’s professionalism and his product samples had a positive impact. “It was quite inspiring to see that these people had come up with a spin-off business,” said Dianne Buckner, the show’s host. “The candy-apple business was really an original thing to do, and they were basically taking their expertise and fashioning a new type of venture. It was great to see that people are being adventurous and creative in a way that makes that agricultural lifestyle work for them.”

Thanks to the panel’s response, the 209-year-old Moyer family farm remains a successful example of sustainable local agriculture.

10

6

7

8

9

10

Reading

Multiple-Choice (Record the best or most correct answer on the Student Answer Sheet.)

1. What does paragraph 1 suggest is most important to Paul? A. the creativity of the employee

B. the speed of the decorating process

C. the uniform appearance of the apples

D. the amount of chocolate on each apple

2. For how long has Paul Moyer’s family been farming?

A. 100 years

B. 20 to 25 years

C. nine generations

D. since the mid-1990s

3. Which product matches the definition of “value-added” in paragraph 3?

A. whole fish

B. leaf lettuce

C. tomato soup

D. green grapes

4. What happened first after Paul realized his apple crop made insufficient profit?

A. Sabrina suggested the TV show to Paul.

B. Paul hired employees to decorate apples.

C. Paul sold candy-coated apples at Ontario Place.

D. Paul expanded apple sales to large grocery stores.

5. What is linked by the colon in paragraph 4?

A. cause and effect

B. term and examples

C. opinion and support

D. problem and solution

11

6. Which word is closest in meaning to “revamped” as used in paragraph 5?

A. sped up

B. modified

C. simplified

D. mechanized

7. Who is thinking “Wow, this is it” (paragraph 8)?

A. the host

B. the reader

C. the farmer

D. the daughter

8. What does Paul Moyer think was the most influential factor for the panel?

A. He brought his family to the show.

B. He knew all aspects of his business.

C. He distributed free samples of his product.

D. He had been an apple farmer for over 20 years.

9. How is paragraph 9 organized?

A. problems and solutions

B. opinion and supporting reasons

C. series of events according to time

D. from most to least important details

13

Reading Sample Two:


An Animator from Scarborough

Over 1500 applications from around the world flood George Lucas’s animation academy each year (Lucas created the Star Wars films), but only four applicants are selected for internships. Randolph Lizarda, 21, from Scarborough, was one of them.

“I’m very excited. I’ll be working in the LucasArts division animating video games, although I don’t know what we’re working on. They wouldn’t tell me—it’s confidential,” Lizarda said on a break from his Sheridan College class.

As a child, Lizarda liked to draw cartoons. Now he is learning to transfer his drawing ability to the computer.

“I was into [art] when I was little; then I got more into it in high school. In Grade 10, I took one of those career surveys to find out where you fit in. I fit into the animation industry,” he said.

Lizarda aspires to one day work for an animation company such as Pixar or DreamWorks.

“He’s an excellent student,” said Dave Quesnelle, who teaches animation and is one of Lizarda’s professors. Lizarda stood out after handing in his first assignment, a 10-second action sequence of a muscular circus performer balancing on a ball before jumping through a hoop of fire. This clip was the first segment on the demo reel he submitted to Lucasfilm.

“I had a really good sense of his storytelling. He had the basic principles of animation [but] it was also comical. And that’s our job. Anyone can make a picture move, but to make it entertaining, that’s the craft of an animator.”

14

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

Multiple-Choice

(Record the best or most correct answer on the Student Answer Sheet.)

1. What will the focus of Lizarda’s internship be?

A. films

B. cartoons

C. video games

D. action sequences

2. Which word is closest in meaning to “confidential” as used in paragraph 2?

A. secret

B. personal

C. confusing

D. professional

3. According to Quesnelle, what ability is most important for an animator?

A. creating characters

B. pleasing an audience

C. developing a demo reel

D. programming computers

4. What do Quesnelle’s quotes indicate about him?

A. He knows a lot about internships.

B. He focuses on technical aspects of animation.

C. He recognizes skill and creativity in his students.

D. He suggests interesting storylines to his students.

5. Which paragraph presents information in chronological order?

A. paragraph 2

B. paragraph 4

C. paragraph 5

D. paragraph 7

15

Written Answer

6. Why is Lizarda a good choice for this internship? Use specific details from the selection to explain your answer.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

16

WritingThe Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test contains several writing tasks including the news report and the series of paragraphs expressing an opinion tasks which will be reviewed later in this package. It also contains two short writing tasks and a series of multiple choice questions.

In this section we will review the short writing tasks. For the OSSLT you will be assessed on your ability to develop a main idea with supporting evidence, and your ability to organize your ideas clearly and concisely. You will also be assessed on conventions (spelling, grammar, sentence structure, etc.)

The short writing tasks give students the ability to use their knowledge and personal experiences to respond to writing prompts. You will be provided with six lines to write your response. You should use most or all of this space without exceeding the lines provided.

Sample Responses:


1. Choose the best closing sentence for the following paragraph.

Although there are millions of Web sites, they are not created equal. A good Web site can be compared to an iceberg: only the tip of all the effort can be seen online. What cannot be seen are all the details and hours of planning that have led to its success.

A. Any Web site needs an audience and fans to make it successful. ***Audience and fans were not mentioned in the question.

B. Graphics and detailed content are necessary parts of any Web site. ***Graphics and detailed content were not mentioned in the question.

C. A Web site is a good way to find information for a research project. ***Information and research project were not mentioned in the question.

D. A good Web site combines online appeal and a well-organized structure.

2 . What revision is needed to improve the organization of this paragraph?

(1) Eons ago, a powerful meteor struck the Sudbury area. (2) Most meteors that crash into Earth weigh only about 100 grams. (3) They have little impact on Earth’s crust. (4) The one that landed near Sudbury was so large that it changed the bedrock. (5) Its impact created Canada’s largest nickel deposit.

A. Break sentence 4 into two sentences. ***There is no need as the sentence 17

is fine as it is.

B. Move sentence 1 to the end of the paragraph. ***It is an introductory sentence and needs to stay.

C. Insert “However” at the beginning of sentence 4.D. Replace “a powerful meteor” in sentence 1 with “it.” ***”A powerful meteor”

is necessary for the sentence to make sense.

3. Choose the sentence that is written correctly.

A. What time is it in Sao Paulo, Brazil! ***Sentence should end in a question mark.

B. Put the wrapper in the recycling bin.C. I am so tired that I could sleep in class? ***Sentence should not end in a

question mark.

D. Will the hockey game be over in an hour. ***Sentence should end in a question mark.

4 . Which sentence is written correctly?

A. Paige read about Kirkland Lake in the northern news. ***Northern News should be capitalized as it is a proper noun.

B. It described this community in the Northern part of the province. ***Sentence is unclear.

C. It is surrounded by several kettle lakes that were formed eons ago. D. Several gold mines are in the area, including Kirkland Lake Gold and

queenston mining inc. ***Sentence is incorrect and should not end in a short form.

Practice Questions:


1. Which sentence does not belong in the following paragraph?

(1) The Olympic games are represented by a flaming torch. (2) The torch is lit in Olympia, Greece, to honour the ancient origins of the games. (3) It travels through the participating countries, representing international harmony. (4) Twelve thousand torches were made for the 2010 Vancouver games. (5) The Olympic torch is a meaningful symbol.

A. sentence 218

B. sentence 3

C. sentence 4

D. sentence 5

2. Choose the option that best combines all the information in the sentences below.

Mikko and Paige were friends.Mikko and Paige had known each other since Grade 3.Mikko and Paige attended the same college.

A. Mikko and Paige, who were friends, attended the same college since Grade 3.

B. Mikko and Paige were friends known since Grade 3 and attended the same college.

C. Mikko and Paige, friends who had known each other since Grade 3, attended the same college.

D. Mikko and Paige attended the same college and had known each other and their friends since Grade 3.


A. I was waiting Omar said. “In the cold!”

B. “Wasn’t it hot outside” Oliver responded?

C. “I was e-mailing,” Sara exclaimed, “for three hours!”

D. “I went to a scary movie,” Maria said “At two o’clock.”


A. Our family likes to hike, swim and biking.

B. The children like jumping, singing and dancing.

C. The student likes drawing, painting and to sculpt.

D. The athletes like to train, to practise and competing.


1. Choose the option that best combines all the information in the following sentences.

I love basketball.The Bears are my favourite team.I hope they win the championship this year.

A. I love basketball, and I hope the Bears win the championship this year.

19

B. I love basketball and the Bears because I hope they win the championship this year.

C. I love basketball and hope the Bears, my favourite team, win the championship this year.

D. I love basketball, I love the Bears, my favourite team, I hope they win the championship this year.

2. Which option tells how to make the following sentence correct?

John Reid, the mayor of Kapuskasing wondered how his city would survive the economic downturn.

A. Capitalize the word “mayor.”

B. Add a comma after “Kapuskasing.”

C. Replace the period with a question mark.

D. Use quotation marks around “how his city would survive the economic downturn.”


A. The students is going on the bus.

B. Each of the students is going on the bus.

C. Two students and their teacher is going on the bus.

D. All of the students except for Jim is going on the bus.

4. Choose the sentence that does not belong in the following paragraph.

(1) Eating a variety of nutritious foods is important for good health. (2) Fruits and vegetables provide daily vitamins. (3) Exercise is an important part of healthy living. (4) Protein from meat, dairy foods or legumes is needed for muscle growth. (5) Fat intake should be limited. (6) A proper diet is important.

A. sentence 2

B. sentence 3

C. sentence 4

D. sentence 5

Short Writing Tasks:20

Before responding to the short writing task, do the following:

Read the question carefully before beginning to write Be sure to write on the assigned topic (off-topic responses will result in a lower

score) Write in the format requested Answers must be written in full and correctly written sentences Use your own knowledge and experience when responding Write clearly (responses that aren't written clearly will result in a lower score) Use the following structure when writing your response:

o Topic sentence (states your opinion)o Support your topic sentence with reasons and explanationso Concluding sentence (restate your opinion)

Short Writing Task Example

Sample QuestionWhat was your favourite game as a child? Why did you like it?

Rough Notes

Topic Sentence My favourite game as a child was hide and seek.Reason 1 Lots of people can play at onceReason 2 Good game to play outsideReason 3 Had good hiding spotsConcluding Sentence In conclusion, for these reasons hide and seek

was my favourite game as a child.

Sample ParagraphMy favourite game as a child was hide and seek. To begin, I liked this game because lots of people could play at once and no one was left out. Next, hide and seek is a good game to play outside. Last, I liked hide and seek because I could always find good hiding spots. Therefore, for these reasons, hide and seek was my favourite game as a child.

21

Short Writing Task Practice

Question 1:

What would be your ideal destination for a high school field trip? Explain your choice with specific details.

Rough Notes

Topic Sentence

Reason 1

Reason 2

Reason 3

Concluding Sentence

Answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

22


Question 2:

What type of music do you like listening to? Explain why you like it.

Rough Notes

Topic Sentence

Reason 1

Reason 2

Reason 3

Concluding Sentence

Answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

23


Question 3:

What is your favourite subject in school? Explain why you like it.

Rough Notes

Topic Sentence

Reason 1

Reason 2

Reason 3

Concluding Sentence

Answer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

24

Graphic TextReading non-fiction works often requires students to read graphic elements which include pictures, bullets, headings, bolded font and arrows.

There is one graphic text task on the OSSLT followed by multiple choice questions to check your understanding of the text.

Tips:

Read the information very carefully Look at the images for meaning Once you have read and understood the information, you will be ready to answer

the following multiple choice questions.

25


Canada’s Forests

Canada is the world’s leading exporter of softwood lumber, panels, pulp and newsprint, and the third largest exporter of printing and writing paper. Canada’s forest management includes sustainable harvesting of forests, replanting of harvested areas and tracking threats to forests, including damage due to fires.

Ontario’s Forest Industry26

Sample Responses:

Multiple-Choice

1. What word is closest in meaning to “exporter” as used in the paragraph below the title?

a investorb purchaserc distributord manufacturer

2. Why is a bar graph appropriate for the forest management data?

a It shows decreasing size.b It shows changes over time.c It shows increasing importance.d It shows a comparison of categories.

3. How is the “Canada’s Forest Management” graph organized?

a by degree of successb by size of production c by changes over timed by geographic location

4. What was true about British Columbia’s forest management in 2008–2009?

a Less area was burned than planted.b More area was burned than planted.c Less area was planted than harvested.d More area was harvested than burned.

5. What is an accurate conclusion that can be drawn from the information in the pie charts?

a Wood product manufacturing generated the largest percentage of revenue but the smallest percentage of wages in 2008.

b The percentages of revenue and those of wages and salaries from the major sectors of Ontario’s forest industry were similar in 2008.

c The largest percentage of wages came from pulp and paper product manufacturing in 2008, even though that sector generated the smallest amount of revenue in 2008.

d The smallest amount of money was invested in forestry and logging in 2009, even though that sector generated the largest amount of revenue in 2008.

6. What conclusion can be supported by information in this selection?

27

a The forest management of each region or province is unique.b It is likely that Alberta’s forest industry is similar to that of Ontario.c The pie charts suggest that forestry and logging in Ontario is the most

profitable sector.d Manitoba’s forest industry determines Canada’s international position as an

exporter of forest products.

28

Practice Responses:


New roof at Wimbledon

29

Wimbledon is the world’s oldest and most prestigious tennis tournament. It takes place in a suburb of London, England, and is still played on the games’ original surface—natural grass. A retractable roof, completed in time for the 2009 championships, ended a 132-year-old tradition of open-air play.

Concertina (accordion-fold) designDivided into two sections. Takes 10 minutes to close or open.

Steel trusses77 m-wide arches run on two parallel tracks, folding or stretching roof fabric as they move.

Roof material5200 square metres of flexible, translucent, waterproof fabric allows natural light to reach grass.

Interior Fully air-conditioned. Roof lighting will allow play to carry on late into evening.

ROOF FACTSHeight 16 m above courtCan be deployed in winds of up to 69 km/hWeight 3000 tonnesEstimated cost $35 millionTakes 30 minutes for internal climate to stabilize after roof has closed before play can resume

Club Facility

No. 1 CourtCapacity 11 429.

Wimbledon Museum

Centre Court: Capacity increased from 13 800 to 15 000. New, wider seats installed.

Broadcast Centre

Millennium Building

Old Court 2: Capacity 3000. Becomes Court 3. Other southern courts renumbered in sequence. No Court 13.

New Court 2: 4000 permanent seats. Court surface sunk 3.5 m below ground to reduce profile.

30

Built on the site of old Court 13.

31

Multiple-Choice

1. Why is the new roof considered “retractable”?A. It can be used in high winds. B. It can be opened and folded back. C. It is made of translucent, flexible fabric.D. It allows the use of natural and artificial light.

2. What idea links the information under “Concertina (accordion-fold) design” and “Steel trusses”?

A. timeB. weightC. climateD. movement

3. Which part of the selection shows a spectator’s view of Centre Court? A. the photograph labelled “Interior” B. the drawing in the top right cornerC. the overall diagram of the club facilityD. the diagram of Centre Court at the bottom centre

4. What is the purpose of the illustration at the top of the selection? A. to show why a new roof was neededB. to explain how the roof system works C. to compare the old roof with the new roofD. to emphasize the weight and cost of the new roof

5. What is the purpose of the “Roof Facts” section?A. to summarize key information B. to advertise the new constructionC. to describe how the roof was builtD. to explain how the roof opens and closes

6. Which part of the facility is south of Court 5?A. Court 14 B. No. 1 CourtC. new Court 2 D. Millennium Building

32

Writing a News ReportOn the OSSLT you will be asked to write a News Report as one of the writing tasks.

What to Expect

On the test you will be provided with a photograph and a headline. You will then write a news report by making up the facts that link the photograph and the headline.

Writing the Report

Your report must answer the following questions. Who? What? Where? When? Why? and How?

The news report will be about an event that has occurred in the past. So you will need to write in the past tense and in the third person.

Your news report must contain sufficient and relevant facts and information (you can make up this information for the OSSLT).

It should be organized in a logical manner from most important to least important details.

Key Elements

Element DefinitionHeadline Catches reader’s attention

Sums up the storyByline Writer’s name

Writer’s speciality (example: sports reporter)Placeline Where the events take placeLead The opening section

Gives most important information and answers most of the 5 W’s

Body Supplies additional information Again, most important information comes first Divided into very short paragraphs

Facts Simple true statements Quotations What someone actually said (relevant details that you make up)

Adds accuracy and “at the scene feeling.”

Structure of the News ReportThe news report is always organized like an inverted pyramid. The most important information comes first, followed by less important details, and the least important details come at the end.

33

Most Important

Less Important

Less Important

Least Important

News Report Sample

Car thief caught trapped in target vehicle

Jim Day, Staff Reporter

CANBERRA – A bungling Australian car thief was nabbed after accidentally locking himself in the vehicle he was trying to steal, police said Wednesday.

Police were called to a house in Adelaide after two thieves were heard trying to steal a car. On arrival they were surprised to find a 53-year old man hiding inside the vehicle.

“The man, while breaking into the car, had locked himself in the car and couldn’t get out,” South Australian police said, adding a second thief was found hiding in nearby bushes.

34

Headline

Placeline

Byline (name of author, your name)

Lead -Catches reader interest -Most important information

-Introduces topic -Answers most of the 5W’s

Body

Quotation

Writing a News Report

Practice Exercise

Task: Write a news report based on the headline and picture below. Make up the facts and information by 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

Purpose and Audience: to report on an event for the readers of a newspaper

Formatting The lined space provided for your written work indicates and Length: the approximate length of the writing expected.

Storm Shuts Down Region Rough Notes

Use the space below for rough notes. Nothing you write in this space will be scored.

35

Creating Your Rough Notes

Practice Exercise

Use the space to...

Brainstorm – write down what you think of when you read the headline and see the picture.

Name the event – what is this news report about?

____________________________________________________________________________________________Provide answers to the following questions:

Who? ___________________________________________________________

What?___________________________________________________________

Where?__________________________________________________________

When?__________________________________________________________

Why?___________________________________________________________

How?___________________________________________________________

List possible quotes you can use:

______________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Jot note possible concluding details- how it ended; what might happen as a result. __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

36

Write your news report on the lines provided.

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

37

News Report Exemplar

Storm Shuts Down Region

Jim Day, Staff Reporter

BRAMPTON ON – Yesterday residents of Brampton and surrounding areas experienced a record breaking snow storm that caused major road closures and prevented residents from completing daily activities.

The storm began yesterday evening as residents made their commute home. By late evening more than 100 cm of snow had accumulated. Windy conditions caused blowing snow making visibility near impossible. Roadways were covered with snow and fallen trees and many people were left stranded as they tried to get home.

“I’ve never seen so much snow in Brampton” exclaimed resident Mr. Bruce-Brown. Constable Mitchell said “We have advised residents to stay home as most major roads are closed.”

City workers have been clearing snow all night and residents should be able to access major roads soon.

38


Practice Exercise




Purpose and Audience: To report on an event for the readers of a newspaper

Formatting and Length: The lined space provided for your written work indicates the of the writing expected.

Students Raise Money for a Good Cause

Rough Notes


Write your news report on the lines provided on the following page.39

________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

40


Practice Exercise




Purpose and Audience: To report on an event for the readers of a newspaper

Formatting and length: The lined space provided for your written work indicates of the writing expected.

Restaurant Closed Due to Health Violations Rough Notes


Write your news report on the lines provided on the following page.

41

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

42

News Report Checklist

Have I clearly identified a single event? Have I added details that answer the questions Who? What? Where? When?

Why? and How? Have I told enough for the reader to understand what happened? Is my news report divided logically into paragraphs? Have I used transitional words and phrases to link the sequence of events? Have I included direct and indirect quotes from participants in the story? Is the sequence of events logical? Have I used complete sentences? Have I used correct spelling, grammar and punctuation? Is the tone unbiased?

43

Series of ParagraphsExpressing an Opinion

An opinion is a thought or belief about something or someone. There is no wrong opinion. You can think whatever you like. You earn marks by being able to support your opinion. In other words, you need to explain why you think that way.

For the OSSLT, you will be given a topic that is current and will be familiar to teenagers.

The series of paragraphs expressing an opinion is a longer piece of writing in which you state your opinion about a specific topic. In a minimum of three paragraphs, you will state your opinion and support your opinion by giving reasons, examples, facts and details that will persuade a reader that your opinion is reasonable.

The instructions are always the same for the Writing A Series of Paragraphs question. The only change is the topic you are given to write about.

Here is a copy of a sample question taken directly from a previous Literacy Test.

What are the instructions asking you to do?

“Task: Write a minimum of three paragraphs expressing an opinion…” EQAO requires a "minimum" of three paragraphs for this task, however, in order

to receive full marks you should be prepared to write a five paragraph essay, as you regularly practice in your classes. EQAO provides enough space to allow for a five paragraph essay.

44

“Purpose and Audience: an adult who is interested in your opinion.” You should write your opinion piece in language that assumes an adult will be

reading it. As you are writing about YOUR opinion, you may use first person.

“Length:…” EQAO provides you with 48 lines over two pages to respond to this question. This space should be filled but not exceeded.

“Topic:…” You are given a single sentence with which you can Agree or Disagree. Remember, It doesn’t matter which point of view you take. Pick one side and

stick with it.

"Rough Notes" Create a framework to organize and structure your paragraphs.

Getting Ready to Write:

Always use the Rough Notes area of the booklet to plan your opinion paragraphs before you begin your good copy.

The Writing Process:

The structure of the series of paragraphs should look like this:

45

Introductory Paragraph: Clearly state your opinion in your topic sentence. Pick one side of the argument

only and stick with it. AVOID the approach “I agree in some cases but disagree in other cases”.

Include three reasons why you think this way Provide a concluding statement which summarizes the main reasons or restates

the topic sentence in different words

Plan! 1. Choose a position (opinion) on the topic: yes/agree or no/disagree2. Draft a topic sentence.3. Organize your ideas: list reasons and supporting details (evidence).

Write! 4. Write an introduction: topic sentence with a clear opinion stated.5. Write your body paragraphs: reasons and supporting evidence6. Write a conclusion: restate your position with reasons and leave the reader with something to think about.

Review! 7. Proof-read and correct your work.

Use Transition Words:

Transition words connect your ideas across all of your paragraphs. Transition word examples are:

The first (second, third) reason is… Another reason is… First (Firstly), / Second (Secondly), / Third (Thirdly), … Moreover, / Furthermore, / In addition, / Also, … Finally, / Lastly, … The final / last reason is…

You should also choose effective transition words for your conclusion:

In conclusion, … In Summary, … To sum up, … To conclude, … In short, … In brief, …

46

Body Paragraphs: This is where you talk about each of the three reasons why you feel the way

you do about this topic. You should have stated these in your introductory paragraph.

Use the SEES method to organize what you want to say.o S - Sentence 1 – Supporting Argument (This is your paragraph

introduction and directly supports your point of view. This is your reason why you think the way you do)

o E - Sentence 2 – Example which supports your opinion. (facts, evidence, quotes, data, etc. You can make this up on the OSSLT!)

o E - Sentence 3 –Explanation which support the example (how do the facts, evidence, quotes, data, etc. support your reason?)

o S - Sentence 4 – Summary statement (concluding sentence) Include one body paragraph for each of the three reasons you stated in your

introductory paragraph.

Conclusion Paragraph: In a final paragraph, RESTATE your opinion Sum up your main POINTS to reaffirm that the position you have clearly stated

is a valid one Include a connection to your community-or the country, even the WORLD to

persuade your adult audience

Proof-Read!

Use this checklist to review your work:c Have I written five paragraphs, including an introduction, three body paragraphs

and a conclusion?c Is my opinion stated clearly in the introductory paragraph?c Have I included at least three reasons that support my opinion?c Are my reasons supported with at least one supporting detail for each?c Have I clearly marked each new paragraph by indenting them?c Does each paragraph include its own introductory sentence?c Does the concluding paragraph summarize my opinion and supporting reasons?c Have I used transitional words and phrases to link my ideas?c Have I used correct spelling, grammar and punctuation?c Have I used complete sentences?c Is the tone and language appropriate for an adult reader?

Scoring:

Your work will be assessed in two different ways:

1. Topic Development: your ability to clearly state your opinion (the main idea), and provide support for your stated opinion (reasons, evidence, and organization) - 60 marks total

2. Use of Conventions (spelling, grammar, punctuation) - 40 marks total

Let's try writing a series of opinion paragraphs!

For an example of how to answer this prompt, review the Heart Lake Literacy video, found online at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5NrNcaWfiA.

47

Are cell phones necessary in teenagers' lives?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5NrNcaWfiA%20

Now try it on your own…

Task One:

50

Are television, movies and video games responsible for teen violence?

Task Two:

51

Should the provincial government ban soft drink vending machines in Secondary Schools?

Use these rubrics to check how you might score on this question.

Skills: topic development and organizationCode Reason for Code

0 You left it blank (you didn’t write anything)

Your response is illegible, or your response doesn’t relate to the writing prompt -Your response is off-topic

10 Your response is related to the prompt but does not express an opinion, OR

Your response expresses an opinion, but it has no supporting details, or it gives details that don’t re-late to your opinion.

There is no evidence of organization. 20 The response is related to the prompt, but:

o only part of your response expresses and supports your opinion, OR

o you express and support your opinion, but the opinion is unclear or inconsistent. -You have provided too few details, or repeat them

There is not much evidence of organization.30 The response is related to the prompt and expresses a clear opinion, but:

o the supporting details you provided are vague, or too few, or o you haven’t always connected the details to your opinion clearly.

Some organization is evident, but not enough to keep the reader from being distracted and puzzled.

40 The response is related to the prompt. Your opinion is clear and consistent, and you developed it with sufficient supporting details, but:

o only some details are specific. The organization of ideas is mechanical.

50 The response is related to the prompt. Your opinion is clear and developed consistently. You have included sufficient specific supporting details. The organization is logical.

60 The response is related to the prompt. Your opinion is clear and developed consistently with thoughtfully chosen and sufficient details. The organization is coherent, demonstrating a thoughtful progression of ideas.

Longer Writing: Language Conventions (Spelling, Grammar, Punctuation)Code Reason for Code10 You haven’t written enough for your writing to be scored, OR

Errors you’ve made make it very hard for a reader to understand what you have written.

20 Errors distract the reader30 Errors do not distract the reader

40 Control of spelling, grammar and punctuation is evident in written work.

52

schools.peelschools.orgschools.peelschools.org/sec/heartlake/literacy/documen… · web...

Documents