EQAO Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test 2

Question 1

On the OSSLT, a 'series of paragraphs' writing task requires students to write in how many paragraphs at minimum?

Accepted Answer

Three paragraphs

Answer

One paragraph

Answer

Two paragraphs

Answer

Five paragraphs

Question 2

When reading a graphic text on the OSSLT, which element is MOST important to analyze first?

Accepted Answer

The title and labels to establish context

Answer

The font size of any caption

Answer

The colour scheme used in the graphic

Answer

The source citation at the bottom

Question 3

Which sentence best demonstrates the correct use of a semicolon tested on the OSSLT?

Accepted Answer

The test was difficult; however, she passed.

Answer

She studied all night; and passed the test.

Answer

He read the passage; quickly.

Answer

They arrived early; to get good seats.

Question 4

In the OSSLT news report writing task, what does the term 'inverted pyramid structure' mean?

Accepted Answer

Presenting the most important information first, then supporting details

Answer

Starting with background details and ending with the main event

Answer

Writing equal amounts of information in each paragraph

Answer

Beginning with a quote and ending with a statistic

Question 5

A student reads: 'The council voted unanimously to reject the proposal.' What does 'unanimously' mean in this context?

Accepted Answer

With every member in agreement

Answer

By a narrow majority

Answer

With great reluctance

Answer

After lengthy debate

Question 6

Which reading strategy is MOST effective when a student encounters an unfamiliar word in an OSSLT passage?

Accepted Answer

Look for context clues in surrounding sentences

Answer

Skip the word and continue reading

Answer

Re-read the entire passage from the beginning

Answer

Choose the answer option that contains the unfamiliar word

Question 7

On the OSSLT, a student is asked to identify the 'main idea' of an informational text. Where is the main idea MOST commonly found?

Accepted Answer

In the opening paragraph, often in the first few sentences

Answer

Only in the final paragraph

Answer

Only in quoted material within the text

Answer

Exclusively in subheadings and bullet points