OSSLT FORMULA FOR SUCCESS TIPS
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
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1. When answering multiple choice questions on the OSSLT, make
sure that you read the multiple choice questions BEFORE you start reading the
article. This will give you more purpose when reading.
When answering multiple choice questions on the OSSLT, eliminate answers you
know are wrong. This improves your odds of success because you may have
narrowed your choice down to two choices.
When answering multiple choice questions on the OSSLT, trust your first instinct.
Doubt is your worst enemy. Only change your answer after you have double
checked.
When answering multiple choice questions on the OSSLT, there is no pattern.
Don’t look for one and ALWAYS answer all the questions even if you are unsure.
Checking and re-reading the article might be required. As a last resort, guess if
necessary. Never leave a multiple choice question blank. You have at least a
25% chance of being right.
Scan the MC questions quickly to get a sense of what information you are
looking for before carefully reading the selection. (Any numbers on the
side/margins of the reading selection indicate line or paragraph numbers - use
these numbers to help you find your answers when appropriate)
Highlight keywords in the question for clues of where to find the answers from the
reading and what information you are looking for
Look over the possible answers.
OPEN RESPONSE QUESTIONS
8. OSSLT tip of the day! When completing open response questions it's important
to remember that each question has different requirements of what you must
include. Read carefully to ensure you know what to do!
9. OSSLT tip of the day! When completing open response questions it's important
to have a focused topic sentence that clearly states your idea and opinion about
the topic.
10. OSSLT tip of the day! When the question asks, you will need to incorporate
specific examples from the readings or from your own experience to support your
answer. Remember, being specific is better than being unfocussed or vague.
11. OSSLT tip of the day! After completing an open response question, reread your
response to ensure you have answered all parts of the question, and correct any
errors you may notice.
12. OSSLT tip of the day! Remember, you should try to fill the lines provided but
DON’T go over! You will only be marked for what fits in the line.
WRITING A NEWS REPORT FOR THE OSSLT
1.
Look at the title and the photograph.
2.
Draw a set of brainstorming boxes – who, what, where, when, why and how
3.
Fill the boxes in point form based on the title and photo. Use names and
places that are familiar to you. (3-5minutes)
4.
Your lead paragraph must answer the four questions – who, what, where,
when
5.
Start your lead paragraph off with “Yesterday ...” or “Last week ...”
6.
Refer back to the brainstorming boxes frequently to answer the 6 questions
7.
Make sure you have at least four-five paragraphs. Start them on a new line
and indent them a couple of spaces to indicate it is a new paragraph. (A
paragraph can be as short as one sentence)
8.
You should have 2-3 quotations from different people that were “interviewed”
for the article. Indicate the title of the person and their name. The people
quoted should be relevant to the topic/event.
9.
Make sure you include some specific details/facts that are relevant to the
article. Even if you have to make them up –as long as they are reasonable.
10. Use all or most of the space provided.
11. You should only take 20-25 minutes to write your entire article from start to
finish. If you are an Extra time writer you may take 45-50 minutes to
complete the task.
MORE NEWS REPORT TIPS
If you are a regular time writer, save 20-25 minutes to plan and write your news report. If you
are a double time writer, save approx. 40-45 minutes to plan and write the news report
Your news report must be newsworthy - the event should have happened yesterday, and your
report must be related to the headline and photo provided.
Use the space available in the question booklet to brainstorm and jot down your answers to
who, what, where, when, as well as your quotes.
You should have 2-3 quotations from different people that you have interviewed for your
report - give each person a title and name (e.g. Mike Jones, Police Chief)
Do not give your opinion - only present facts and be sure to write in the third person (he / she /
it / they) and avoid using the first person (I / we)
How to Write a “Series of Paragraphs Supporting an Opinion” or
“SOP”
Formula For Success
1. Read and understand the question
2. Create a t-chart to help you determine which side you will
be writing about (3 minutes)
3. Choose the side that you have more information about (1
minute)
4. Organize your t-chart into 3 main arguments/body
paragraphs with examples (2 minutes)
5. Start writing your essay/SOP using proper 5 Paragraph
Essay Format (Introduction, Body Paragraphs 1,2,3 and a
Conclusion) (30 minutes)
*Regular Time Writers 35 minutes **Double Time Writers
70 minutes
ESSAY FORMAT
Introduction
Conclusion
General Statement
Restate
Opinion
State 3
Arguments
Restate 3
Arguments
State
Opinion
Broad statement related
to larger issue
Body Paragraphs 1, 2, 3