The OSSLT Guide: How to Pass the Ontario Literacy Test on the First Try (2026)

For Grade 10 students in Ontario, the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is more than just another exam. It is a mandatory requirement for earning the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD).

Put simply: If you don’t pass, you don’t graduate.

While the test measures “literacy,” many smart students fail it—not because they can’t read, but because they don’t understand the specific format the EQAO examiners are looking for.

At FocusFirst Tutors, we specialize in the Ontario curriculum. We wrote this guide to give you the “Cheat Codes” to the test and help you secure a pass (Score of 300+) on your first attempt.

What is the OSSLT?

The OSSLT measures whether students have met the literacy (reading and writing) expectations up to the end of Grade 9.

• Format: Computer-based (Digital).
• Structure: Two sessions (Session A and Session B).
• Scoring: You need a score of 300 out of 400 to pass.

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The Secret Formula: How to Write the Perfect News Report

This is the section where most students lose marks. You are asked to write a News Report based on a single image and headline.

Most students make the mistake of writing a “Story” (Fiction). The EQAO wants a “Report” (Facts).

Use the FocusFirst 5-Step Checklist:

1. The Headline: Copy it exactly from the prompt. Do not change it.
2. The Lead Paragraph (The Hook): You must answer the 5 Ws (Who, What, Where, When, Why) in the very first sentence.
   • Good Example: “Yesterday, students at Oakwood High raised $5,000 for charity during a bake sale in the cafeteria.”
3. The “Eyewitness” Quote: You must invent a fictional person and quote them.
   • Example: “It was an amazing event and the whole school participated,” said Grade 10 student Sarah Lee.
4. The “Bridge” Information: Add a sentence connecting the event to a larger context (e.g., “This is the third year the school has run this event.”).
5. The Closing: Briefly explain what happens next (e.g., “The money will be donated to the local hospital next week.”).

Pro Tip: Always write in the Past Tense and keep your paragraphs short (1-2 sentences).

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The “Series of Paragraphs” (The Opinion Essay)

This is a formal opinion piece (e.g., “Should cellphones be banned in schools?”).

The Trap: Students write one giant block of text.
The Fix: You must use the 5-Paragraph Structure:

1. Introduction: State your opinion clearly (Thesis). List 3 reasons.
2. Body Paragraph 1: Reason 1 + Specific Example.
3. Body Paragraph 2: Reason 2 + Specific Example.
4. Body Paragraph 3: Reason 3 + Specific Example.
5. Conclusion: Restate your opinion.

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3 Tips to Master the Digital Format (2026)

Tip 1: Use the Tools

The digital OSSLT has built-in tools like a highlighter, strikethrough, and “Help” menu. Get comfortable with the interface before test day.

Tip 2: Answer Every Question

Unlike the SAT, you are not penalized for guessing. Never leave a multiple-choice question blank. If you run out of time, guess.

Tip 3: Focus on “Explicit” vs “Implicit”

Reading comprehension questions will ask for information that is “Right There” (Explicit) and information that requires you to “Read Between the Lines” (Implicit). Practice identifying the difference.

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What if I Fail?

If a student fails the OSSLT, they have two options:

1. Retake the test the following year.
2. Take the OLC4O Course (Ontario Secondary School Literacy Course) in Grade 12.

Strategy: It is much better to pass the test in Grade 10 than to use up a valuable course slot in Grade 12 for the literacy course.

Secure Your Pass with FocusFirst Tutors

Don’t leave your graduation requirement to chance.
Our English specialists know the exact EQAO rubric. We teach the specific News Report Formula and Essay Structure that examiners reward.

👉 [Book a Free English Assessment]
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