OSSLT-Bklt-2014

OSSLTOntario Secondary SchoolLiteracy TestMarch 2014Released selections andtest QuestionsRecord your answers to the multiple-choice questionson the Student Answer Sheet (March 2014).Please note: The format ofthis booklet is different fromthat used for the assessment.The questions themselvesremain the same.

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Read carefully before writing the test:• Check the identification numbers of your three documents to see that the final 12 digits all match. If theydo not, report the problem to the teacher in charge.• Check the pages of this Test Booklet to see that they are in order. If they are not, report the problem to theteacher in charge.• Read all instructions before responding to the questions.• Use only pencil or blue or black pen in the Test Booklet and on the Student Answer Sheet.• Attempt all questions. If you leave a question blank, the question will be scored zero.Multiple-Choice• Choose the best or most correct answer for each question.• You must record your multiple-choice answers on the Student Answer Sheet. Multiple-choice answersrecorded in the Test Booklet will not be scored.To indicate your answer, fill in the circle completely, as shown below.Like this:Not like this:• If you fill in more than one 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 foryour new answer. Ensure that your final answer is clear.Written Answers• For all questions that ask for a written answer, write legibly on the lined space provided in theTest Booklet.• 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..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................You are now ready to start.Remember to record all your multiple-choice answers on the Student Answer Sheet.

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test

Section I: Writing Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Writing a Series of Paragraphs1 Task: Write a minimum of three paragraphs expressing an opinion on thetopic below. Develop your main idea with supporting details (proof, facts,examples, etc.).Purpose andAudience:an adult who is interested in your opinionLength:The lined space provided for your written work indicates the approximatelength of the writing expected.Topic:Do students benefit from the two-month summer break?Write your series of paragraphs on the lines provided on the following two pages.Rough NotesUse the space below for your rough notes. Nothing you write in this space will be scored.4

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Section I: WritingDo students benefit from the two-month summer break?Continue writing your series of paragraphs on the next page.5

Section I: Writing Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014End of Section I. Continue to Section II.6

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Section II: WritingMultiple-Choice(Record the best or most correct answer on the Student Answer Sheet.)1 Which option is the best concludingsentence for this paragraph?Many cities struggle with public transportationneeds. New subway construction is expensive,and space for above-ground rail lines is limited.Adding more buses can’t always reduce streetcongestion. Transit users dislike fare increases,but that is one way to raise money forimprovements._________________________________.abcdPublic transportation was cheaper inthe past.There are no easy solutions to transitproblems.There are various ways to eliminatethe need for cars.Urban population growth means morecars on city streets.2 Choose the sentence that is written correctly.abcdImproving your focus starting the daywith breakfast.Regular exercise result in better mentalfunctioning.Taking frequent breaks can improvefocus and concentration.Concentrating better with music ortelevision playing in the background.3 Choose the option that best combines thefollowing sentences.Carl J. Eliason invented the snow machine.It was made using bicycle and car partsand a pair of skis.It was patented in 1927.abcdCarl J. Eliason’s snow machineinvention, patented in 1927, was madeusing bicycle and car parts and a pairof skis.The snow machine was invented outof parts from a bicycle, a car and a pairof skis in 1927 and patented by Carl J.Eliason.The snow machine was patented afterCarl J. Eliason used parts from a bicycle,a car and a pair of skis to invent it in1927.Carl J. Eliason patented a snow machinein 1927 because he used parts froma bicycle, a car and a pair of skis toinvent it.4 Choose the sentence that is written correctly.abcdWe observe the stars last night.Teresa and Sam witnessed the accident.Aminah and Khalil is going to see thelatest adventure film.Of the whole class, only Winnie andOmar is going on the field trip.End of Section II. Continue to Section III.7

Section III: Reading Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Read the selection below and answer the questions that follow it.A Stunning Comeback to an Elite SportThe official line on Marie-Eve Chainey in the women’s high jump read “NH”—shorthandfor “No Height”—not exactly a fitting designation for an athlete who truly soared.For some athletes at the Canadian track and fieldchampionships in August 2010, a triumphantreturn meant posting fast times after a slowseason. For Chainey, it meant returning to elitecompetition after a nine-year battle with kidneydisease. Three years ago, she was unable to walkand even lacked the strength to wash her hair.As a 14-year-old, Chainey would often travel 820 kilometres from Kapuskasing toToronto to train under coach Gary Lubin at York University. At 18, Chainey went toSpain to learn the language and continue her high-jump training. While there, she becameso dizzy she had to be hospitalized. That’s when she got the news: Her kidneys were nolonger working. She hasn’t known life without dialysis since.Healthy kidneys filter waste products from the blood. In dialysis treatment, a machinecleans the blood at regular intervals, for example, three times a week. Chainey has beenusing nocturnal dialysis, which works while she sleeps.Since her original diagnosis, Chainey has had to overcome four relapses and countlessother obstacles, including going blind for two months. She was told over and over she’dnever jump again because her muscles were too damaged. But for Chainey, jumping islike breathing.“From when I got sick, the goal that I had was to just be back jumping,” she said.“Jumping was basically my happy place. Even now more so. Because I’m sick and there’sso much going on, when I go to high jump, I don’t think about anything else than justhigh jump and enjoying it. It is definitely my getaway. I feel normal because I don’t haveto think about anything else.”So on the eve of the national championships, the 27-year-old was not about to be deterredby a difficult night of dialysis. “I’m very stubborn, I’m very hard-headed … I just had tofind a way that I would be able to jump, no matter what.”12345678

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Section III: ReadingChainey certainly felt jitters at thechampionships; her hands wouldn’t stopshaking once the competition began. Shedidn’t clear the starting height of 1.50metres, which she had managed to get overin practice. Still, you’d be hard pressed tofind a happier last-place finisher anywhere.“Just being out there, especially when they lined us up and they introduced us to thecrowd, it was a special moment that I’ll always remember,” she said. “I didn’t feelcomfortable at first because I didn’t feel I belonged. But although I didn’t get a height,I still feel I belonged there. It felt awesome just to have the opportunity and experiencethis.”Chainey says kidney disease has cured her of her perfectionism. “I’ve always been astraight A student, always done well in sports and piano,” she said. “So when I got sick,my life wasn’t perfect anymore. I had to learn how to live with what you have, that I hadlimits. That was a very good lesson for me, to know that things aren’t always perfect butyou can still make the best of it.”Lubin is not surprised by her determination. “She used to come down from Kapuskasing,a 12-hour train ride ... in order to train. When I talk to my athletes about dedication,I say, ‘Don’t tell me you came from Burlington. You think that’s far? How aboutKapuskasing?’ This is the type of person she is.”There are comebacks, and there are comebacks.89101112Adapted from “A Stunning Comeback to an Elite Sport” by Randy Starkman, published in the Toronto Star, August 2, 2010. Reprinted withpermission—Torstar Syndication. Photos: © Christopher Pike and © Howard Bailey.9

Section III: Reading Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Multiple-Choice(Record the best or most correct answer on the Student Answer Sheet.)1 Where was Chainey living when she wasdiagnosed with kidney disease?abcdSpainTorontoBurlingtonKapuskasing2 Early on, how did Chainey demonstrate herdedication to high jumping?abcdShe went to Kapuskasing to traincompetitively.She competed at the Canadian trackand field championships.She competed even though shehad received dialysis treatments.She frequently travelled long distancesto train at York University.3 How is the information in paragraphs 1 to 3organized?abcdpresent to pastcause and effectsimilarities and differencesmore important to less important4 What is the purpose of the dashes inparagraph 1?abcdto set off an explanationto replace quotation marksto indicate a change in topicto separate an idea and an example5 Why is paragraph 5 important to theselection?abcdIt reveals Chainey’s determination.It describes the dangers of dialysis.It proves that Chainey should notcompete.It explains why high jumping is an elitesport.6 Which word is closest in meaning to“deterred” as used in paragraph 7?abcdstoppedpunishedconfusedexhausted7 What impact did kidney disease have onChainey?abcdChainey became dissatisfied withanything less than a win.Chainey stopped using jumping as anescape from her troubles.Chainey valued her fellow competitorsas encouraging supporters.Chainey no longer expected to beflawless in what she attempted.8 Why was Chainey satisfied with her finish atthe national championships?abcdShe had jumped her personal best.She had met her coach’s expectations.She had defeated her closest competitor.She had returned to the sport sheenjoyed.10

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Section III: Reading9 What idea connects the introductoryparagraph to the conclusion?abcdChainey is a champion high jumper.Chainey’s last place finish is a victory.Chainey’s kidney disease is a curableillness.Chainey has qualified for the nationalchampionships.End of Section III. Continue to Section IV.11

Section IV: Reading Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Read the selection below and answer the questions that follow it.“Is tomorrow the big day?” asked Hanna. Her fatherwas lost in thought. “Dad?”“Sorry.” Gerry snapped out of his reverie. “I can’tfocus. Nerves, I guess.”“Don’t be nervous,” said Hanna. “You’re a fantasticchef!”“Thanks. It’s not the cooking that I’m worriedabout—it’s the pace. ‘Go! Hurry!’ People yelling …getting annoyed.”Hanna could see his anxiety. “But we have given you lots of practice dealing withimpatient, noisy people,” she said. “You have an advantage over the 20-year-oldapprentices! They haven’t been cooking for five kids for 18 years.”“True,” acknowledged Gerry. “It’s just scary trying a new career at 44, even with the helpfrom the Second Career program.”“Remember the night before I started that lifeguarding job? I was a wreck, and you andMom gave me great advice.”“What?”“Take a deep breath,” she replied. “Go for a walk.”Gerry exhaled loudly. “That helps. Any other tips?”“You distracted me with a funny story—remember your lab partner who used salt insteadof sugar?”“Poor Steve,” recalled Gerry, chuckling. “Let’s hope I don’t make mistakes like that!”“You won’t,” said Hanna reassuringly. “And Mom suggested that I visualize the endof my first day. Picture yourself cleaning your station after your shift and imagine thefeeling of accomplishment.”Gerry closed his eyes and swished his hands out in front of him, wiping animaginary counter.They burst out laughing. “Feeling of relief, or maybe exhaustion,” added Gerry.“Forget visualization, how about that walk?”123456789101112131415Written for EQAO.12

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Section IV: ReadingMultiple-Choice(Record the best or most correct answer on the Student Answer Sheet.)1 What would be the most appropriate title forthis selection?abcdA New StartA Chef’s SpecialFather Knows BestPractice Makes Perfect2 What is indicated by the single quotationmarks in paragraph 4 around “Go! Hurry!”?abcdGerry is talking to himself.Two people are talking at the same time.Gerry is speaking someone else’s words.The words are thoughts, not conversation.3 What does Hanna mean when she says “Iwas a wreck” (paragraph 7)?abcdShe was exhausted from lifeguarding.She feared starting a new lifeguardingjob.She was injured while she was on thejob.She needed help from the SecondCareer program.4 How does Gerry feel when he exhalesloudly in paragraph 10?abcdHe is beginning to relax.He is exhausted with worry.He is impatient with his children.He is irritated to receive so much advice.13

Section IV: Reading Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Written Answer5 Does Gerry believe that Hanna’s suggestions will help him? Use specific details from the selection tosupport your answer.6 What does this selection show about Gerry and Hanna’s relationship? Use specific details from theselection to explain your answer.Rough NotesUse the space below for rough notes. Nothing you write in this space will be scored.End of Section IV. Continue to Section V.14

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Section V: WritingShort Writing Task (Answer in full and correctly written sentences.)1 Identify one action you take in your daily life to be healthy. Use specific details to explain howthis action contributes to your health.Rough NotesUse the space below for rough notes. Nothing you write in this space will be scored.End of Section V. Continue to Section VI.15

Section VI: Reading Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Read the selection below and answer the questions that follow it.200150Thousandsof hectares100 25050 200Canada’s CANADA’S FORESTSForestsCanada is the world’s leading exporter of softwood lumber, panels, pulp and newsprint, and the thirdlargest exporter of printing and writing paper. Canada’s forest management includes sustainable harvestingof forests, replanting of harvested areas, and tracking threats to forests, including damage due to fires.Canada is the world’s leading exporter of softwood lumber, panels, pulp and newsprint, and the third largestexporter 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.Canada is the world’s leading CANADA’S exporter of FOREST softwood MANAGEMENTlumber, panels, pulp and newsprint, and the thirdlargest exporter of printing and writing paper. Canada’s forest management includes sustainable harvestingof forests, replanting of harvested areas, and tracking threats to forests, including damage due to fires.CANADA’S FOREST MANAGEMENTThousandsof hectares25062 hectares planted250 hectares harvest areaNew0 150BrunswickNorthwest Territories British Columbia Alberta Saskatchewan Manitoba Ontario Quebec Atlantic Provincesincluding Yukon& NunavutSource: Statistics Canada1005062 hectares planted250 hectares harvest area0Ontario’sNorthwestforestTerritoriesproductsBritishindustryColumbiacontributesAlbertasubstantiallySaskatchewanto the provincialManitobaeconomy.OntarioThe three majorQuebec Atlantic Provincesincluding Yukonsectors of the & Nunavut forest products industry in Ontario are represented below. The pie graphs illustrate the Source: Statistics Canadapercentage each sector contributes to the total revenue from Ontario’s forest-industry-manufactured goods;the amount Ontario’s of forest wages products generated industry and the contributes amount newly substantially invested in to Ontario’s the provincial forest industry. economy. The three majorsectors of the forest products industry in Ontario are represented below. The pie graphs illustrate theREVENUE FROM ONTARIO’SWAGES AND SALARIES INNEW INVESTMENTS INpercentage each sector contributes to the total revenue from Ontario’s forest-industry-manufactured goods;FOREST-INDUSTRY-MANUFACTURED GOODS ONTARIO’S FOREST INDUSTRY ONTARIO’S FOREST INDUSTRYthe amount of wages generated and the amount newly invested in Ontario’s forest industry.$13.4 trillion (2008)$2.446 trillion (2008)$373 billion (2009)REVENUE FROM ONTARIO’SFOREST-INDUSTRY-MANUFACTURED 11%GOODS$1550.7 B$13.4 trillion (2008)29%$3856.6 B29%YukonBritishColumbia60%$3856.6 B $7992.6 BCANADA’S FORESTSCANADA’S FOREST MANAGEMENTArea planted (2008) Harvest area (2008)Area burned (2009)60%$7992.6 BAlberta11%$1550.7 BNorthwest TerritoriesSaskatchewanNunavutManitobaOntario’s forest industry contributes substantially tothe provincial economy. The three major sectors ofthe forest industry in Ontario are represented in thepie graphs below.OntarioOntario’s Forest IndustryQuebecWAGES AND SALARIES 12% IN 18% NEW INVESTMENTS 4% IN$290.1 B $68.8 B$14.5 BONTARIO’S 33% FOREST INDUSTRY ONTARIO’S FOREST INDUSTRY$809.8 $2.446 B trillion (2008)$373 billion (2009)55%$1,345.8 B12% 18% 78%$290.1 B $68.8 B33%$289.8 B$809.8 BMain sectors of the 55% forest industry:$1345.8 BForestry and loggingPulp and paper product manufacturingWood Main product sectors manufacturingof the forest industry:Forestry and loggingPulp and paper product manufacturingWood product manufacturingNewfoundland& LabradorPrince EdwardIslandNova Scotia4%$14.5 B78%$289.8 BArea planted(2008)Harvest area(2008)Area burned(2009)Written for EQAO.16

Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test, March 2014Section VI: ReadingMultiple-Choice(Record the best or most correct answer on the Student Answer Sheet.)1 What word is closest in meaning to“exporter” as used in the paragraph belowthe title?abcdinvestorpurchaserdistributormanufacturer2 Why is a bar graph appropriate for the forestmanagement data?abcdIt shows decreasing size.It shows changes over time.It shows increasing importance.It shows a comparison of categories.3 How is the “Canada’s Forest Management”graph organized?abcdby degree of successby size of productionby changes over timeby geographic location4 What was true about British Columbia’sforest management in 200822009?abcdLess area was burned than planted.More area was burned than planted.Less area was planted than harvested.More area was harvested than burned.5 What is an accurate conclusion that can bedrawn from the information in the pie charts?abcdWood product manufacturing generatedthe largest percentage of revenue but thesmallest percentage of wages in 2008.The percentages of revenue and thoseof wages and salaries from the majorsectors of Ontario’s forest industry weresimilar in 2008.The largest percentage of wages camefrom pulp and paper productmanufacturing in 2008, even though thatsector generated the smallest amount ofrevenue in 2008.The smallest amount of money wasinvested in forestry and logging in 2009,even though that sector generated thelargest amount of revenue in 2008.6 What conclusion can be supported byinformation in this selection?abcdThe forest management of each regionor province is unique.It is likely that Alberta’s forest industryis similar to that of Ontario.The pie charts suggest that forestry andlogging in Ontario is the most profitablesector.Manitoba’s forest industry determinesCanada’s international position as anexporter of forest products.17

Unreleased ItemsThe following March 2014 OSSLT questions are not being released this year:ComponentsQuestionsNews Report (Reading) 1–6Multiple-Choice Writing Items 7–10Short Writing 11Long Writing (News Report) 12Information Paragraph (Reading) 13–19

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