Ontario 

Secondary School Literacy Test 
 
 
 
Released March 2019 OSSLT 
 
Item‐Specific Rubrics and Sample 
 
Student Responses with Annotations
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Long Writing Topic Development 
Section I Opinion 
 
Q: Do people depend too much on technology?

Code Descriptor

Blank The pages are blank with nothing written or drawn in the space provided.

Illegible The response is illegible, or irrelevant to the prompt.

Off topic The response is off topic.

The response is related to the prompt but does not express an opinion.
OR
Code 10 The response expresses an opinion with no supporting details or provides
details unrelated to the opinion. There is no evidence of organization.

The response is related to the prompt, but only part of the response expresses
and supports an opinion.
OR
The response is related to the prompt, and expresses and supports an opinion,
Code 20
but the opinion is unclear or inconsistent. There are insufficient supporting
details: too few or repetitious. There is limited evidence of organization.

The response is related to the prompt and expresses a clear opinion. There are
insufficient and/or vague supporting details or the connection of the details to
the opinion is not always clear. There is evidence of organization, but lapses
Code 30 distract from the overall communication.

The response is related to the prompt. A clear and consistent opinion is

Code 40 developed with sufficient supporting details, however only some are specific.
The organization is mechanical and any lapses do not distract from the overall
communication.

The response is related to the prompt. A clear and consistent opinion is

Code 50 developed with sufficient specific supporting details. The organization is logical.

The response is related to the assigned prompt. A clear and consistent opinion
Code 60 is developed with sufficient specific supporting details that are thoughtfully
chosen. The organization is coherent demonstrating a thoughtful progression of
ideas.
 

EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Long Writing Topic Development 
Section I Opinion 

Code 10
 

 
 

Annotation: The response expresses an opinion (…that you could say people depend to much on it) but
contains no supporting details. There is no evidence of organization.
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Long Writing Topic Development 
Section I Opinion 

Code 20
 

 
 

Annotation: The response is related to the prompt, and expresses and supports an opinion (Yes I think people
depend too much on technology) but there are insufficient supporting details (Most businesses wouldn’t be
able to run without technology.)
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Long Writing Topic Development 
Section I Opinion 

Code 30
 

 
 

Annotation: The response is related to the prompt and expresses a clear opinion (Yes, people depend on
technology too much). There are insufficient and vague supporting details. (Secondly, teenagers aren’t
properly socializing! Everything happens on online platforms and social media, nothing real.) and
(…situational awareness is greatly effected by cellphones and technology.) There is evidence of organization.
The introduction states the opinion and there is a concluding statement (To conclude, people are very
dependent on technology).
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Long Writing Topic Development 
Section I Opinion 

Code 40
 

 
 
 
 
  
 

Annotation: A clear and consistent opinion is developed (Yes, people depend too much on technology.)
with sufficient supporting details. Only some details are specific (Instagram, the app, had technical
difficulties and stopped working for a few hours at most. People were freaking out.); some details are not
specific (Yes, technology has made life easier but it’s bad to depend on It because things happen.)
The organization is mechanical. Lapses do not distract from the overall communication (ie. the conclusion
does not follow the discussion topics in the body paragraphs).
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Long Writing Topic Development 
Section I Opinion 

Code 50
 
 
 
 

 
 Annotation: A clear and consistent opinion is developed (People do not depend on technology too much)
with sufficient specific supporting details (the internet would be faster than looking in the dictionary) and
(Our phones have a special features for emergencies and without them you can be in danger, for example;
amber alerts, weather warnings, and also emergency SOS).
The final body paragraph is a bit weaker than the first two in that the example is less specific (the future for
many careers will be technology as it will help us complete the work more efficiently and more accurately);
therefore, this response would not be scored a 60.
The organization is logical. The body develops the ideas in the same order as they are set out in the
introduction, and the main ideas are summarized in the conclusion. Although the body paragraphs are
somewhat mechanical in that they use Firstly…Secondly…Thirdly, the caliber of the discussion following the
introductory statements is consistent with the requirements of a Code 50.

   
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Long Writing Topic Development 
Section I Opinion 

Code 60

 
 
 
 
 
 Annotation: A clear and consistent opinion is developed (In my opinion, people depend too much on
technology...). There are sufficient specific supporting details that are thoughtfully chosen (Studies have
shown that teens aged 15 – 18 have problems communicating with people in person due to the growing use
of cellphones) and (Professor Dave Robinson from the University of Toronto states that students who type
their work and use autocorrect will naturally spell worse than those who don’t…). The organization is
coherent and demonstrates a thoughtful progression of ideas. The discussion in the body paragraphs follows
the order laid out in the introduction. Although the third body paragraph and the conclusion are short, the
thoughtfulness of the response and the effective organization are consistent with a Code 60.

 
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Long Writing Conventions 
Section I Opinion 
 
Q: Do people depend too much on technology?

Code  Descriptor 
There is insufficient evidence to assess the use of conventions.
Code 10  OR
Errors in conventions interfere with communication.

Code 20  Errors in conventions distract from communication. 

Code 30  Errors in conventions do not distract from communication.

Code 40  Control of conventions is evident in written work. 

 
Conventions refers to grammar, usage, spelling and punctuation.

Clarification of Descriptors for Conventions

 Insufficient evidence: The student has not written enough to assess his/her use of
conventions.
 Interfere: Reading rhythm is constantly interrupted. There is so much re-reading that
the reader cannot recall what the piece of writing said overall.
 Distract: Reading rhythm is interrupted, even if the information can be understood. The
reader is as aware of the errors as of the information being communicated.
 Do not distract: There may be errors, but they do not impede understanding of the
information.
 Control: Written work demonstrates consistent and correct use of conventions
expected by the end of Grade 9, such as verb endings, the spelling of homophones,
end punctuation, the apostrophe and quotation marks. A few errors may exist.
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Long Writing Conventions 
Section I Opinion 

Code 10
 

Annotation: This response contains fewer than 30 words, and thus provides insufficient evidence to assess
the use of conventions.
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Long Writing Conventions 
Section I Opinion 

Code 20
 

 
 

Annotation: Errors in conventions distract from communication. Reading rhythm is interrupted by

incomplete sentences (Long time ago, People didn’t. Searching something. Studying. Watching the clock.
Playing game, and navigation. Finally. It is car technology), errors in usage (Technology makes to improve
our life. Many stuffs technology changed our life.), and a lack of punctuation (For example, cell phone
television, microwave, refrigerator, computer etc I’m going to explain…A lot of people might be more
comfortable than before some technology keep changing…).
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Long Writing Conventions 
Section I Opinion 

Code 30

 
 
Annotation: Errors in usage (medical purpose… Being overly depending on technology) and spelling
(weather, uncertainity, ceriton, malfuctions, excesivly), and comma splices (One of the most important
benifits of Technology is saving materials, space, and lowering expences for businesses, for instance
saving…) do not distract from communication.
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Long Writing Conventions 
Section I Opinion 

Code 40

 
 
 Annotation: Control of conventions is evident. Errors in spelling (Now a days) and a lack of capitalization
after a question mark (dies? people automatically go searching…gone? people aren’t…) do not undermine
the overall control of conventions.

 
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Reading Open Response 
Section IV Dialogue Question 6 
Q: How does Basira demonstrate that she is focused on life after high school? Use specific details from the
selection to support your answer.

Code Descriptor
Blank nothing written or drawn in the lined space provided

Illegible* response is illegible

An illegible response cannot be read (erased, crossed out, not in English, impossible to read).

A comment on the task (e.g., I don’t know).

Off topic/ response is off-topic, irrelevant or incorrect

Incorrect*
A typical off-topic response provides no information from the reading selection to indicate reading
comprehension.

A typical irrelevant response comments on the reading selection (e.g., I don’t understand the story)
or simply restates the question.

A typical incorrect response provides an answer based on a misunderstanding of the question

AND/OR the ideas in the reading selection.

Code 10 response indicates minimal reading comprehension

response provides minimal or irrelevant ideas and information from the reading
selection

The response indicates how Basira demonstrates that she is focused on life after high school and
provides minimal information from the selection to support the response
OR
provides one or more reasons how Basira demonstrates that she is focused on life after high
school with no evidence from the selection
OR
provides irrelevant support from the reading selection (i.e., based on the student’s own ideas or a
retell of events in the selection).

Code 20 response indicates some reading comprehension

response provides vague ideas and information from the reading selection; it
may include irrelevant ideas and information from the reading selection

The response indicates how Basira demonstrates that she is focused on life after high school and
provides vague support from the selection.

The response often requires the reader to make the connection between the information and ideas
provided from the selection and what these details are intended to prove.

Code 30 response indicates considerable reading comprehension

response provides accurate, specific and relevant ideas and information from the
reading selection

The response uses specific and relevant support from the reading selection to clearly explain how
Basira demonstrates that she is focused on life after high school.
 

EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Reading Open Response 
Section IV Dialogue Question 6 

Code 10

Annotation: The response indicates how Basira demonstrates that she is focused on life after high school
(she doing it because it’s going to help her in the future) and provides minimal information from the
selection to support the response.

   
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Reading Open Response 
Section IV Dialogue Question 6 

Code 20
 

Annotation: The response indicates how Basira demonstrates that she is focused on life after high school
(she is very interested in working For a radio station in the Future) and provides vague support from the
selection (she Joined the AV club to gain more exsperience, and use it to her advantage down the road.
For when she’s looking For a Job).

   
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Reading Open Response 
Section IV Dialogue Question 6 

Code 30
 

Annotation: The response uses specific and relevant support (she showed some interest on her AV club
activity; her involvement to the AV club shows that she’s really serious about that industry; she will be
able to improve her resume) to clearly explain how Basira demonstrates that she is focused on life after
high school (that is related to the future industry she’s planning to pursue after high school; One day she
likes to be a sound technician at a radio station; She will be able to improve her resume by having such
experiences on editing recordings, mixing and recording sounds). The response indicates considerable
reading comprehension.

 
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Reading Open Response 
Section IV Dialogue Question 7 
Q: Which character (Ali or Basira) encourages Jacob the most? Use specific details from the selection to support
your answer.

Code Descriptor
Blank nothing written or drawn in the lined space provided

Illegible* response is illegible

An illegible response cannot be read (erased, crossed out, not in English, impossible to read).

A comment on the task (e.g., I don’t know).

Off topic/ response is off-topic, irrelevant or incorrect

Incorrect*
A typical off-topic response provides no information from the reading selection to indicate reading
comprehension.

A typical irrelevant response comments on the reading selection (e.g., I don’t understand the story)
or simply restates the question.

A typical incorrect response provides an answer based on a misunderstanding of the question

AND/OR the ideas in the reading selection.

Code 10 response indicates minimal reading comprehension

response provides minimal or irrelevant ideas and information from the reading
selection

The response indicates the way(s) that either Ali or Basira encourage(s) Jacob the most and
provides minimal information from the selection to support the response
OR
provides one or more ways that either Ali or Basira encourages Jacob the most with no evidence
from the selection
OR
provides irrelevant support from the reading selection (i.e., based on the student’s own ideas or a
retell of events in the selection).

Code 20 response indicates some reading comprehension

response provides vague ideas and information from the reading selection; it
may include irrelevant ideas and information from the reading selection

The response indicates how either Ali or Basira encourages Jacob the most and provides vague
support from the selection.

The response often requires the reader to make the connection between the information and ideas
provided from the selection and what these details are intended to prove.

Code 30 response indicates considerable reading comprehension

response provides accurate, specific and relevant ideas and information from the
reading selection

The response uses specific and relevant support from the reading selection to clearly explain how
either Ali or Basira encourages Jacob the most.
 
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Reading Open Response 
Section IV Dialogue Question 7 

Code 10

 
 

Annotation: The response indicates how Basira encourages Jacob the most (she reminds jacob that this
could benifit his future, and presant) with no evidence from the selection.

   
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Reading Open Response 
Section IV Dialogue Question 7 

Code 20

Annotation: The response indicates how Basira encourages Jacob the most and provides vague support
from the selection (explained the importance of why she joined the AV club).

   
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Reading Open Response 
Section IV Dialogue Question 7 

Code 30

 
 

Annotation: The response uses a specific and relevant support (Basira adds to Ali’s quote about
participating in a hobby that’s enjoyable will enrich your highschool experience; it will improve their
resumé; answers Jacob’s question about clubs; explains that the skills she will learn in her club will be
advantageous to a future employer) to clearly explain why Basira encourages Jacob the most. This response
indicates considerable reading comprehension.

 
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Short Writing Topic Development 
Section V 
Q: Identify one guest speaker you would invite to your school. Use specific details to explain why
your school would benefit from this visit.

Code Description

Blank nothing written or drawn in the lined space provided

Illegible* response is illegible

An illegible response cannot be read (erased, crossed out, not in English, impossible to
read).
The response comments on the task (e.g., I don’t know).

Off topic* response is off-topic or irrelevant to the prompt

A typical off-topic response does not identify or describe a guest speaker.

A typical irrelevant response comments on the topic or simply restates the question.

Code 10 response is not developed or is developed with irrelevant ideas and information
The response

 identifies or describes a guest speaker but does not provide an explanation for why
the school would benefit from this visit.
OR

 identifies or describes a guest speaker but provides an irrelevant, or generic or an

underdeveloped explanation why the school would benefit from this visit.

Code 20 response is developed with vague ideas and information; it may contain some
irrelevant ideas and information
The response identifies or describes a guest speaker and

 provides a vague explanation for why the school would benefit from this visit.
AND/OR

 provides vague details to support why the school would benefit from this visit.

The response often requires the reader to make the connection between the support
provided and what it is intended to prove.

Code 30 response is developed with clear, specific and relevant ideas and information
The response identifies or describes a guest speaker and uses specific and relevant
details to explain clearly why the school would benefit from this visit.

 
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Short Writing Topic Development 
Section V 

Code 10

 
 
 

Annotation: The response describes a guest speaker (some one who makes us laugh alot) but provides an
underdeveloped explanation (the school will have more laughter and happyness) for why the school would
benefit from this visit.

   
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Short Writing Topic Development 
Section V 

Code 20

 
 

Annotation: The response identifies a guest speaker (an Olympic athlete) and provides a vague
explanation (might give students more insight into different sports that the school might choose to offer
after seeing the new intrest) for why the school would benefit from this choice.

   
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Short Writing Topic Development 
Section V 

Code 30

 
 

Annotation: The response identifies a guest speaker (Michelle Obama) and uses specific and relevant
details (learn about how government works and how laws are signed; speak about feminism; inspire
everyone to be a feminist; speak about her role…can learn her job and duties) to explain clearly why the
school would benefit from this choice.

 
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Short Writing Conventions 
Section V 
Q: Identify one guest speaker you would invite to your school. Use specific details to explain
why your school would benefit from this visit.

Clarification of Descriptors for Conventions

 Insufficient evidence: The response is fewer than 15 words not including the repetition
of the prompt.
 Control reflects the standard of written communication expected by the Ontario
Curriculum to the end of Grade 9.
 Conventions refer to syntax, grammar, usage, spelling and punctuation.
o Syntax refers to the rules that govern the ways words are combined and ordered
to form meaningful phrases, clauses, and sentences.
o Grammar refers to the set of rules governing the use of language. These include
correct use of verb tense, subject-verb agreement, pronoun use, etc.
o Usage refers to the correct use of words and phrases.
o Spelling refers to the forming of words with letters in an accepted order.
o Punctuation refers to the marks, such as period, comma, and parentheses, used
in writing to separate sentences and their elements and to clarify meaning.
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Short Writing Conventions 
Section V 

Code 10
 

 
 

Annotation: Limited control of conventions:

 syntax errors (the school want to will be a famous school; the other school that their names so
famous)
 capitalization errors (why, maybe, therefore)

   
 EQAO OSSLT April 2019
Scoring Guide for Short Writing Conventions 
Section V 

Code 20
 

Annotation: Competent control of conventions (e.g., sentence structure, capitalization) is demonstrated.