SkillsZone Essential Skills Introduction

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Essential Skills Introduction

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Click on the title of the Essential Skill for a description.
Look at the sample tasks for each Essential Skill. The skill level is shown in brackets after each task. The OSP website has more sample tasks for everyday life and occupations.

ICON	Essential Skill	Sample Essential Skill Tasks in Everyday Life
	Reading Text The comprehension of text consisting of sentences and paragraphs.	Read cooking instructions on food packages to prepare foods. (1)
	Writing The preparation of written materials for a variety of purposes.	Write a short e-mail to a friend suggesting plans for the weekend. (1)
	Document Use The use of labels, lists, signs, graphs, charts, tables, forms, and other similar materials.	Refer to a bus schedule to figure out which bus will get you to your appointment on time. (2)
	Digital Technology The use of any type of computerized technology.	Check a company’s website to find travel or weather information. (2)
	Oral Communication The use of speech for a variety of purposes.	Teach a friend how to snowboard or how to use a new computer software application. (2)
	Money Math The use of mathematical skills in making financial transactions, such as handling cash, preparing bills, and making payments.	Calculate the difference between a “sale price” item and a “regular price” item to figure out savings. (1)
	Scheduling or Budgeting and Accounting Planning for the best use of time and money, as well as monitoring of the use of time and money.	Compare the cost of school supplies at two different stores. (1)
	Measurement and Calculation The measurement and calculation of quantities, areas, volumes, and/or distances.	Calculate the area of a room to figure out how much carpet to purchase. (2)
	Data Analysis The collection and analysis of data in numerical form.	Predict which sports team will win using game statistics over a period of time. (3)
	Numerical Estimation The production of estimates in numerical terms.	Estimate the amount of time you will need to study for a test. (2)
	Problem Solving	You have scheduled two activities at the same time. Determine which activity can and should be rescheduled. (2)
	Decision Making The making of any type of decision, using appropriate information.	Choose an apartment to rent, considering whether its location, cost and size meet your needs. (2)
	The identification and solving of problems. Job Task Planning and Organizing	Work on tasks such as organizing silverware or putting stamps on letters in your role as a volunteer. (1)
	Finding Information The use of a variety of sources, including written text, people, computerized databases, and information systems. (See also Reading Text, Document Use, Computer Use, and Oral Communication above.)	Find out which careers have good growth potential by conducting internet searches to find labour market information, speaking with guidance counsellors and conducting information interviews. (3)
	Critical Thinking	Judge the suitability of courses when making course selections. Consider learning, employment and graduation goals together with your interests. (2)