1. Adapted from Sarah Dille and Betsy Moss
The 15 Minute Essay
Adapted from Sarah Dille and Betsy Moss

2. RAW Book Set-Up Write Your Name-Class Period on the front cover
Divide your RAW Book in to 4 sections and place a tab to begin the last 3 sections. The first section you may label on the first page.
Label each section as follows:
Writing
Tools (Grammar/Vocab)
Notes
RAW Book Set-Up

3. Think carefully about this statement
In 1955 medical researcher Jonas Salk introduced an effective polio vaccine. At the time polio was considered the biggest threat to public health, yet Salk refused to profit by patenting the vaccine because he was more concerned with preventing disease than with personal gain.
Although many people work to benefit themselves, some people choose to put others first.
Think carefully about this statement

4. Your task today:
Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves.

5. For the next two minutes, write one sentence stating your position on whether people should be more concerned about others than themselves. This can be your first sentence.
Hint: Use the language of the prompt to write your complete sentence.
Prompt: Write an essay explaining whether people should be more concerned about others than about themselves.

6. Take a breath and indent.
Think of a character in a movie, television show, or book who is more concerned about others than themselves (or vice versa).
For the next four minutes, explain how this character shows he/she is more concerned about others than themselves (or vice versa)

7. Take a breath and indent.
Think of a current or historical event in which someone showed he/she was more concerned about others than themselves.
For the next four minutes, explain how this person shows he/she was more concerned about others than themselves. Be as specific as possible in your answer.

8. Take a breath and indent one more time.
In the next two minutes, end your essay by answering the question “so what?” - show your readers why this essay is important and meaningful.

9. Final Step!
Take three minutes to edit and revise your paper. Follow these steps:
Carefully and slowly re-read what you wrote.
Re-write sentences or add/delete words to make sure your point is clear.
Add transitions at the beginning of your paragraphs (first, for example, in addition)