1. Turn to the Writing Section of your RAW Book THE 15 MINUTE ESSAY: “FOOD IN SCHOOLS”

2. READ: The struggle to keep kids healthy has taken center stage in schools across the country. Many schools are taking a hard look at their school lunch program. They are trying to cut back on unnecessary fat and calories and to add more healthful ingredients. Our school even advertises the use of “farm fresh products” in the cafeteria. THINK: Some people think that school vending machines and school lunch programs should force students to choose healthy food and drinks, while others believe students should have the ability to make their own choices. Think carefully about this statement. WRITE an essay explaining whether or not kids should have control over what they eat at school.

3. Prompt: Write an essay explaining whether or not kids should have control over what they eat at school. For the next two minutes, write one sentence stating whether or not kids should have control over what they eat at school. This can be your first sentence (thesis statement).

4. Take a breath and indent. Think of one reason kids should or should not have control over what they eat in school(see your thesis statement). This reason will be your topic sentence. For the next four minutes, support your reason using one specific example. Consider using and then explaining: A fact or anecdote from Omnivore’s Dilemma A fiction example (movie, TV show, or book) A real life example An analogy Remember to end this paragraph with a sentence that connects back to your thesis.

5. Take a breath and indent. Think of a SECOND reason kids should or should not have control over what they eat in school(see your thesis statement). This reason will be your topic sentence. For the next four minutes, support your reason using one specific example. Consider using and then explaining: A fact or anecdote from Omnivore’s Dilemma A fiction example (movie, TV show, or book) A real life example An analogy Remember to end this paragraph with a sentence that connects back to your thesis.

6. 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. Remember to connect to your thesis!

7. Revision Strategy 1: Introduction Add and introduction to your essay. Consider using one of the following strategies:  Beginning with a short, startling statement that needs further explanation. “I don’t talk on Sundays. I haven’t in more than three years.”  Defining the central term of the prompt. For example, focus on the meaning of the term “hardship” before explaining how hardships are necessary.  Beginning with background information necessary to understand the explanation or examples.

8. Revision Strategy 2: Transitions See the “Transition Words and Phrases” handout Add meaningful transitions to be the beginning of each paragraph. Add transitions within each paragraph to connect the ideas.