A method of making a crystalline molecular sieve of MFI framework type, preferably ZSM-5, from a synthesis mixture comprising at least one source of tetravalent element (Y), at least one source of trivalent element (X), at least one source of alkali metal hydroxide (MOH), at least one structure directing; (R) and water, said synthesis mixture having the following molar composition: YO2, (p)X2O3: (q) MOH: (r) R: (s) H2O, wherein (p) is from 0.005 to 0.025, (q) is from 0.05 to 0.5, (r) is from 0.05 to 0.15 and (s) is from 35 to 45, wherein the ratio of the largest dimension (L) to the smallest dimension (S) of each crystal of the molecular sieve product is at least 5, and the smallest dimension (S) is from 20 nm to 200 nm.