How long is a writing sample?

Asked by: Prof. Jettie Ernser  |  Last update: July 26, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (62 votes)

How long should a writing sample be? Samples should be concise and succinct: one to four pages are usually sufficient. In many cases, reviewers are primarily interested in how well you convey your ideas (structure and grammatical accuracy) as opposed to content.

How long should the typical writing sample be and why?

Many employers will specify the desired length of your writing sample. If no desired length is given, choose a writing sample that is two to five pages long. If you'd like to highlight a section of a longer paper, be sure to include your best two to five page selection.

What are considered writing samples?

A writing sample provides an employer with an example of how you organize and express your thoughts. The purpose is to convince an employer you can create the kind of written materials and handle the type of work expected of an employee in the position.

How long should a writing sample be for grad school?

Most Writing Samples should be 20–25 pages ( 5000–6000 words).

What do grad schools look for in a writing sample?

Admissions committees will look to your writing sample to learn about how you engage with new ideas, participate in current conversations in your field, structure your research, and articulate a theory or argument. They also use this component to assess your academic writing and critical thinking skills.

How to Create the Perfect Writing Sample to Get the Job (+ 28 Writing Prompts)

18 related questions found

What makes a good writing sample for grad school?

Graduate Writing Sample
  • a clear and contestable thesis statement;
  • a close engagement with the text you're interpreting or the research you are undertaking;
  • an ability to incorporate scholarly sources into your argument;
  • and a clear sense of audience and purpose.

Does writing sample have to be perfect?

The employer looks for writing tone, voice, grammar and style in your samples. They may also look for a writer who is adaptable and can provide evidence of several writing styles. Regardless of the industry or writing sample, potential employers look for well-written, error-free, polished work.

Can a writing sample be anything?

From articles to emails to social campaigns, writing samples are actual examples of your work or emulations of the work you would do if hired. Similar to your resume and cover letter, it helps a company identify qualified candidates.

What makes you a good writer sample?

A good writer makes content easy to read (so you need to know how to use a comma). She uses straightforward language that engages and entertains the reader, making comprehension effortless. Good writing skills are part of the art of effective communication.

How do you prepare a writing sample?

How to Create a Perfect Writing Sample
  1. Step 1: Study the Job Ad to Identify Key Criteria. ...
  2. Step 2: Brainstorm Ideas for Your Writing Sample. ...
  3. Step 3: Select One of Your Ideas. ...
  4. Step 4: Find Models To Emulate. ...
  5. Step 5: Outline & Write Your Idea. ...
  6. Step 6: Edit Your Writing Sample.

What does a short writing sample mean?

Writing samples are simply good examples of your writing skills. They are designed to ascertain whether you have the necessary writing and often research skills to complete required tasks of the position you seek.

What to do if you don t have a writing sample?

Don't be intimidated if you don't have a writing sample to submit. It's always an option to compose a piece especially geared towards a particular position. In fact, the hiring manager might appreciate your initiative. Just make sure the sample reflects your strongest writing.

How do I know if I'm a good writer?

If you're recognised by others as someone who can help, chances are you're a good writer. A good writer is able to convey ideas clearly and you're able to structure your thoughts in a way that makes it easy for the reader to understand.

What are the 5 writing skills?

Skills like research, planning and outlining, editing, revising, spelling and grammar, and organization are critical components of the writing process. In the workplace, writing skills examples include: Documenting a process for someone else to learn it.

What does good writing look like?

An essay or paper should be organized logically, flow smoothly, and "stick" together. In other words, everything in the writing should make sense to a reader. A paper should be written in generally correct standard English, with complete sentences, and be relatively error-free.

Should a writing sample have a cover page?

Always attach a cover page to your writing sample. Use this page to explain (1) when and why you wrote the document, if not clear from the document itself, and (2) the context of the larger document, if you are submitting an excerpt.

Can you edit a writing sample?

Many employers will request an “unedited” writing sample. This means that the work must be substantially your own and should not have been edited by another person. You may personally edit any document, including one that was produced at a law-related job.

Should a writing sample be double spaced?

Writing samples should be double-spaced and can be a combination of one or more writing samples. Be sure to proofread and revise to make sure there are no spelling or grammatical errors in your writing. Also, do not forget to add your name to the document.

How long is too long for a writing sample?

How long should a writing sample be? Samples should be concise and succinct: one to four pages are usually sufficient. In many cases, reviewers are primarily interested in how well you convey your ideas (structure and grammatical accuracy) as opposed to content.

What should I submit for legal writing sample?

A memo or brief you prepared for lawyering seminar can work well as a writing sample. Employers are looking for clear, effective legal writing and analysis. An objective interoffice memo or a persuasive brief are both acceptable vehicles for demonstrating your writing and analysis abilities.

Is a writing sample a cover letter?

A cover letter has two topics — you and the company. A writing sample isn't about you or the company (unless the prompt or employer suggestions specify otherwise). A writing sample is either an example of your past written work or a document written for the company in response to a prompt.

Do you write a lot of papers in grad school?

This will vary at least somewhat between programs, but most of the time, you can expect to write longer papers in grad school. Many master's degree course papers are supposed to be between 15 and 20 pages. Many graduate programs will ask you to write a thesis or capstone paper, which are going to be even longer.

Can thesis be a writing sample?

Most students submit a term paper or thesis written in their prior degree as a writing sample. A library research based paper or thesis generally makes the best kind of writing sample.

How long is the writing sample for PhD?

The writing sample should be 20 to 30 pages for PhD programs, or 15 to 20 pages for MA programs, excluding bibliography or appendices.

What makes a strong writer?

A good writer should know the subject of discussion deeply, have a thorough understanding of the target audience, write relevant, quality content that has a logical flow of events and still grabs the audience' attention. 7. Good writers are unique – that makes people want to read them. They create their own style.