What Is A Good Writing Sample?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  • Research papers from a job or class.
  • Narrative papers from a job or class.
  • Other writing assignments.
  • Blog posts.
  • Press releases.
  • Articles or other contributions.

What makes a great writing sample?

The most important consideration when choosing a writing sample should be quality.

Make sure the writing is your very best and have it reviewed for content, spelling, and grammar before submitting

; carefully proofread your sample. If you don’t have professional writing experience, you may have other options.

What can be used as a writing sample?

  • Research papers from a job or class.
  • Narrative papers from a job or class.
  • Other writing assignments.
  • Blog posts.
  • Press releases.
  • Articles or other contributions.

What is a writing sample for a legal job?

Legal Reasoning—A writing sample

must demonstrate your legal reasoning and analytical skills

, i.e., apply law to facts, and distinguish cases on their facts. Thus, an academic survey of case law or a note that summarizes a recently published decision is not the best choice as it does not include legal analysis.

What is a writing sample for graduate school?

A writing sample for graduate school primarily serves an evidential function: its purpose is

to give evidence of your qualifications to enter graduate school at the program you’re applying to

.

How do you ask for a writing sample?

“Please bring

with you no more than two or three examples of brochures that you

personally developed;” or. “Please bring an example that would demonstrate your analytical writing skills. “Please bring an example of your manuscript typing ability that would include Greek symbols, equations, and footnotes.

What do you do if you don’t have a writing sample?

  1. Follow the Guidelines. Be sure to read all the guidelines when an employer or graduate program asks you for a writing sample. …
  2. Keep it Clear and Concise. …
  3. Proofread.

How do you start a 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.

How do I start just writing?

  1. Write any old drivel. …
  2. Start with a word-count goal first, then progress to project goals. …
  3. Track your progress. …
  4. Make specific appointments with your writing. …
  5. Get the conditions as right as possible, but work with what you’ve got. …
  6. Get an audience for your writing.

What are examples of professional writing?

Examples of genres that might be called Professional Writing include

business letters, reviews and recommendations, feasibility studies, progress reports, and application materials

. Professional Writing commonly refers broadly to texts written for business purposes.

Can I use a brief as a 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.

Should you redact a writing sample?

In particular, redact the client/parties’ names and any other key identifying items. It’s often

best to play it safe by using a brief, motion, or other writing that has been filed publicly

— if you don’t have to redact, the writing is likely to flow better.

What is an unedited 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.

What is a PHD writing sample?

The writing sample is

your opportunity to demonstrate your ability to produce graduate-level writing

. We are interested in seeing a paper that is thesis-driven, presents your ideas clearly, and uses evidence effectively.

How can I improve my writing in graduate school?

  1. Convey Your Expertise. Graduate students are training to be experts in their field. …
  2. Make Writing Routine. …
  3. Know Your Reader. …
  4. Seek Feedback. …
  5. Embrace the Revision Process. …
  6. Learn from the Best.

How do you head a writing sample?

  1. What do employers look for in a writing sample? …
  2. How long should a writing sample be? …
  3. Follow the employer’s instruction. …
  4. Consider relevant writing samples. …
  5. Find relatable topics. …
  6. Align your writing with the company’s tone. …
  7. Make sure it is up to date. …
  8. Avoid sensitive subject matter.
Emily Lee
Author
Emily Lee
Emily Lee is a freelance writer and artist based in New York City. She’s an accomplished writer with a deep passion for the arts, and brings a unique perspective to the world of entertainment. Emily has written about art, entertainment, and pop culture.