Penny Said:

Where can I find some specific samples of interview essays?

We Answered:

i think you need to better explain the concept of an interview essay, as it makes no sense to write an essay that interviews the reader

Sarah Said:

how many words there should be in Academic essay? do you know any site that has samples of academic essays?

We Answered:

Hi! I have a MA in literature, so I would be happy to help you!

First, it is always best to ask the department you are applying to for specifics before you make any big decisions.

Most likely, it will depend on your focus area. If you are wanting to major in literature, they will want to see an academic essay that you have written before. The essays that you wrote in your freshman composition classes, or the equivalent, would be a good starting point, but you may want to expand some of them as a sample. (If you didn't save your comp papers, I recommend that you start writing now, if you have to submit a sample!)

Usually on the master's level of literature, they are looking to see how you are able to formulate your own ideas and theories--otherwise known as a thesis--about literature that you read. So, I would absolutely NOT write something that sounds like a synopsis of a piece of literature, but analyze one of its themes.

If the story you want to analyze has no other information as far as resources go, you can do the brave thing and create your own thesis, as I said above, or you can do the smart thing and find resources through such academic databases as JSTOR (if you aren't familiar with any academic writing, it isn't a good idea to begin writing your own thesis on a topic for which you have no other resources). You can browse JSTOR online, but I believe there is a fee, unless you have permission to use it through a university or other library that already pays for it. Avoid using ".com" websites for resources, too....that appears amateur.

In short, there are different types of essays depending on the subject and the overall goal (i.e.: a Master's thesis on 'Moby Dick' is going to be completely different than, say, a dissertation on genetic engineering in for a Ph.D. in Biology, for example).

Again, ask the department questions about what they are looking for...don't be afraid to ask those questions....it's smart to do so!

Hope that helps! Good luck!

PS: As you begin your writing and researching career, please be careful not to plagiarize, even if it is unintentional! Plagiarism is taken very seriously in academia these days, especially on advanced levels.