Published book review vs. coursework?

[Kalmar]

I'm applying for PhDs in Political Theory in the UK. I need two writing samples. I have the following options:

 

1. Excerpt from an essay submitted as coursework for my MA a year ago

Pros: Fits my PhD proposal topic extremely well. High grade.

Cons: Written a while ago, maybe my writing is slightly better now. Too long, so I'll need to edit it down (not necessarily a bad thing, but means more work!)

 

2. Essay submitted as coursework for my MA a month ago

Pros: Recent. Well-written.

Cons: Not my highest grade. The topic is slightly off and might be off-putting for the admissions people.

 

3. Book review forthcoming in a graduate-run but peer-reviewed and generally fairly respected journal

Pros: Evidence of publishable writing skills. Highly concise, well-written.

Cons: Journal is small. A review/not original topic.

 

4. A chapter/excerpt from my forthcoming MA thesis

Pros: Will be my best example of writing. Can be tailored to work well as a writing sample. Topic fits well.

Cons: Not written yet! Might be a stretch to have done soon and I want to apply ASAP. I won't have any official feedback from my tutor (i.e. no feedback form or grade), so seems less official.

 

In which order would you rank these as suggested writing samples, considering I need two?

Edited October 31, 2014 by Kalmar