Essay (noun)

1. A written composition in which an author presents an argument, or their own thoughts or opinions, on a particular topic or subject.
2. A short piece of writing that is usually non-fictional, analytical and reflective.
3. A written composition that is usually shorter than a research paper and that is usually written for educational purposes.

Origin:

From middle french essai, from old french essai ("trial, experiment, attempt"), from essayer ("to try, to attempt"), from late latin exagium ("a weighing, weight"), from exigere ("to weigh, examine, test"), from ex- ("out") + agere ("to do, to drive").

Examples:

1. He wrote an essay on the history of the internet.
2. She wrote an essay about the importance of education.
3. He is writing an essay for his English class.
4. The essay was well-written.
5. He got a good grade on his essay.