Try written composition (5)
I believe the answer is:
essay
This clue is a double definition.
'try' is the first definition.
('essay' can be a synonym of 'try')
'written composition' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
(Other definitions for essay that I've seen before include "Attempt - written work" , "Test" , "example of Hazlitt's work" , "School composition" , "Short literary piece: attempt" .)