Make an attempt at composition (5)
I believe the answer is:
essay
I believe this clue is a double definition.
'make an attempt' is the first definition.
(I've seen this before)
'composition' is the second definition.
(I've seen this before)
'at' is the link.
(Other definitions for essay that I've seen before include "Try - composition" , "Attempt, try" , "Composition, paper, article" , "Attempt; written piece" , "What may be written in exam" .)