Would you write one like a shot? (5)
I believe the answer is:
essay
'a shot?' is the definition.
(I know that essay is a type of shot)
I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for essay that I've seen before include "Try - composition" , "Written composition" , "What may be written in exam" , "Make an effort to write one" , "School compeosition" .)