The term 'short paper' can be defined as an ESSAY, which is a piece of writing that presents an argument or opinion on a particular topic. An ESSAY typically consists of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. Essays are often used in academic settings to assess a student's understanding of a particular subject. They can also be used in professional settings to present research findings or to provide an analysis of a particular issue. Short papers are usually shorter than traditional essays, but still require the same level of thought and research.