The term 'short piece of writing' can be summarized as an ESSAY, which is a five-letter word. An ESSAY is a type of writing that is typically composed of an introduction, body, and conclusion. It is usually written to express an opinion or to argue a point. Essays are often used in academic settings to assess a student's knowledge and understanding of a particular subject. They can also be used to provide evidence for a particular argument or to explain a concept.