Answer:
The answer is CREATING AN OUTLINE.
Step-by-step explanation:
CREATING AN OUTLINE is the first step before writing an essay. An outline is the skeleton of the essay. During this step, the writer should decide the structure the essay will have (comparison and contrast, expository, opinion essay, etc) As part of the outline, the writer should also make clear in mind the thesis statement, the topic sentences, the supporting ideas, and the conclusion.