The phase of a writing strategy that involves deciding on the topic and the purpose of the essay is the phase of "developing the topic". It is in this phase that you need to summarize and trim the topic of the essay. Make sure to get a list of the important words or keyword that can be potentially used in the composition of the essay. It is necessary to have a clear concept of what to do with the ideas for the topic chosen. Make a list of probable sources of the essay for the research phase to follow. Proceed with the research procedure with an open mind.