Final answer:
The PLANNING step encompasses brainstorming ideas, outlining the main points in a structured way, and researching necessary information to build the content, all aimed at drafting an organized and coherent essay or report.
Step-by-step explanation:
The PLANNING step entails several crucial components that contribute to effective writing. One of the first steps is brainstorming, where students generate ideas and thoughts informally, often by listing possible ideas on paper and narrowing down the options. Next comes outlining, which involves organizing the main ideas and supporting details into a structured format that lays out the flow of the essay or report.
This step helps in identifying the logical progression of the content and makes drafting easier. Lastly, researching is integral to gather relevant information and evidence to support the main points of the writing. During the planning and organization phase, creating an organizational plan, including a thesis statement, is essential. This will guide the drafting process and ensure that the writer remains on topic and coherent throughout their piece.