Final answer:
The writing process step for polishing a draft by improving content and structure is 'revising,' which precedes editing for grammar and mechanics, with the correct answer being option c. revising.
Step-by-step explanation:
The step in the writing process where you begin to polish your draft by making changes to content, structure, and language to improve the overall quality is known as revising. Revising differs from editing, which refers to correcting grammar, punctuation, and spelling errors. Editing usually comes after revising, as it fine-tunes the language and mechanics of the text rather than the content and flow.
During the revision stage, a writer evaluates the draft's organization, content, clarity, and style, making substantial changes as necessary. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of your writing, ensuring that each paragraph supports your thesis and that the evidence you present is compelling and properly integrated into your argument. Creating a new file for each revision can help to track changes and preserve previous drafts.
Once content revision is completed, the subsequent step is to edit and proofread the draft to correct any surface errors before moving to the submitting stage, where the final piece is shared with the intended audience. Therefore, the correct option is c. revising.