Which of the following best describes the general steps in writing an argumentative essay? outlining, prewriting, and revising researching and drafting outlining and drafting prewriting, drafting, and revising

The most accurate answer here is prewriting, drafting, and revising. Prewriting allows you to organize your ideas and prepare to begin writing. Drafting is when you will actually write your essay, and revising is when you will go back, fix your mistakes, and change small things to perfect your essay.