In writing, what does "brainstorming" refer to?

Brainstorming in writing refers to the process of generating a wide range of ideas for a specific topic. This technique encourages free thinking and creativity, allowing individuals to explore various possibilities without immediately judging or filtering those thoughts. During brainstorming, the focus is on quantity over quality, where all ideas, no matter how unconventional, are welcomed. This practice can help writers overcome mental blocks, discover new angles on a subject, and ultimately produce richer content.

The other choices represent different aspects of the writing process. Summarizing existing ideas, for instance, involves condensing information rather than creating new concepts. Editing and revising focus on refining and improving already written work, while developing a formal outline is about structuring the ideas that have been generated rather than generating those ideas themselves. Brainstorming is distinct because it is primarily about idea creation.