The term that best describes the writing technique "Don’t think, just write" is free association.
Explanation of Free Association:
Free association is a technique often used in writing and creativity where the writer allows their thoughts to flow without restriction, often leading to unexpected ideas. It encourages spontaneity and can help overcome writer's block by removing the pressure of logical structuring and self-editing during the initial writing stage. This method is about letting your mind roam freely and capturing whatever comes to mind.
Example of Free Association:
Imagine you sit down and set a timer for five minutes. You close your eyes, take a deep breath, and start writing whatever thoughts come to you without stopping to think:
- "I see a red balloon floating in the air, it reminds me of my childhood and my birthday party. There was cake, and then I remember my friend Sarah, who laughed so hard she snorted. The smell of fresh grass is in the air, and the sun shines bright. I love the summer..."
Here, the writer is not worrying about grammar, structure, or coherence. Instead, they are letting their thoughts flow, which captures raw ideas that can later be refined.
Why “Drafting” is not correct:
Drafting involves writing a version of the piece with an intent to develop and refine it. While drafting is part of the writing process, it typically implies that the writer is already forming sentences and ideas into a more structured format, often with revision in mind. Therefore, "drafting" does not fully capture the essence of the spontaneous and unrestricted nature that "Don't think, just write" suggests.
Conclusion:
In summary, "free association" is the term that aligns with the idea of writing freely without self-editing or structured thinking, making it the correct choice here.