* Draft: This is the most general term and refers to any version of the writing that is not yet finished. It can be a rough first draft or a more polished second or third draft.
* Rough draft: This specifically refers to the first version of the writing, which is typically full of errors and incomplete ideas. It's the foundation upon which the final product will be built.
* Outline: This refers to a structured plan of the writing, often in bullet points or a numbered list. It outlines the main points and arguments that will be covered in the final piece.
* Brainstorm: This refers to a preliminary stage where the writer explores various ideas and concepts related to the topic, often without structuring them fully. It's a free-flowing exploration of potential content.
* First draft: This is the first complete version of the writing, usually following the outline or brainstorming stage. While not yet polished, it contains all the major elements of the piece.
The most appropriate term depends on the specific context and stage of the writing process. However, all of these terms refer to a version of the writing that is not yet finalized and still needs further work.