What does it mean to elaborate in the context of writing?

Elaborating in the context of writing refers to the process of adding more detail to fully explain and clarify ideas. When a writer elaborates, they enhance their original thoughts by incorporating examples, descriptions, explanations, or clarifications that deepen the reader's understanding. This practice is essential for making arguments more persuasive and for providing depth to narratives, thereby allowing readers to engage more fully with the content.

In contrast, creating a rough draft primarily involves organizing initial thoughts without the focus on detail, while reducing complexity is about simplifying ideas and potentially shortening the text. Restating previous points does not involve the introduction of new information or detail, which is a fundamental aspect of elaboration. Thus, the focus on adding detail in the context of writing is what makes this answer the most accurate choice.