Question

John spends time writing down topic ideas for his research project, which step of the writing process is he actively involved in?
A. Prewriting
B. Planning
C. Editing
D. Researching

Answer 1

If John spends time writing down topic ideas for his research project, the step of the writing process is he actively involved in would be "planning" since he has yet to narrow down topics. 

Answer 2

John spends time writing down topic ideas for his research project. The writing process is he actively involved in Prewriting.

or

John spends time writing down topic ideas for his research project. The writing process is he actively involved in Planning.