Which of the following is one of the DON’TS of writing a dissertation or thesis:
Correct Answer :
A researcher should not bother about the use of the proper scholarly conventions from the very beginning.
Solution :
The correct option is: A researcher should not bother about the use of the proper scholarly conventions from the very beginning.
Explanation:
Writing a dissertation or thesis requires adherence to rigorous academic standards and structured presentation from the very start. Let us evaluate the options to understand why the chosen statement represents a "don't" (an incorrect practice) in academic writing:
1. Adhering to Scholarly Conventions: Scholarly conventions include citation styles (such as APA, MLA, or Harvard), formatting guidelines, and academic tone. A researcher must apply these rules from the beginning of their research process. Neglecting them early on leads to disorganized drafts, lost references, and a massive, error-prone task of reformatting later. Therefore, advising a researcher not to bother with scholarly conventions from the start is bad practice, making it a clear "DON'T" of thesis writing.
2. Compiling a Bibliography Early: This is a recommended practice ("DO"). Keeping track of sources as soon as you begin reading ensures that you do not lose valuable references and saves time during the final compilation.
3. Avoiding Jargon: This is a recommended practice ("DO"). Writing should be clear and accessible. Unnecessary jargon obscures the research findings and reduces readability.
4. Formulating an Argument: This is a recommended practice ("DO"). A thesis is not just a collection of facts; it must present a cohesive, well-supported argument that aims to persuade the reader of the researcher's hypothesis or perspective.
Since the instruction asks for one of the "DON'TS" (practices to avoid), advising a researcher not to worry about scholarly conventions is the correct answer.
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