Which of the following is one of the DON’TS of writing a dissertation or thesis:

The correct option is: A researcher should not bother about the use of the proper scholarly conventions from the very beginning.

Writing a dissertation or thesis is a rigorous academic exercise that demands adherence to scholarly standards from start to finish. Let's break down why the selected option represents a "don't" (an incorrect practice to avoid) in thesis writing, while the others are "do's" (correct practices):

1. Why neglecting scholarly conventions is a "Don't":
Scholarly conventions include citation styles (such as APA, MLA, or Harvard), formatting guidelines, structuring requirements, and academic tone. If a researcher does not bother with these from the very beginning, they will accumulate massive formatting errors, missing citations, and inconsistent structuring. Correcting these retroactively at the end of the project is extremely time-consuming, prone to errors, and increases the risk of accidental plagiarism. Therefore, ignoring these conventions initially is a major pitfall or "don't".

2. Analyzing the other options (which are "Do's"):
- Compiling a bibliography as soon as the work is started: This is an excellent practice (a "do") because it keeps track of sources in real-time, preventing the stress of searching for lost references later.
- Avoiding jargon wherever possible: Clear and accessible writing is a hallmark of good research. While technical terms are necessary, excessive jargon should be avoided to ensure readability.
- Structuring the thesis as an argument: A thesis must present a cohesive argument to persuade readers of its findings. Keeping this persuasive goal in mind is a critical guideline for writers.