Thesis, Major Points, and Plan Select a topic on which your persuasive writing paper will be focused. Write a one to two (1-2) page research proposal in which you: Identify the topic you selected and explain two (2) reasons for using it. Include a defensible, relevant thesis statement in the first paragraph. Describe three (3) major characteristics of your audience (official position, decision-making power, current view on topic, other important characteristic).