Direct objects are only found in sentences with action verbs! :)
Answer:
The author's main purpose/idea is trying to persuade you to think shorter summer breaks are better.
Explanation:
So, basically, shorter summer breaks are better.
Answer:
it's either they heard or they stopped
The answer to fill in the blank would be B) Thesis statement because the thesis is like the message the author is trying to send to his readers so they can comprehend his or her text.