What is it called when a writer does not state his or her main idea directly?
a. text structure
b. inference
c. counterargument
d. implied claim

d. implied claim

Explanation:

An implied claim is a statement that an author does not state directly, but nevertheless hints at in his work. There are many reasons why an author might chose to make an implied claim as opposed to an explicit one. The author might want to encourage the audience to think more deeply about his words in order to find the claim. He might also want to let the audience reach their own conclusions. Finally, an author might be afraid of the repercussions of making a controversial claim explicit.

the answer would be a