The purpose of addressing a counterclaim is to?

• A. Acknowledge opposing views and strengthen the writer's argument.
• B. Dismiss opposing views entirely.
• C. Ignore opposing views.
• D. Propose a new topic.

Answer: (A)

In persuasive writing, addressing a counterclaim is a strategy to acknowledge opposing views and strengthen your argument. By recognizing what someone might say against your position, you show you’ve thought through alternative perspectives and aren’t ignoring objections. Then you respond with evidence or reasoning to explain why your claim still holds, which builds credibility and can make your case more persuasive. Dismissing opposing views or ignoring them would undermine your argument, and proposing a new topic misses the point of the debate. So the purpose is to acknowledge opposing views and strengthen the writer's argument.