Question

which activity is a good strategy for responding to counterclaims within your argumentative research essay?

Answer 1

The answer is to find common ground with your opponents point of view 

Answer 2

You should always try to position yourself in the mind of what other people think, that is try practising evaluating different points of view. For example, you give an opinion based on the research that you did for the essay, and then you consider the opposing view and what arguments those people might consider. Once you consider the counterclaim, think of why that is not your opinion, and explain the reasons. I suggest that apart from considering different opinions and their reasons, you should plan your essay with those ideas in mind