A counterclaim is a claim made to rebut a previous claim. It is important to have a claim in an essay so it builds up the conflict or "turning point" of the story, and that's what interests the readers.
Where are the statements?
Answer:
a or 1 or Will would have hiked up the mountain if he had not broken his leg.
Explanation:
The only figurative language it could be would be a pun.