Answer: D. give a rebuttal to the opposition’s main argument.
In an argumentative essay, an author gives a counterclaim in order to give a rebuttal to the opposition's main argument. Doing so makes the author appear prepared and lends more credibility to his position. It also shows respect to detractors by taking into account their arguments. Moreover, by effectively dismantling the opposite argument, the author's claim becomes more persuasive.
