Which statement best defines a counterargument in an essay?

• A. An opposing viewpoint that the writer acknowledges and refutes with evidence.
• B. A personal opinion of the reader.
• C. A minor point that is ignored.
• D. A statistic used to confuse readers.

Answer: (A)

In essay writing, a counterargument is presenting an opposing viewpoint and then addressing it with evidence or reasoning. This shows you’ve considered different sides of the issue and helps strengthen your own position by demonstrating that you’ve thought through why the thesis stays valid. The counterargument is not just a personal opinion from a reader, nor a minor point you ignore, nor a statistic meant to confuse—it's a real opposing stance that you acknowledge and refute with solid evidence. That’s why the statement describing it as an opposing viewpoint that the writer acknowledges and refutes with evidence is the best fit.