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The primary purpose of a counterargument is to

  1. Strengthen the supporting evidence

  2. Demonstrate an understanding of the opposing view

  3. Increase the length of an essay

  4. Disprove opposing points

The correct answer is: Demonstrate an understanding of the opposing view

A counterargument is used to acknowledge and address opposing viewpoints or arguments. It allows the writer to demonstrate an understanding of different perspectives and to refute them with rationale and evidence. Option A is incorrect because a counterargument does not necessarily strengthen supporting evidence, but rather presents opposing evidence and arguments. Option C is incorrect because the length of an essay is not the primary purpose of a counterargument, but rather it serves to strengthen the overall argument. Option D is incorrect because a counterargument does not necessarily aim to disprove opposing points, but rather to acknowledge and address them in a constructive manner.