Why is it important to address relevant counterclaims in a presentation?
to make the opposing views look negative
to put opposing views on the defensive
to reduce trust in the opposing viewpoints
to strengthen the argument and refute the counterclaim

It is important to address releveant counterclaims in a presentation to strengthen the argument and refute the counterclaim.

Explanation:

If you address relevant counterclaims you make your own claim stronger.

The correct answer is D. To strengthen the argument and refute the counterclaim

Explanation:

In a presentation it is common you present your position or main claim and aim at proving it during the development of the presentation, for doing this, it is recommended to include multiple reasons and relevant evidence that support your claim, but besides this, it is important to include counterclaims. A counterclaim refers to the opposite position to your main claim, position or thesis statement, this means a counterclaim opposes and disproves your main claim.

This type of arguments against your claim should be included and refuted with evidence, because in this way you recognize and tell the audience there are opposite positions or perspectives to the ones you propose, but you evidence is enough strong and shows despite this, your claim is stronger and they should support it, which strengthen your argument of claim. Therefore, it is important to address relevant counterclaims "to strengthen the argument and refute the counterclaim".

question:  

the chart compares religious beliefs to us political party support.

religious beliefs and party support, 2012

this chart demonstrates that

a) more highly religious people supported the republican candidate, while more nonreligious people supported the democratic candidate.

b) more highly religious people supported the democratic candidate, while more nonreligious people supported the republican candidate.

c) more moderately religious people supported the republican candidate, while more nonreligious people supported the democratic candidate.

d) more moderately religious people supported the democratic candidate, while more nonreligious people supported the republican candidate.

answer: a.

pennsylvania, new hampshire, massachusetts, connecticut and rhode island .