Why is it important to respond to a counterclaim in a respectful way?
a. it provides support for your argument.
b. it establishes your sources' credibility.
c. it establish a sense of empathy.
d. it offers a criticism of the counterclaim.

The correct answer is B. It is important to respond to a counterclaim in a respectful way because it establishes your sources' credibility.

Explanation:

In mid of a discussion in which two people debate about conflicting ideas, it is important that neither party falls into phrases or actions that involve a personal attack on the counterpart.

If the counterclaims are given in a neutral and respectful manner, the statements and data they contain are received by the counterpart more calmly and more likely to accept the premises they contain. That is, it gives more support to the claims that the counterclaim has.

If, on the contrary, disqualifications, insults or miss-treatment are incurred, the counterclaim will be discarded for being offensive to the recipient.