Final answer:
The sentence 'Furthermore, recent studies have consistently shown…' offers evidence that defends against the counterclaim by bringing in new studies to support the claim.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sentence that provides evidence that defends against the counterclaim is: "Furthermore, recent studies have consistently shown…". The sentence 'Furthermore, recent studies have consistently shown…' offers evidence that defends against the counterclaim by bringing in new studies to support the claim.
This sentence indicates that the rebuttal will introduce new information in the form of studies which support the writer's claim. This type of sentence structures the response to the counterclaim by introducing fresh evidence, reinforcing the writer's thesis, and directly refuting the opposing viewpoint.