Hello. You did not inform the essay to which these questions refer, which makes it impossible for them to be answered accurately. However, I will try to help you in the best possible way.
If the author is presenting a point in an essay it is because he is positioning himself favorably in relation to the subject addressed in the essay. This means that the author's view on this subject is positive and that he will use arguments and evidence to justify that view.
The counterpoint, on the other hand, seeks to debate and position itself against the point raised by the author. In this case, the author shows a negative view, where he presents arguments and evidence that seek to devalue the point.
