Read the excerpt below from "Choose Wisely," a literary analysis of S. E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders. As you read, think about what part of an argumentative essay the excerpt represents.

Some may argue that these three characters have very little opportunity to make positive choices. After all, they are poor, have unstable, toxic, or nonexistent home lives, and are belittled and discriminated against by the majority of society. In fact, at the beginning of the novel, this is Ponyboy's view. His attitude is that he and his friends are trapped in this environment with no hope of escape.

Which phrase BEST describes this passage?

the writer's claim statement
supporting evidence
a counterargument
reasoning for a claim