This discussion paper makes the case that the term counter-argument should be replaced with the term "alternative point of view," as the counter-argument, in an essay, implies that it is the opposite of the argument put forth by the writer, and, in fact, it isn't. It, also, looks at the root of the word counter and how that word is often paired with other words that do not necessarily mean the opposite. The paper goes into depth about why the name should be changed so that students are better able to grasp what their instructors are expecting when they ask them to include a counter-argument in their essay. The lack of understanding about what is meant by the term counter-argument often leads students to question why they have to go against their own argument in their essay. The issue is that presenting the opposite of their stance should not be the purpose of including an alternative point of view in their essays. As long as the words counter-argument are used, students are going to question the validity of including one in their essays. Therefore, I make the case that the name should be changed to "alternative point of view" to better reflect its purpose in an essay.