Considering that South Vietnam's leader, Ngo Dinh Diem, was "firmly anti-communist" but also " a thoroughly corrupt power-monger" (Human Odyssey, 288), do you think the United States was justified in their support of South Vietnam's resistance to falling under North Vietnam's communist rule? Defend your position with reasons and support your reasons with specific quotes from the text. Make sure to also explain what the quotes mean and how they support your position.

Shaping Sheet:

Topic Sentence/Claim: The United States was/was not (choose one) justified in their support for South Vietnam in their resistance to communism. (Choose only one side to defend)

Reason #1 & Explanation:
One reason they should/should not (choose one and make sure it agrees with your claim) have supported South Vietnam is…







What does your quote mean and how does it demonstrate this reason and support your overall claim (how does it prove that the US support was OR was not justified)?








Evidence #1:
Identify the source (textbook) and introduce quote ("For example, the text states…"):




What specific quote supports your first reason and overall claim? Use quotation marks around exact quote.

Reason #2 & Explanation:
Another reason the US should/should not (choose one and make sure it agrees with your claim) have supported South Vietnam is…







What does your quote mean and how does it demonstrate this reason and support your overall claim (how does it prove that the US support was OR was not justified)?



Evidence #2:
Identify the source (textbook) and introduce quote ("The text also says, …"):




What specific quote supports your second reason and overall claim? Use quotation marks around exact quote.

Closing Statement: Restate your claim in different words OR leave your reader thinking…what could have been a better action for the US to take in this situation?