Ms. Martinez: Today's question is: should every seventh grader have to do ten hours of community service before the end of the year? Jacob, you're for the rule.

Jacob: Yes. A lot of us never see what people in our own neighborhood need. When I helped at the food bank last spring, I found out how many families near our school need help. Ten hours is not very much, and it would show everyone that they can make a difference.

Ms. Martinez: Lauren, you're against the rule.

Lauren: I agree that helping is important. But some students already take care of younger brothers and sisters after school, or have long bus rides home. If service is required, it just turns into one more assignment. I think it should be a choice, and students who do it could get a certificate at the end of the year.

Jacob: But if it's only a choice, the same few students will sign up every time.

Ms. Martinez: Good points on both sides. Let's take a vote.